THE UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON MISSION STATEMENT

The University of Dayton is a comprehensive Catholic university, a diverse community committed, in the Marianist tradition, to educating the whole person and to linking learning and scholarship with leadership and service.

THE MISSION OF STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

Who We Are

The division of Student Development supports and nurtures the development of the whole student by providing a living-learning experience that contributes to the educational and personal development of each student. Our mission is shaped by the Marianist, Catholic and American traditions of higher education.

What We Do

We support, promote, and integrate all aspects of student learning by providing learning experiences beyond the traditional college classroom.

What Does It Mean?

In our role as educators, we shape our undergraduate experiences for the individual student to participate as a responsible member of a community of learners. Our educational philosophy integrates the formal classroom curriculum and the student life experience. We embrace the principle that higher education is both liberal and useful to the professions when leadership and service are the outcomes of a learning process that stresses the development of the whole person. We design and facilitate experiences that contribute to the intellectual, social, cultural, and spiritual development of students. The division of Student Development affirms its role in the overall mission of the University and its commitment to the development of a campus environment that fosters the acceptance of individual differences within the context of community. A holistic learning environment is achieved through the Marianist traditions and their commitments to higher learning, leadership and service.

What Informs Our Work

Marianist Educational Tradition and Student Development

Students are encouraged to explore their roles and responsibilities as individual members of our community. They are given opportunities to participate in programs and activities to enhance their intellectual, social, cultural, and spiritual development. Our mission, as student development professionals, is defined by the Marianist character of the University. The following themes shape the philosophies and practices of our work. Although each theme constitutes its own entity, they also are inter-connected in the relationship of the total development of the individual student.

Theme: Community and Responsibility

As an experiential laboratory for learning, our campus life community allows students the opportunities to explore the meaning of responsible citizenship and to participate in the development of community.

Theme: Appreciation of the Individual

As an inclusive community, we encourage the development of individual identity while simultaneously promoting the awareness and acceptance of individual differences.

Theme: Integration and Collaboration

As a community of learners and critical thinkers of society, students are challenged to integrate academic concepts into a foundation for future growth and learning.

Theme: Servant Leadership

As a Marianist community, we promote the development of competent and compassionate men and women who manifest service and leadership to society.

Reviewed 2006