About the Division

Dickinson aims to provide a “useful education” that prepares students for citizenship and leadership in a democracy and global society.  This mission extends beyond the classroom walls and into student and campus life. The staff and departments within the Division of Student Life support the college’s mission by:

• Preparing students for the complexities of leadership and citizenship
• Fostering a safe, healthy, supportive, and inclusive environment in which students can learn and succeed
• Engaging students in a process that will help them determine how they will lead meaningful professional and personal lives. 

At Dickinson, meaningful engagement in residential and organizational life will allow you to make friends and explore new interests.  Purposeful engagement provides you with opportunities to develop the practices of citizenship. Your worldview will expand by working with and learning from students with different ideas, backgrounds, and experiences.  By wrestling with the complex challenges of organizational life, you will develop invaluable insights for the workplace, community, and volunteer engagement.  Through thoughtful consideration of issues and ideas, and activities that you care about, you will begin to develop your voice as a leader and a citizen.  All of this will combine to help you determine what role you want to play in our society and the greater world.

The Division of Student Life has established the following strategic priorities to guide us through 2028:

Mission:
To provide a vibrant, inclusive community supporting student well-being, engagement, and success.

Vision:
To create an environment where every student feels connected, supported, and empowered to pursue their passions and thrive academically, professionally, and socially.

Goal 1: Enhance the Student Experience and Engagement
Objective 1.1: Provide accessible and designated student engagement and community-building spaces.
Objective 1.2: Implement programs that address boundary setting, conflict resolution, effective communication skills, and resilience.
Objective 1.3: Foster a sense of belonging through engaging activities, robust out-of-classroom and athletic programs, and campus traditions.
Objective 1.4: Create opportunities for shared experiences that encourage collaboration and intercultural interactions.

Expected outcome: Student satisfaction with campus spaces, development of a sense of belonging, and increased engagement among students.

Goal 2: Improve Communication and Transparency
Objective 2.1: Develop intentional communication strategies to increase transparency between Student Life and the student body.

Expected outcome: Students will report being better informed about processes and programs, expectations, and other opportunities within Student Life.

Goal 3: Promote Student and Community Well-being, Health, and Safety
Objective 3.1: Promote a shared responsibility for student and community well-being through education, awareness campaigns, and resources.
Objective 3.2: Enhance health and safety services and programs to support the holistic well-being of students.
Objective 3.3: Collaborate with local community partners to provide comprehensive support networks for students.

Expected outcome: Increased attendance at programs focusing on health and safety. Increase use of campus supports, including LiveSafe, TELUS (My SSP), CARE referral process, and campus resources.

Goal 4: Assess and Develop Student Life Professional Staff
Objective 4.1: Conduct assessments of Student Life staff's experience and professional development needs.
Objective 4.2: Provide ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance staff skills and competencies.

Expected outcome: An increase in staff retention and engagement.

Goal 5: Foster Institutional Pride and Sense of Belonging
Objective 5.1: Develop and implement campus-wide initiatives to promote school spirit and pride among students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Objective 5.2: Enhance campus traditions and events celebrating the institution's history, values, and achievements.
Objective 5.3: Establish recognition programs to highlight outstanding contributions, accomplishments, and success within the campus community.
Objective 5.4: Facilitate collaboration among student organizations, academic departments, and administrative units to co-host inclusive events.

Expected outcome: Individuals report an increased sense of belonging or pride in the institution.