A Word from the Vice President
I recently had the privilege to accept an invitation by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) to participate in a “Think Tank.” This opportunity occurred during our recent NASPA National Convention held earlier this month. Joining with close to 30 Vice Presidents for Student Affairs, along with other senior student affairs officers, we tackled the topic of LEADING STUDENT AFFAIRS IN ECONOMICALLY CHALLENGING TIMES. I spent five, 2 ½ hour sessions over a period of three days with my colleagues defining and understanding the economic challenges confronting higher education; and specifically the issues associated with effectively providing the services and student development and learning activities common to student affairs divisions. I look forward to helping with development of resulting publications and white papers from our time together.
At this gathering there seemed to be consensus that this is not a time for the faint of heart, especially as institutions confront the human costs that often accompany an economic downturn. I remember thinking that while on our campus we are making decisions to streamline operations in order to save money, and have announced that there will be no pay raises for next year, we are currently not facing the staggering budget cuts and forced loss of personnel that some of my colleagues around the country must endure.
All in attendance, however, also recognized the opportunities for improving the educational experience for students if decisions made by educators and administrators are based upon institutional missions and defined priorities. It follows that the planning and assessment of student affairs functions must also be viewed through the lenses of service and student development activities which can be directly related to supporting university mission and priorities. Such review provides the key determinates for making tough decisions. This reminder makes it very clear to me that we must continue, and in some cases improve, the assessment of our student affairs services and programs at Missouri State University. Do all of our activities relate directly to our University Mission? It is also clear to me after visiting with my counterparts throughout the country that Student Affairs at Missouri State can more than “match-up” with any campus when it comes to the quality and creativity of staff. I had the opportunity to do some bragging!
In this time of restricted resources we need to call upon the skills and creativity of our staff and not be afraid to be bold in our planning and actions. In my correspondence with students I often write that Missouri State University is a great place to live, learn and grow. I am confident that the economic challenges that we face will not change that message as we work together to serve our University, and more important, our students!
Earle Doman
Acting Vice President for Student Affairs