Mission/Vision Statement

Mission Statment

Through innovative practice, the Office of Residence Life engages and empowers students as they live, learn, and lead within a dynamic and inclusive community.

Vision Statement

The Office of Residence Life creates a welcoming residential community that promotes interpersonal development and student learning.

Dean of Students Office Core Values

Students, graduate and undergraduate, and their development are the purpose, incentive, and motivation for our work. These are the aspirational core values we collectively embrace as we do our work:

Collaboration
We exhibit a willingness to cross boundaries and create partnerships in order to strengthen our efforts. We seek knowledge about each others’ roles and responsibilities in order to collaborate effectively. We build positive and empathetic relationships and partnerships with our local and global communities.

Integrity
We contribute to an environment of honesty, truth, and respect for self and others; and we hold each other accountable to such standards. We respect the confidential nature of many aspects of our work and commit to maintaining confidentiality when appropriate and necessary.

Commitment to Quality
We comport ourselves in a professional manner. We embrace change and seek to continually improve. We strive to demonstrate positive leadership skills in all settings and effectively communicate in all forms. Professional and personal development is valued, expected, and continuously encouraged. We are pro-active and visionary in our planning efforts. We work hard, work smart, and work intentionally. We take pride in our work and our accomplishments. We challenge each other and our students to reach their potential while providing a caring and supportive environment.

Personal and Professional Balance
We constantly learn, enjoy, and make the most of each day and its experiences. We approach our roles with enthusiasm. We discover or learn something everyday. We take pride in the outcomes of our efforts. We are cognizant of the fact that we are role models and mentors. Our actions demonstrate a value for the whole person and wellness.

Fostering a Diverse Environment
We seek to learn from, listen to, and understand the experiences of, individuals that differ from ourselves in all aspects. We continually ask the question, “What voice(s) may be missing from this discussion?”. We respect individual differences and commonalities and realize that there is great value in a multicultural community. We actively seek to expose ourselves and our students to the value of a diverse environment, with diversity being defined in its broadest sense. We actively seek to compose our staff of individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.

Holistic Student Development
We serve as advocates for students while empowering them to assume responsibility for their own experiences. We challenge students to achieve their full potential, academically and personally, and support them in their endeavors to do so. We cultivate the learning and practicing of life skills and encourage students to strive for healthy balance in their lives. We teach students to effectively manage life transitions. We encourage students to be civically engaged with their surrounding communities. We expect students to think openly and globally. We assist students in developing leadership skills for life.