Greetings! It is my pleasure
Eric Arneson
Eric Arneson, Ed.D.
Vice President of Student Affairs
Connection to Community
Exploration & Authentic Expression
Community Health
Care & Crisis Support
Academic Guidance & Support
Student Learning & Skill Development
Belonging & KSU Pride
Academic Progress & Performance Workplace Skill Training
ostering meaningful connections among students, peers, faculty, staff, resources, and KSU traditions is essential for student success. These relationships cultivate a sense of belonging and pride in KSU, while also providing a pathway to support resources and growth opportunities.
Building the Owl Nation
To cultivate a sense of belonging and pride among 45,000 students, the DSA invests in signature events and programs that create inviting and welcoming spaces for students to connect and build community within Owl Nation. According to 2022 NSSE data, this investment in fostering “meaningful connections” is having a positive impact on first-year students.
The KSU Day of Service is an outstanding annual event that offers volunteers the chance to give back and address the specific needs of community organizations throughout Cobb County and Metro Atlanta. Volunteers engage in a variety of projects, including clean-ups, building repairs, mentoring programs, food drives, and educational initiatives. By partnering with local nonprofits, schools, shelters, and other service organizations, KSU ensures that the day’s efforts have a direct and lasting impact on the community.
Community Beyond KSU
onnecting KSU students with local communities creates powerful, rewarding, and purposeful experiences. By engaging in volunteerism and service, students can follow their passions and apply their academic learning, while also reducing loneliness and isolation. The Department of Volunteerism and Service spearheads our efforts to provide students with the best off-campus experiences.
Strengthening Family Partnerships
51,996 51,996
he support and involvement of parents and families are vital to a student’s journey through higher education. KSU acknowledges the importance of this partnership and has developed a comprehensive Parent and Family Program to ensure that parents and
families feel supported, informed, and engaged throughout their student’s collegiate experience.
ur inclusive communities encourage students to pursue their interests and express their true selves. We invite students to have fun, follow their passions, and step out of their comfort zones to become the best version of themselves.
Thriving Through Engagement
articipation in Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), fraternities and sororities, and club sports offers students a
82,861
50,689 event attendees event attendees
17,028 unique users served unique users served total interactions total interactions
Celebrating Identity and Community
SA's affinity centers, which include four Cultural Community Centers and one Unity Center, provide spaces for students to celebrate their identities, broaden their perspectives, and build new relationships. These centers host workshops and events designed to create supportive environments where students can engage in meaningful conversations.
115,705 5,705
Visitors tap in at one or more of the 5 affinity centers across the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses.
valuable opportunity to explore their personal and career interests. In AY24, student involvement in RSOs reached an all-time high. These organizations provide flourishing opportunities for all students to learn, grow, and find a supportive community.
114,942 4,942
Students have membership(s) in at least one of the 390 student organizations, fraternities, sororities, and club sports
Harnessing Diverse Experiences
he diverse experiences that students bring to KSU are a hidden “superpower” that the DSA leverages to explore resources and opportunities. These shared experiences
naturally form communities that help students maximize their college journey. For instance, the Office of Military and Veteran Services serves as a dedicated point of contact, providing a comprehensive network of resources for over 3,782 students
he wellbeing of the KSU community is crucial for creating a supportive and thriving educational environment. KSU prioritizes the health of students, faculty, and staff through comprehensive wellness programs, accessible healthcare resources, mental health support, and a culture of inclusivity.
Fitness & Exercise
esearch shows that physical activity positively impacts students’ ability to learn, study, and perform academically To support
this, DSA invests in infrastructure, staffing, and training to offer a wide range of programs including fitness and aquatics, intramural and club sports, esports, and outdoor recreation activities that cater to diverse interests and physical abilities through the Sports and Recreation Department.
Health and Wellness Education
113,499 3,499
2,822 2,822
romoting health and wellness aids students in balancing academic, career, and personal responsibilities. DSA’s Health Promotion
and Wellness leverages education to promote student success, reduce health risk factors, and create healthy learning environments through nutrition services, peer health education, mental health training, health communication, and health education programs
3,900 3,900
he significance of mental health for college success cannot be overstated, as it greatly nfluences academic performance and Mental Health
overall wellbeing. KSU offers a variety of services, including individual therapy, group support, workshops, and crisis intervention, to ensure students receive the support they need and build emotional resilience. Health Promotion and Wellness provides mental health training for faculty and staff, including “Kognito At-Risk Mental Health,” QPR suicide prevention, and “Mental Health First Aid.”
Comprehensive Support for Wellbeing
y providing a range of services such as individual, group, and relationship counseling, case management, and
psychiatry to 2,345 unique clients, Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) ensures that students receive support and build emotional resilience.
SA is committed to fostering students’ personal development through a wide range of services. Recognizing the increasing number of KSU students facing significant life challenges, DSA actively provides care and crisis initiatives to support their growth and success
Students In Recovery
he Center for Young Adult Addiction and Recovery (CYAAR) is a nationally acclaimed program dedicated to supporting students’
recovery By cultivating a community of students and professionals committed to sobriety while advancing their education, CYAAR participants achieved a higher average GPA in fall 2023 and spring 2024 compared to the overall KSU undergraduate population.
programs & collaborations
Behavior Support
he Behavioral Response Team is a collaborative group of campus partners dedicated to identifying and assisting
individuals experiencing distress or exhibiting abnormal, threatening, or dangerous behavior. The team successfully coordinated and provided supportive resources to over one thousand students facing significant life challenges.
