Note: This is the final part of a four-day series discussing the pillars within the Division of Student Affairs and how they benefit the students at Kent State University. Today we are focusing on the Student Affairs Administration pillar, including University Health Services, DSA Finance Office, HR/Personnel, Assessment and Strategic Planning, and Information Technology.
When the Division of Student Affairs unveiled their three-year strategic plan earlier this year, it provided a glimpse into the immediate future with a roadmap to how a true world-class experience for the students at Kent State would be accomplished.
Through both the intricate assessment and strategic planning process it has helped lay the foundation for a bright future at the University, all playing a major role in this particular pillar to serve students as effectively and efficiently as possible.
"Student Affairs Administration provides critical support to all division departments in supporting and advancing the division's vision, mission, and strategic plan," said Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of University Health Services, Julie Volchek. "We provide departments recommendations and guidance on integrated financial and personnel strategies to increase the efficiency of resources and effectiveness of planning and implementation."
In
addition, this pillar boasts of student-ready leaders committed to quality care, ethical practice, and responsible stewardship across the entire division by providing critical support to all divisional units. These efforts collectively help amplify the division’s capacity to drive transformative change at individual, organizational, and institutional levels.
"Studies show healthy students thrive in the classroom," said Volchek. "Having healthcare professionals who are trained to meet the needs of college students that include mental health and preventative services will help students achieve in the classroom."
When shining a spotlight on healthcare professionals, look no further than University Health Services. This was no more evident than during the past academic year as the coronavirus pandemic raged on. It is a fully accredited student health care center providing a wide range of comprehensive student-centered services and evidence-informed practices, including, but not limited to, acute care for minor illness and injuries, preventative services, and management of chronic illness. University Health Services also boasts full services consisting of x-ray, laboratory, and pharmacy services.
“University Health Services provides quality healthcare, psychological counseling, and healthcare education for the campus community in support of the Kent State University mission,” said Senior Director, Finance and Technology, Michael O’Karma. “This has been vital during the COVID-19 pandemic; our assessment area ensures continued improvement of all our functional areas and makes sure that our events, initiatives, programs, and services provide for student development, engagement, and learning.”
The student experience also plays a big role, and there are plenty of benefits to working alongside the administration.
Mark Dages, a third-year student majoring in Finance with a minor in Japanese, works as a Finance Student Assistant. He points to the student-first mentality approach standing out for the Division of Student Affairs and its employees.
"My DSA supervisors have utilized a student-first mentality in the workplace from the very beginning," he said. "Overall, my experience working for DSA has been amazing...I have always been treated with the utmost respect, and I have made several friends along the way."
Dages also says the skills he has learned have extended beyond the traditional classroom setting.
"I have come to not only make valuable connections within the Division of Student Affairs but also with staff members in many different offices across campus," he said. "I have come to learn many things from working in a business office setting that cannot always be taught in the classroom; I have also been able to take things I have learned from my courses and contribute to projects and other office work."
Another aspect of this pillar, many students may not be aware that the Information Technology sector is chock full of benefits for students, both in day-to-day operations and behind the scenes.
“Information technology powers many student programs and services,” said O’Karma. “This includes everything from Flashperks, FLASHcard, and Health Records, to Meal Plans, Room Access, and Flashbooks.”
Each of those programs and services requires seamless student access and convenience and plays a role in enabling students to take full advantage of their time at Kent State.
Whether it be through Advocacy, Support and Well-Being, Student Engagement and Services, Equity, Identity, and Success, or Student Affairs Administration, one thing is for certain: Kent State University has positioned itself as a desirable destination for students and has equipped them with all of the tools to be a success story both on campus and after graduation.
For more information on Student Affairs Administration, please visit https://www.kent.edu/studentaffairs/student-affairs-administration
For more information on Assessment and Strategic Planning, please visit https://www.kent.edu/assessment
For more information on University Health Services, please visit https://www.kent.edu/uhs