Division of Student Affairs

 

Mission

The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) was created for and is dedicated to providing support to the academic mission of Georgia Southwestern State University. In providing such support, the DSA's mission is aimed toward the creation of a campus environment which encourages students to develop autonomy, emotional maturity, values, appreciation of cultural differences, tolerance, and interpersonal skills through meaningful programs and services as well as through interactions with students, faculty and staff. The staff of the Division is committed to working with students, faculty and staff from all areas of the University to build an open, inclusive, intellectual, and multicultural community. The Division is also engaged in developing and maintaining external partnerships with constituents such as the Sumter County community, employers, alumni, parents and others. The Division's primary commitment is to students. Contact is initiated prior to entrance, sustained throughout their matriculation, and continued beyond graduation. In carrying out our mission, we are guided by Student Development Theory. This theory views students in a holistic fashion and emphasizes seven primary areas; these seven areas provide a blueprint for the DSA to provide activities, programs, services, facilities and support for all students that:

• ●    Compliment their developmental growth in an holistic perspective,
• ●    Recognize diverse talents and backgrounds while providing unifying common experiences,
• ●    Cultivate civility in interactions to enhance intellectual freedom and scholarly debate,
• ●    Promote active participation in learning and discovery,
• ●    Enhance the preparation of responsible leaders and enlightened citizens for the university and global communities,
• ●    Develop respect for the notion of community and supports the desire for group affiliation, and
• ●    Enhance students' involvement in community and service learning and volunteer opportunities.