Mission and Vision

Guided by the Jesuit, Catholic mission of the University and student development theories, the Office of Student Development is a team of educators within the Division of Student Affairs. The staff of the Office focuses its resources, programs and initiatives on the development of students and a campus community that promote self-understanding, social responsibility, leadership, and cultural awareness.

We believe in the inherent dignity, worth, and potential of all people. Furthermore, we contribute to the development of the whole student and give particular significance to the intellectual, ethical, and psychosocial growth throughout the Marquette experience. We challenge students to act with integrity and compassion and to reflect on the implications of their actions on individuals and their communities. We celebrate the diverse nature of our campus community by preparing students for life and work in a multicultural society, fostering inclusivity, and empowering those less represented in the community to identify and use their voices.  Through the creation of programs, policies, and procedures, we shape a campus community that contributes to the development of students. Our work is additive to the education students acquire in the classroom. Our efforts are based on the knowledge that meaningful engagement in the campus community facilitates academic success, the development of knowledge, skills and abilities, and commitment to transforming the world. Through our work, students come to know their unique gifts and how these gifts can be used in service for and with others.

These beliefs impel us to:

• collaborate with others to intentionally create a vibrant, engaged, healthy, diverse, inclusive and welcoming campus community;
• support students in the development of leadership skills and values that reflect a dedication to the service of others and a commitment to a more just society;
• encourage students to consider the perspective of others and incorporate an ethic of service into their lives;
• empower students to make choices that contribute to their personal wellness;
• work collaboratively to foster a seamless educational experience in and out of the classroom;
• advocate for the needs and development of students through systematic assessment, which includes collection and dissemination of data and taking action for improvement.

In doing this work, we commit ourselves to the following practices: collaboration; timely and effective communication; intentionality and use of research-based models and theory; creativity; involvement of students in our work; and inclusion, particularly of underrepresented populations.

All this is done for the greater glory of God through the formation and transformation of individuals and a campus community that contribute to the common good.

Revised August 2014

Learning Outcomes

After participating in Student Development sponsored programs and activities, students will:

• Contribute to the development of positive community.  (Campus Community)
• Use their talents to benefit others.  (Leadership)
• Increase their multicultural competence, particularly as it relates to issues of race, sexual orientation, and religion. (Diversity)
• Demonstrate congruence between their values and their actions. (Integrity/Conduct)
• Continue their participation in service as a commitment to justice.  (Ethic of Service)