Transforming the Public Affairs Mission at Missouri State University

1
Transforming the Public Affairs Mission at
Missouri State University

• Dr. Rachelle Darabi, Associate Provost for
  Student Development and Public Affairs

2
The Public Affairs Mission

• 1995 Public Affairs designated University mission
  
• 2005 Southwest Missouri State became Missouri
  State University

3
Using Mission to Refocus our Efforts for
Recruitment and Student Success

• Need to review core mission, programs and message
• Align programs with mission
• Align marketing and recruiting with mission and
  programs

4
The Plan for Accountability

• New Strategic Positions and Organization
• Associate VP and Director of Admissions
• Associate Provost, Student Development and
  Public Affairs
• Director, Faculty Center for Teaching and
  Learning
• Reorganization
• International Center
• Coordinators, Diversity Outreach and Recruitment
• Continuing Education personnel reassigned

5
The Public Affairs MissionLearning Outcomes

• Community Engagement
• Original mission with quality enhancements
• Cultural Competence
• Diversity and International efforts
• Ethical Leadership
• Strategic Plan
• Existing Leadership
• Students and Alumni

6
Connecting Public Affairs to the Curriculum

• Public Affairs Goals Approved by Faculty Senate
  (March, 2009)
• Ethical Leadership
• Students will articulate their value systems, act
  ethically within the context of a democratic
  society, and demonstrate engaged and principled
  leadership.

7
Connecting Public Affairs to the Curriculum

• Major Goals Continued
• Cultural Competence Students will recognize and
  respect multiple cultures.
• Community Engagement
• Students will recognize the importance of
  contributing their knowledge and experience to
  their own community and broader society.
• Students will recognize the importance of
  scientific principles in the generation of sound
  public policy.

8
Introducing the Public Affairs Mission

• Activities potential students can attend prior to
  enrolling
• Pre-College Public Affairs Academy
• Centennial Leaders High School Leadership
  Conference

9
Connecting Public Affairs to the First-Year
Experience

• Student Orientation, Advisement, Registration
  (SOAR)
• Public Affairs Professor Participation
• Student Voices sharing their public affairs
  experiences
• Co-curricular Involvement Session
• New Student Convocation
• Introducing the Public Affairs Annual Theme and
  Competencies (banners, pin, student recognition)

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Connecting Public Affairs to the First-Year
Experience

• You Belong First Weekend Activities
• IDS 110
• Public Affairs part of basic course curriculum
• GEP 101 Fall 2010
• Currently Piloting Curricular Learning
  Communities
• Community Common Reader Ehrenreichs Nickel
  and Dimed
• Service Learning Component

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Connecting Public Affairs to the First-Year
Experience and Beyond

• Residence Life Living/Learning Communities
• Public Affairs Week
• Student program committee
• Restructured to reflect the three competencies
• Joint Advisory Board created

12
Connecting Public Affairs to the Student
Experience

• Annual Theme Promotion by Student Affairs Units
• Sustainability Examples
• Office of Student Activities Leadership Programs
• Emerging Leaders Program
• Centennial Leaders Scholarship Program
• Recognizing Engaged Students at Annual STAR
  Awards Event

13
Connecting Public Affairs to the Student
Experience

• Annual Public Affairs Conference
• Enhanced Public Affairs Website

14
Additional Student Opportunities

• Co-curricular Involvement
• Study Away Voucher Program
• Public Affairs Grants
• Service Learning Opportunities
• Virtual Cultural Exchanges
• Learning Commons- integrated, collaborative
  learning environment

15
Planned Initiatives

• Co-curricular Transcript
• Proposed Office of Student Activities name change
  to Office of Student Engagement
• Public Affairs Distinction Program

16
Thanks for your attention

• Contact Information
• Rachelle L. Darabi
• rdarabi_at_missouristate.edu