Key Strategic Areas
In pursuit of our vision and mission the Division of Student Affairs has identified eight key strategic areas. In order to achieve our vision and mission we must be excellent in the following areas.
Student Learning and Engagement
Since the 1980s, institutions of higher education have recognized the educational value of student learning inside as well as outside the classroom. We now understand learning also occurs in places and experiences like residence halls, student organizations, Greek-letter organizations, recreational sports, community service, and many other interactions outside the classroom. As members of the learning community, it is our duty to explore meaningful avenues to maximize the learning benefit of our programs and services.
Global Understanding and Diversity
The world is changing rapidly—advancing technology, global communication and commerce, greater ethnic and gender diversity in the work force. Today’s college graduates participate and compete in a global economy. The convergence of personal computers, fiber-optic cable, and work-flow software enable people all over the globe to collaborate on the same digital content. Today’s graduates have more opportunity than ever to “act global” as individuals; they must think of themselves as individuals collaborating and competing with individuals all over the world.
Communication and Collaboration
The Division of Student Affairs at the University of Florida emphasizes communication and collaboration with the local and global community to enhance the lives of our students. It is our expectation for departments and units to make every effort to communicate among and between each other and with stakeholders both internal and external to the Division. We expect departments to communicate plans for the future, significant achievements, organizational and individual needs, and common concerns. The key is to keep the organization informed and included in the conversation.
Equally important is the Division’s commitment to collaboration. Researchers have concluded truly productive organizations focus on collaboration rather than competition. As a Division made up of multiple departments and units, we value opportunities to collaborate, both internally and externally with local and global communities to enhance the lives of our students. Collaborations generate productive outcomes with efficient use of resources. The most productive departments and units will seek opportunities to collaborate with others to achieve organizational goals and objectives and to maximize resources available
Assessment
Assessment is paramount to everything we do in student affairs. It is a gauge of quality and cost effectiveness, the basis for strategic and long-term planning, and the foundation for policy development and accreditation. We value assessment because it is the basis of sound decision making and continuous quality improvements. Assessment is the institutional language for quality and effectiveness. In order for us (the Division of Student Affairs) to truly engage in the intellectual conversations about the future of our University and the condition of students, we must come to the table with sound, empirical evidence of our findings and conclusions. As the voice of the student body, the Division of Student Affairs has a duty to be on the cutting-edge of student issues and opinions. Practicing sound assessment techniques is essential to getting us there
Human Resources
Our greatest resource is the people who work in the Division. They are hard working, committed, and dedicated professionals who consistently place students first. Collectively, we bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and experience to the University and the work we do. Our educational backgrounds, career experiences, and talents are vast and diverse; they bring innovation to our operations. It is our collective knowledge and commitment to continued learning which will allow us to achieve our vision.
Continuing to develop the skills, professional goals, and talents of those working in our Division is among our highest priorities. We must continue to enhance our knowledge, skills, and abilities at all levels. It is our expectation all staff members will continually seek opportunities (e.g., workshops, seminars, conferences, reading) to develop their skills and talents as student affairs professionals. We expect supervisors and staff members to work together to develop individualized professional development plans. As a Division, we are committed to coordinating staff development programs and providing support for staff members to enhance their skills.
Resource Acquisition and Utilization
The best organizations in the world pay particular attention to the efficient use and acquisition of resources—human and financial. They maximize the use of existing resources by constantly seeking opportunities to minimize cost, maximize benefits, and generate revenue when appropriate. They use a disciplined approach to acquiring new resources and work diligently to be good stewards of those resources.
Resource acquisition and utilization involves careful and efficient use of existing resources and thoughtful plans for generating additional resources (e.g., revenue). Every department should be considering efforts to be better stewards of allocated funds. We must examine all expenses and deliberately consider options to reduce expenses where necessary. Departments should take every measure to align their revenue and expenses with their priorities.
Technology and Process Improvement
Technological advancements within the past 25 years have made the world accessible to many. The innovative use of new technology has resulted in processes and systems improvements allowing individuals, groups, and organizations to perform at higher levels of efficiency. The Division of Student Affairs must think strategically about the enormous capacity technology has to improve communication, enhance student learning, and advance effective and efficient work practices.
In light of the many advances in technology and the techno savvy students, it is incumbent upon every department within the Division to seek innovative ways to use technology to improve delivery of programs and services we provide to students. As a Division, we will support efforts to: research and develop new products, discover new techniques to connect with students, reduce waste through the use of technology, and improve efficiencies. We will adopt new technology only after careful review with colleagues throughout the University.
Facilities
A key element of the student life experience at the University of Florida is the many fine facilities and spaces students may enjoy. State-of-the-art classrooms, residential and athletic facilities, green spaces, and libraries are sprawled across the 2,200 acre campus. It is a phenomenal living and learning environment.
The Division of Student Affairs is responsible for residential, recreational, and student programming spaces and facilities. We are dedicated to keeping our spaces clean and inviting to students. We are committed to creating flexible and efficient learning environments that foster student engagement and community. Departments within the Division should be intentional about collaborating with others, both internally and externally, to maintain, renovate, or construct student facilities. We will actively pursue funding opportunities to build new facilities to meet growing student and staffing demands. However, collaboration gives us the greatest opportunity to minimize costs and maximize space usage.
