Office of Student Affairs

Mission Statement
The Office of Student Affairs supports the mission of the College and the retention, progression and graduation of a diverse student body by providing an environment conducive to the positive growth, development and the general welfare of students. This environment includes a wide array of extra- and co-curricular programs and services which compliment the academic mission of the institution and contributes to the College’s efforts to educate the whole student. In addition to responsibilities for central administration, general student and parent concerns, staff development, student conduct/ behavioral assessment, and the College’s customer service initiative, the Office of Student Affairs is responsible for the following programs:
Offices
Counseling Center
Disability Services
Health Clinic
New/Transfer Student Orientation
Recreation and Wellness Program
Residence Life
Student Conduct/Behavioral Assessment Team
Student Life
Student Media
Goals
The ten major goals of the Office of Student Affairs are to:

1. provide an orientation program that connects new and transfer students with resources needed to be successful in the college community;
2. provide counseling and disabilities services to meet federal guidelines and the complex needs of students with learning differences;
3. provide a safe living-learning environment that challenges and supports academic pursuits and personal growth;
4. provide a diverse Student Life program that offers students opportunities for social, cultural and recreational interaction and learning beyond the academic setting;
5. provide wellness, recreation  and health promotion programs and services to meet the growing needs of the student population; 
6. promote a campus culture of integrity and civility while ensuring protection of students’ due process rights;
7. mitigate risk to the campus community by providing critical and behavioral response plans;
8. provide for institutional compliance with applicable federal, state, local and University System of Georgia requirements, i.e. – Constitution Day, Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act, Customer Service Initiative, Student Health Insurance Program, etc.
9. cooperate and collaborate with other units of the College to promote the mission of the College and the University System of Georgia; and to
10. assess programs and services to assure effectiveness and satisfaction.

Vision
The Office of Student Affairs takes this opportunity to project its vision for the future.  Through this vision, the Office affirms its commitment to the mission of the College and the University System of Georgia, to assist in “creating a more educated Georgia.”

The mission of the Office of Student Affairs stipulates that its purpose is to support the mission of the College and the retention, progression and graduation of a diverse student body by providing an environment conducive to the positive growth, development and the general welfare of students.  This is accomplished in a collaborative partnership with faculty members and other staff members of the institution.  This partnership will produce programs and services that, through the institution’s academic program, educate the whole student.  This will be accomplished not apart from classroom instruction, but in partnership with it; programs and services will complement academic classwork, not supplement it.  As an integral part of the educational community, the Office of Student Affairs holds the intellectual growth and personal development of the student to be its main focus.  As partners in this educational community, we will promote educational experiences that will (a) ensure an appreciation for diverse cultural and global differences, (b) enhance individual and group awareness, (c) enrich personal understanding, and (d) prepare for productive citizenship.

Further, the Office of Student Affairs will provide programs and services for students that will facilitate the successful attainment of their educational goals.  These programs and services will be delivered effectively and efficiently using the latest technology to facilitate the preparation of students to succeed during the present and the future.  Recognizing that as the student population changes over the years, their needs will as well, the Office of Student Affairs will monitor, assess and evaluate those changes so as to continue to deliver appropriate programs, services, and activities utilizing a model of program and service delivery that is outcome driven.

The student experience at Macon State College will result in students who have:

1. the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be citizens who contribute to the communities in which they live and to participate and lead efforts to improve their communities for themselves and for future generations;
2. values and ethical principles that are consistent with integrity and civility;
3. an understanding of and appreciation for the peoples and cultures of our global and multicultural society;
4. an understanding of the concept of lifelong learning and the dimensions of wellness; and
5. a willingness to speak well of the College and of their experiences at Macon State.

In meeting these challenges, the Office of Student Affairs will utilize resources efficiently, effectively, and collaboratively while exploring all avenues that will challenge students to realize their full potential.