Accountability in student services

According to McLellan and Stringer, “student services need to be accountable for providing high-quality services delivered in an efficient manner, to facilitate students’ development and to contribute to student learning” (p 111). To make these goals become reality, student services needs to have a qualified and dependable staff that share the same vision. They also need to know the needs of the students they are serving. It would help to invite the student groups’ leaders to have them share their mission, vision and goals and ask how student services can assist them into achieve those goals. In a similar vein, forms could be created to have them complete them with all necessary information that could show their needs. In that same meeting, student services could also share with them the kinds of assistance that the school provides and encourage them to advertise the services that they are providing to attract more students.
It is very important for student services to consider accountability for services rendered to students. They are accountable to create or foster a support system for students. In this postmodern day and age, students need more than academic support. They need to find ways to relieve the stress caused by academic and other (personal, financial…) pressures. Schools must be more than a place to learn, but it needs to be a place to grow. These students spend more time on campus than they spend at their home. The campus becomes their home. There is nothing like home!

Implications of fund sources for student affairs

This week I would like to pause and reflect on the implications of fund sources for student affairs. This topic may appear insignificant to some, but it is important to both student affairs and students. Student affairs has the obligation to educate students of the various funds that make up their budgets. Some students tend to think that student affairs operate only on the mandatory student fees that they pay. Some do request an account of what their money is being used for, not knowing that the budget is more diverse. Some students tend to request their money in full because they feel that their needs are not being met. Sometimes, this issue could turn into a law suit if not properly handled. The reality is that students are not aware of the various services that are available to them or they don’t know the right procedures on how to access them. I was in charge of the Francophone group (on campus worship group) for a year before I found out in a conversation with Mr. Yeagley, that there is a sum of $300.00 available for the group toward expenses. We could have used that money the first year had we known. At the time, they were in the process of establishing policies and procedures. I hope that by now a system is in place. Clearly, student affairs need to find a better system to communicate with students on their fund sources, the availability of services and their entitlements

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Student-centered campus upgrades enhance the academic experience

Student affairs at Oakland University turn to creativity to make students’ lives more accommodating. They connect students with clubs, health and counseling services, tutoring, residential and dining programs, study skills seminars, recreation and more. They have renovated buildings, classrooms, laboratories and more to support the student experience.
Staff at OU is being creative in making changes to help students enjoy their college journey better. The creation of parking space was very thoughtful as it represents a very significant challenge for students and may create or increase stress for them.
To meet the needs of students, student affairs must teach their staff to be creative in their strategies to support them. While moral support is vital, suitable accommodations also play a crucial role in students’ lives.
October 20, 2009 - Student-centered campus upgrades enhance the academic experience By Katie Land, news editor
http://www.oakland.edu/news/?sid=113&nid=5999