In the early fall of 1973, the new Vice President of Student Services, Dr. John Koldus, solicited input from staff, faculty and students about the current and future student service needs of the university. The subsequent report became the blueprint by which our division was organized and developed. The Department of Student Activities was one of the new departments created. Dr. Koldus formed the department by combining Student Government, student organizations, Vocal Music, the Coordinator of Religious Programs and the International Student Advisor. The Department of Student Activities was charged with three major responsibilities:
- Administer the recognition, funding and activities of all Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs).
- Develop leadership programs.
- Publish and distribute publications of a general nature about Student Services.
These three responsibilities have been the cornerstone of our department as we have assessed the needs of our student body, developed, and expanded upon these areas.
Our Mission
The Department of Student
Activities creates and fosters leadership and involvement opportunities that
enhance personal, interpersonal, and organizational development. To that end we
serve the University community as advisors, administrators, and educators for
students and student organizations.
Our Vision
To develop all students of Texas
A&M as active citizens and leaders.
Our Values
Student Development
We value students and their individuality. We offer programs and services that assist them in achieving their fullest potential. Through our roles as administrators, teachers, advisors, mentors, and advocates, we provide an environment that holistically promotes personal growth and development in the intellectual, social, cultural, spiritual, emotional, career, and physical realms.
Learning Environment
We are committed to designing an environment where the commitment to learning and personal transformation guides all that we do. Its process is intentional, collaborative, and experiential.
Leadership
We intentionally engage and empower students in learning that continuously builds their capacity to effectively lead in a global society. We define leadership as influencing others, within an environment of mutual growth and integrity, to achieve a shared vision that sustains positive change.
Diversity
We are dedicated to creating an environment that fully supports the well-being, free expression, and development of all. We respect the dignity and individuality of each member of our community and, at the same time, strive to create a place where individuals and student organizations can learn with and from each other.
Community
We aim to create a strong sense of community and embrace an environment that is inclusive, caring, open, visionary, intentional, respectful, and loyal. We work to foster a sense of shared experience and common purpose, along with a collective responsibility for each other’s well-being and for the well-being of the University as a whole.
Excellence
We believe in continuous improvement and strive to achieve the very best in all that we do.
Integrity
We value the act of being truthful to both one’s self and to others.
Staff
We value our staff and are committed to creating a working environment where all persons are valued and respected for their unique contributions. We operate as a supportive and collaborative team.
Strategic Initiatives
Customer
Service
To create consistent and effective
customer service throughout the Department of Student Activities.
Healthy Organization
To create an atmosphere where a
healthy work climate is supported by the actions, policies and philosophy of
the Department of Student Activities.
Marketing
To create a consistent and
comprehensive marketing strategy for the Department of Student Activities
Diversity
To develop a comprehensive plan to
foster an inclusive, welcoming, and diverse environment for Student Activities
staff and student organizations.
Academic Integration
To identify academic integration
resources which inform the practice of staff and enhance the integrative
learning experience of students.
Learning Outcomes
To develop a plan to address the
training and implementation of learning outcomes.
Assessment
To facilitate intentional
assessment planning and collaboration across the department.
Space
To develop a plan that will meet
the space needs of the Department of Student Activities.
