Quick Summary
- Asian and Pacific Islander Academic Retention Initiative to open Lotus Mana Center
- Middle Eastern North African and South Asian Resource Center to open
- Two existing centers get new names: El Centro and the Nest
- Other units to be restructured, while internal staffing remains similar
Student Affairs is introducing two new student centers and restructuring or renaming other units this fall to expand student support, strengthen community and streamline divisional operations.
Retention and community centers
Opening this fall will be the Asian and Pacific Islander Academic Retention Initiative’s new Lotus Mana Center, to be located on the second floor of the Memorial Union, and the new Middle Eastern North African and South Asian (MENASA) Resource Center, to be located on the second floor of the Student Community Center.
Also, two existing centers adopt their more student-friendly names. The Center for Chicanx and Latinx Academic Student Success officially becomes El Centro, and the Native American Academic Student Success Center, the Nest.
In an email distributed Sept. 3, three Student Affairs leaders said the changes to the retention and community centers support the Student Affairs strategic plan and respond to student feedback and student success data. The programs and services of the centers are available to all students.
Based on strategic planning
All the changes come from strategic planning and analyses of Student Affairs’ structure and how the division delivers programs and services, the email said.
“A key priority is to create the infrastructure needed to better anticipate and respond to student needs and ensure that students have the support and resources to thrive,” the leaders wrote.
The email was from Sheri Atkinson, associate vice chancellor for Student Life, Campus Community and Retention Services; Sara Hawkes, associate vice chancellor for Student Success and Equity Innovation; and Paul Kim, interim associate vice chancellor for Student Health and Wellness.
Unit sunsets, work continues
In other changes, the Office of Educational Outreach and Enrichment Services, or OEOES, is eliminated as an umbrella structure, while its programs and centers continue under their own names to increase visibility and access. They include the Center for the Educational Opportunity Program and STEP, Transfer and Reentry Center, Veterans Success Center, Guardian Scholars Program and Underground Scholars Program.
Success Coaching and Learning Strategies and PreGrad/PreLaw Advising services form the Student Success Pathways unit and move into Academic Assistance and Tutoring Centers. Also, First Year Aggie Connections joins First Year Experience as part of the New Student Programs team.
Student support and conduct
While internal staffing remains similar, the Office of Student Support and Judicial Affairs transitions to two units to reduce stigma in seeking assistance, clarify roles, ease student access to resources and simplify the referral process.
The Office of Student Support supports referrals, case management and holistic care for students. Student Conduct and Integrity upholds the Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline and its Code of Academic Conduct through a supportive, educational approach.
The new structure follows extensive research including focus groups with students, staff and faculty.
Promoting health
Health Education and Promotion becomes Health Promotion, with a continued focus on advocating for campus systems and environments that foster student wellness and connecting students with health and wellness resources.
Changes to the relevant websites are expected to be completed by Sept. 24, and Student Affairs is asking the campus to use the new names in materials distributed after Sept. 24.