Vision, Mission, Overarching Goals

Mission

The Division of Student Affairs cultivates student intellectual and personal development by promoting engagement in teaching and learning, academic success, and integration into the Penn State community.

Vision

We strive to provide the highest quality educational programs and services that challenge and support Penn State students as they become active and responsible members of their communities.

Values

• Quality - We value excellence in our work with students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members.
• Inclusiveness - We value a welcoming and supportive community that celebrates our similarities and differences.
• Diversity - We value the recruitment, retention, and support of a diverse student body and workforce.
• Integrity - We value honesty in our interactions with others and the effective and efficient use of resources.
• Collaboration - We value educational partnerships in order to advance learning from multiple perspectives.
• Innovation - We value staff development, the use of technology, and the use of systematic inquiry to further student learning and improve our programs and services.

Overarching goals

• To enhance the student experience by fostering learning both inside and outside the classroom and by providing caring support services.
• To build a greater sense of community; one that is inclusive, cohesive, and caring.
• To prepare students to be effective, ethical leaders and active citizens who can make a positive difference in their communities.

Support Services

• Provide technological support to enhance student learning, services to students, and enable our work.
• Expand our use of assessment and evaluation to measure our effectiveness, improve our services, and extend our ability to serve as experts on Penn State students and the student experience.
• Recruit, retain, and support a highly motivated and diverse staff with the skills and abilities to challenge and support students in their educational pursuits and personal development.
• Obtain external funding and continue to manage our fiscal resources effectively and efficiently to support the mission of Student Affairs.