Section 3: Comprehensive Standards
3.9.3 institution provides services supporting its mission with qualified personnel to ensure the quality and effectiveness of its student affairs program.
Judgment of Compliance:
Compliance
Narrative/Justification for Judgment of Compliance:
Christopher Newport University is in compliance with this standard. Qualified student services personnel at Christopher Newport University provide services that support the quality and effectiveness of its programs. The Division of Student Services provides support and guidance to students in an academic and social environment and challenges them to think critically about their values, beliefs and attitudes in order to become significant contributors to the community, nation and world. Programs and services encourage personal responsibility, growth and development in conjunction with the academic experience, fulfilling the role of the Student Services team to “bring to life the lessons of the classrooms” in adherence with the core values of compassion, creativity, diversity, education, honor, integrity, respect and wellness.
Organizational Structure
The Vice President of Student Services, who serves on the President's Senior Management Team, is responsible for the organization, administration and fiscal management of the Division of Student Services, including all student services that affect the welfare of students outside the classroom—Admissions; Counseling, Coaching, and Consulting; Financial Aid; Student Life; Residential Life; University Police; and University Registrar—and nonacademic student programs, student employment, and non-academic student discipline. The Vice President also oversees the Student Government Association and other student organizations, and acts for the President on non-academic issues in the absence of the President, the Chief of Staff, and the Executive Vice President. The Vice President of Student Services, selected by and serving at the pleasure of the President, reports to the Chief of Staff.
The Dean of Students supervises Residential Life programs and personnel, student orientation, student organizations and activities, and the student auditor; and provides leadership in improving the quality of student life, handles nonacademic judicial problems, and works closely with the Student Government Association, Campus Program Board, and campus publications. The Dean is selected by, reports to, and serves at the pleasure of the Vice-President of Student Services.
The Dean of Admissions, overseeing the Office of Admissions, administers student recruitment programs, admits students to the University, and sets conditions for admitted applicants in conformity with the University's admission policies. The Dean is selected by, reports to, and serves at the pleasure of the Vice-President of Student Services.
The Director of Counseling, Coaching, and Consulting develops and supervises comprehensive student development programs, including personal development programs (personal counseling services and seminars); University Employment Support Services (On-Campus Recruitment Program, Resume Referral Service, Job Vacancy Information Program, and employer relations); Sexual Assault and Substance Abuse Awareness Programs; and, Academic Placement Testing Services. The Director is selected by, reports to, and serves at the pleasure of the Vice-President of Student Services.
The Director of Financial Aid administers the student aid program in conformance with federal and state statutes, regulations, guidelines, and participation agreements; analyzes student applications for financial aid, determines eligibility, prepares award letters, and authorizes the Business Office to disburse financial aid funds; procures federal and state financial aid funds; and reports to local, federal, and state agencies funding sources as required. The Director is selected by, reports to, and serves at the pleasure of the Vice-President of Student Services.
The University Registrar maintains student records and oversees the registration process, as well as schedules all academic classroom space; maintains statistical enrollment data; certifies, through permanent record maintenance, completion of degree requirements; procures and distributes diplomas at commencement; serves as secretary to the Academic Status Committee; and oversees the operation of the Office of Veterans' Affairs. The Registrar is selected by, reports to, and serves at the pleasure of the Vice-President of Student Services.
The University Police Chief is responsible for institutional safety and security programs, including traffic control and law enforcement activities. The chief is selected by, reports to, and serves at the pleasure of the Vice-President of Student Services.
In all, the division employs a staff of approximately 102 persons, 52 whom are Administrative Professional (AP) Faculty, which requires a master's degree or a bachelor's degree with appropriate experience. Graduate assistants, interns and student employees provide additional support.
The Vice President holds regular directors' meetings, and the Dean of Students holds bi-weekly directors' meetings and monthly meetings with the entire Student Affairs team. Professional development occurs at these meetings through the distribution of relevant articles that are read prior to the meetings and then discussed with a member of the staff serving as facilitator. A new addition to our efforts to develop staff is the “Breakfast Bunch,” a monthly topical discussion, over breakfast, that is supported and facilitated by the Center for Counseling, Coaching and Consulting. Recent speakers have included members of Riverside Health Systems who have discussed cutting behavior, suicide and forensics.
The CNU website defines customer service as “fast, friendly, effective and flexible." To reward good customer service, each department in the division designates a Customer Service Representative to the Customer Service Team, which reviews nominations and selects an SEA recipient three times per year.
The University initiated a new method of evaluation of administrative professional staff in January 2005. Each supervisor submits written evaluations to his or her superior prior to a meeting between the employee and supervisor. Reviews provide opportunities for feedback and facilitate the development. The evaluation of classified employees is done annually as required by the Department of Human Resources of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Quality Control
Orientation of staff to the University community, policies, philosophies and mission is the responsibility of the Office of Human Resources, which also administers the Noel-Levitz Advanced Connections training, required of all Division employees. This training provides a clear understanding of how the University community defines “good customer service.” Training includes problem solving, phone and email etiquette, and guidance in responding appropriately to customer needs.
To provide support and assist with job performance, the University provides financial resources for professional development, including attendance at conferences (e.g., Virginia Association of College and University Housing Officers, Association of Judicial Affairs, Virginia Association of Colleges and Employers, and National Association of College Activities), subscriptions to relevant journals and staff development retreats. Members of the staff present at regional/national conferences and regional planning committees, and some have been recognized by colleagues for programs and service.
Support Documentation:
University Handbook 06-07, Section XVI. Organizational Chart
Resume – Dean of Admissions
Resume – Director of Counseling, Coaching, and Consulting
Resume – Chief of Police
Resume – University Registrar
Resume – Dean of Students
Resume – Director of Financial Aid
Resume – Director of Judicial Affairs and Community Development
Resume – Director of Multicultural Affairs
Resume – Director of Residence Life
Resume – Supervisor, Health and Wellness Services
Additional Live Web Resources:
None