Our Mission
The Division of Student Affairs offers programs and services designed to support and enrich student life at the University of Maryland. Our 15 departments, comprised of a diverse and dedicated staff, are organized around a common educational mission: to maximize the potential of students by cultivating their personal, social, physical, and intellectual development. We prepare students to live and thrive in an increasingly diverse global society by helping students build their capacities as leaders and citizens. We are committed to creating a campus climate that affirms the value of diversity and multiculturalism. As responsible stewards of our facilities and resources, the Division of Student Affairs has a strong commitment to sustainability and the environment.
Our Values
Providing High Quality Facilities, Programs and Services. The Division of Student Affairs directly serves students, faculty, staff, families, alumni, and visitors. Our staff members maintain and enhance facilities, provide services, and develop programs that are responsive to the varied needs of the community.
Enhancing Individual Development. The Division of Student Affairs fosters the intellectual, psychological, social, spiritual, and physical development of individuals. Student development occurs outside as well as inside the classroom and is fostered by leadership opportunities, civic engagement, service learning, and involvement in a variety of activities. We promote the development of life skills, including critical thinking, interpersonal communication, responsible behavior, ethical conduct, and conflict resolution.
Developing Community Life. The Division of Student Affairs promotes programs and maintains facilities that nurture and encourage a strong sense of community among students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni. This objective is primarily achieved by actively involving students in institutional governance, identifying opportunities for service to the community, engaging family members in the university experience, assisting groups of students in the collective management of their aspirations and interests, and inviting alumni to remain connected and involved with our campus.
Encouraging Student Health and Well-Being. The Division of Student Affairs offers programs designed to enhance academic success, to promote personal development, and to provide experiences that assist students in cultivating skills necessary to live productively in a complex global society.
Facilitating Diversity. The Division of Student Affairs fosters an inclusive, welcoming environment that encourages individuals and groups to learn and work within and across diverse communities. Students are enriched by a supportive and challenging community that emphasizes awareness, respect, and education about personal identity as well as identities different from themselves.
March 15, 2013
