Chapter 6
Campus Culture

 

6.6 Conclusions

The growth and maturation of the university are reflected in significant changes in campus environment and culture. Students report high levels of satisfaction with the academic programs and support services provided by SVSU. A continuing challenge for the institution, especially in the current economic climate, is to meet the needs of all SVSU students with a variety of programs, course offerings, support services, and facilities. New residence halls and a new Student Center have been built to meet student needs. New programs have been developed to serve new constituencies, even as long-standing programs have been enhanced. Indications are that these new programs and facilities, along with leadership from a core of residential students, have drawn even commuter students more fully into campus life; however, the impact of these services will need to be assessed.

Although SVSU has become increasingly diverse and a large number of activities, offices, and programs have been developed to foster and support that diversity, the numbers of minority faculty, staff, and students need to increase for SVSU to fully reflect the community it serves. Campus task forces, college and division committees, as well as community advisory groups, have worked to address diversity issues. Diversity officers reporting directly to the President have assumed special responsibilities in this area; the current Special Assistant to the President for Diversity Programs is working with units across campus to develop benchmarks to assess progress and incorporate the multiple campus diversity initiatives into a comprehensive strategic plan that will be well-known by the campus and the community and inform University planning.

SVSU has developed strong links with the community, both formal and informal. Over the past decade, SVSU has become a more significant presence in the area as more people come to campus to use the facilities and participate in cultural activities, community education programs, and athletic events. Community interest has increased community support, as demonstrated through successful fundraising campaigns. Campus outreach has also increased through student internships and fieldwork, volunteer activities, and service on community boards. SVSU has developed essential links with the communities it serves, enabling the University to respond appropriately to community needs.

Information about the University and its programs is communicated through a variety of publications. The production of these is facilitated by the University Communications Office. Technology has transformed communication internally and externally, through the website and through new means for registration, advisement, and course delivery. These processes have meant new issues of resource allocation and increased need for oversight, as well as faculty and staff development and training to ensure the integrity and effective use of these systems.