Examples of Student Services Activities that Support Institutional Student Learning Objectives. Touro University California Student Services

Transcription

1 Examples of Student Services Activities that Support Institutional Student Learning Objectives Touro University California Student Services Specific SLO Contributing Activity #1 through #8 In the Office of Student Services lies the primary responsibility to assist all of the Student Government Association with all activities from campus parties and events to public outreach and education. It also includes extracurricular recreation and sports. With the guidance of Student Services staff, the students are responsible for all of the planning, promoting and execution of every event. A partial list of such events includes: The Turkey Bowl and Basketball Tournaments, NYLF conference, Teen Life Conference, Vallejo and Solano County Health Fairs, Touro Idol, Annual Talent Show, Mystery Night. Academic Services: #2 and #4 Provides Peer Tutoring and Note Taking Services; tutor must think critically and act professionally to successfully transmit information to the tutored student. The tutored students are assisted in their ability to think critically as they learn the subject material. #3, #6, and #8 Peer assisted learning assists both tutor and student to sharpen time management, study, and test taking skills Admissions: #2 Students participate as interviewers for every interview panel in all of our graduate programs. As interviewers they are required to evaluate each application, reach conclusions, develop pertinent questions and finally, make accept or reject recommendations for each applicant. #3 During Admissions outreach and educational events (e.g. AMSA/ARC Conference, college information evenings, open houses) students participate as tour guides, ambassadors, and advisors. #4 All of these events are in addition to the regular academic load that each student carries and requires extra effort in time management. Students who are academically challenged are counseled to revisit their priorities. #5 Students act as mentors and advisors for on campus events such as the annual NYLF Conferences and Teen Life Conferences.

2 Alumni Relations: #1 and #6 Students assist in establishing links between alumni, alumni and students, alumni and the University, and provide for collaboration and sharing. #3 and #7 The Alumni Newsletter is created, edited and produced by students. Bursar: #2 Financial planning assistance provides students the opportunity to evaluate, think critically and make sound financial decisions. #4 Students learn and are encouraged to resolve their financial matters in a timely manner #5 In the Bursar s office students often have one of their first opportunities to confront and receive assistance in solving budgetary challenges such as the wise and efficient spending of their financial aid money. Counseling Services: #2 Counseling Services assists students with their understanding of what a well formed decision is and how to make them. #3 An important prerequisite for personal growth is effective communication skills, something that Counseling Services stresses. #5 Opportunities are provided for personal growth which facilitates the student s ability to work with and serve their communities. #8 Students are assisted to identify and overcome limiting beliefs. Financial Aid: #2 Financial Aid assists and counsels students as they make decisions about budgeting and loan indebtedness. #4 Financial Aid models to students by ensuring that every student is treated with respect, professionalism, and scrupulous confidentiality. #5 Students are encouraged to participate in work study positions with outside non-profits and community service organizations. #7 Financial Aid conducts community education that provides the tools for prospective students to make informed decisions about program selection and finance options. As matriculated students, Financial Aid assists students to evaluate clearly their individual financial situations and options and guides them to make proper decisions.

3 Jewish Life: #3 and #6 A forum for discussion and evaluation of Judaic values is provided in such offerings as biweekly dinners and Sabbath services. #4 The teaching of Jewish ethics and the modeling of the University Mission Statement teaches ethical and professional behavior. #5 and #8 Students are provided with education in and experience with a differing discipline and religion thus broadening their experience with and perspective of a diverse community. Registrar: #2 The Registrar assists students in making choices for course selection and in communicating with and utilizing other university services. #3 All communication from the Registrar s staff provides students with a model of effective and professional communication. #7 Links on the Registrar s website provides course information that assists students to develop time management and study scheduling skills. Student Health Service: #1 and #4 Student Health models the effective and efficient management of and office based healthcare practice. #2 One of Student Health s primary roles is assisting students to maintain good health. A healthy body and a health mind go hand in hand. #2 and #7 Students are provided with personal and public health data from which they must evaluate and make pertinent personal heath choices and act upon those choices. #8 By keeping accurate and current account data, timely medical follow up models for students how to remain current with their learning objectives.

4 Examples of Student Services Activities that Support Strategic Goals and Institutional Student Learning Objectives Touro University Nevada Student Services Nevada took a similar approach in Student Services. In support of institutional goals, we set three over-arching goals for our division as follows (specific SLOs are noted in the strategies): Goal 1 To enhance students satisfaction with their experiences at Touro University Nevada by: Providing efficient and effective services and programs Communicating effectively with students about procedures, deadlines, resources, and expectations Creating a welcoming environment Providing opportunities to learn outside the classroom (2, 4, 5) Goal 2: To enhance staff satisfaction with their experiences at Touro University Nevada by: Establishing and documenting efficient procedures Creating procedure manuals, documenting office protocols Establishing consistency in goals and objectives Training student services staff and other administrative staff and faculty on the importance of protocols and procedures Creating contingency plans Ensuring cross-training Advocating effectively for resources (human, fiscal, space) Creating opportunities and events to demonstrate appreciation for staff contributions Creating opportunities for team-building and positive informal interactions (read: parties) Goal 3: To develop effective faculty relationships in order to: Enhance understanding and promotion of student services Create effective partnerships on behalf of students (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8) Ensure we all understand the implications of our decisions and remember to consult with one another before taking action (8) In addition, we have considered the ways that we support institutional student learning outcomes directly through our services and activities. Specifically, we provide opportunities for students to think critically to make evidence-informed decisions and evaluate conclusions through: Programs led by staff in OASIS, financial aid, and/or bursar that help students assume responsibility for the business of their education; then students are held accountable for making good decisions and understanding the consequences of their actions. Orientation sessions to ensure that students evaluate the consequences of their actions and the impact of their behavior on the campus community.

5 Student Conduct Code processes that offer students due process as well as the opportunity to sit as members of hearing panels for their peers. Student leadership opportunities in student government and student organizations. We help students enhance their ability to access and evaluate information in a host of ways but most specifically through our web-based services for the registrar and bursar and through financial aid counseling. We provide specific opportunities for students to serve the needs of their communities through community service and service learning; they also enhance their learning through student organizations. Examples include events that students plan and implement such as: food and clothing drives. volunteer opportunities. health fairs. mentoring programs. fundraising efforts. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across disciplines as they engage in : student leadership opportunities in student government and student organizations. institutional event planning for such events as White Coat Ceremony, Pinning Ceremonies, Commencement, Winter Banquet, and intramurals. Students are held accountable for acting in a professional and ethical manner through the Student Conduct Code and program-level student handbooks. Student Services works with students who are accused of having violated the Code; students are provided informal and/or formal procedures that determine what consequences, if they are found responsible for the violations, will help them learn more about their responsibility to the broader community. In addition, students serve as members of hearing panels to make recommendations for consequences to the Dean of Students. Through this process, they are asked to consider the information presented, the university s expectations of students, and the appropriate consequences for a violation. Through participation in hearing panels, students reflect on their ethics and become more aware of the perspectives of others.