Students In Need
reating a proactive climate of care is central to all personal growth initiatives within the Division of Student Affairs (DSA).
We offer key programs to support KSU students facing food and housing insecurity. CARE’s four services, including its ASCEND program, delivers essential resources to address these challenges, enabling students to concentrate on their academic, personal, and professional development.
tudents’ academic success is bolstered through personalized advising, guidance, and support. The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) staff cultivate strong relationships with students, fostering self-efficacy, agency, and purpose These connections are utilized to guide students to essential resources and enriching experiences
High-Touch Academic Support
SU student-athletes prioritize their roles as students. The Office of Student-Athlete Success focuses on holistic development,
preparing athletes for life beyond sports. This preparation includes comprehensive academic support services such as advising, tutoring, career development, and life skills training Academic advisors closely monitor student-athlete progress and provide targeted support through academic case management, leading to a higher GPA compared to the overall KSU student body.
Academic Success For All
he Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) is dedicated to ensuring equal access to educational experiences for students
with legally defined disabilities SDS promotes the University’s compliance with federal and state laws and serves as the official provider of specialized learning and performance support (i e , accommodations) This role is crucial for maintaining an effective, efficient, and equitable learning environment. SDS proudly supported 5,993 students in Academic Year 24.
exams proctored
113,032 3,032
STUDENT-ATHLETES
DSA also offers academic case management to students in the Center for Young Adult Addiction Recovery, CARE’s ASCEND program, and the African American Male Initiative programs
he integrity of KSU’s education system is founded on adherence to our academic values and standards of conduct Academic Values and Norms
The Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAI) plays a vital role by setting clear expectations for student behavior and addressing instances of academic misconduct and campus disruptions.
student meetings
SU is dedicated to fostering a community of well-rounded, career-focused scholars. The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) offers numerous opportunities for students to develop essential workplace skills.
Focused-learning Opportunities
SA provides targeted learning opportunities in areas such as communication, teamwork, and leadership. Through 30 workshops,
LEADERSHIP
students acquired valuable insights into various identities, cultures, and effective communication and networking tools. These experiences equip students to navigate diverse environments and overcome challenges in their current and future workplaces
1,108 1,108
STUDENTS SERVE IN LEADERSHIP ROLES
STUDENTS SERVE IN LEADERSHIP ROLES
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
28 28 WORKSHOPS WORKSHOPS
COMMUNICATION AND TEAMWORK
200 200
STUDENTS TRAINED STUDENTS TRAINED
“The classes have helped me form a deeper understanding of leadership and made me selfreflective of my own behaviors and practices It has already been an effective tool for helping me grow to be a better leader.”
students appointments
-Ian Chrone, -Ian Chrone, President of the Catholic Student Union President of the Catholic Student Union
There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.
-Margaret J. Wheatley -Margaret J. Wheatley
BELONGING
& KSU PRIDE
he Division of Student Affairs (DSA) is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive community that lays the
foundation for academic achievement, personal development, and lasting connections. This investment promotes a strong sense of belonging
among students. Traditions like the Pumpkin Launch, Stuff an Owl, and the Football Game
Runout
may seem like fun celebrations, but they are intentionally designed to foster a sense of belonging When students feel connected to their campus community, supported by peers and mentors, and embraced by an inclusive environment, they are more likely to excel
academically, maintain emotional wellbeing, and engage actively in their college experience. Early evidence of DSA’s impact is reflected in positive student feedback about their comfort in being themselves, feeling valued by KSU, and being part of the KSU community.
ACADEMIC PROGRESS & PERFORMANCE
Affairs contribute to these success indicators through focused investments in “high-touch” programs that are characterized by etention, graduation, and progression (RPG) are essential indicators of academic success. Departments in the Division of Student
1) long-term academic support, 2) ongoing progress monitoring, 3) formal community connection, and 4) community development (i.e., groups, teams, organization, affinity, etc )
DSA high-touch programs include the Center for Young Adult Addiction Recovery (CYAAR), CARE’s ASCEND program, African American Male Initiative (AAMI), and Student-Athlete Success.
These programs have led to higher term GPAs and retention rates compared to the overall undergraduate population and similar comparison groups Notably, high-touch programs at KSU are achieving significant academic success in student populations that have historically been “lowperforming.”
WORKPLACE SKILL TRAINING
hrough a variety of co-curricular experiences, including student organizations, on-campus employment,
health and wellness education, conduct hearings, service, and volunteerism, KSU students develop essential workplace skills such as communication, collaboration, and teamwork They also refine ethical leadership skills, building the competency and experience needed for success in diverse and inclusive teams. While academic knowledge and credentials prepare students to “get the job,” the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) focuses on developing the workplace skills that ensure our graduates succeed “in the job ”
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED MICRO-CREDENTIAL PROGRAM
IMPRESSIONS
1,049,863
STUDENT FEATURES
34 VIDEO VIEWS
335,416
Instagram Engagement Campaigns
Total Followers
4K
Harnessing social media campaigns can be a game-changer for engaging students at a predominantly commuter institution By creating dynamic, interactive content and leveraging targeted messaging, the DSA Marketing team has bridged the gap between campus and home, fostering a stronger sense of community and connection This approach keeps students informed and cultivates an interactive online presence
AUDIENCE
3,663 ENGAGEMENT
45,650
S T U D E N T E M P L O Y E E
Workplace Skill Training
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
COMMUNICATION
CTEAMWORK/ OLLABORATION & MORE SEE PROGRAM
STRENGTHS
81%
