DSA Annual Report 2023

DEAR KENNESAW STATE COMMUNITY,

The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) is pleased to share our annual report for the 2022-2023 academic year. I am very proud of the engagement opportunities we provided for our students. Not only did we expand and improve programs, services, and activities, most notably, we implemented the Flight program to create a first-year class identity, sense of belonging, and connections to support student engagement and lifelong success. We also benchmarked and created a new Homecoming format, which resulted in over a 200% increase in student engagement.

I want to also thank our dedicated team of DSA professionals who have worked tirelessly to sharpen our focus on creating support systems and avenues that advance engagement and student success. It has taken a team effort to adapt to the changing and growing needs of our 43,000+ student body. We are working hard to identify what matters most to student success at KSU and prepare our students for the future.

I thank our students, staff, and other stakeholders for the partnerships we have formed to best serve our students. Student success is the core of what all of us at KSU are about, and I so appreciate the team effort in serving our amazing students.

Go Owls!

Eric E. Arneson, Ed.D. Vice President for Student Affairs

Provide opportunities for campus involvement that enhance the collegiate experience.

Maximize the number and variety of engagement opportunities for all students. Increase collaboration with campus partners who contribute to student engagement to ensure programs and services are relevant for all students.

Operationalize the Engaged Owl pathways to align with divisional learning outcomes.

Promote intentional self-discovery experiences for students that lead to engaged and ethical leadership development.

Offer programs and services that promote skill development for life-long learning, community engagement, and success.

Promote a culture of well-being and resilience for sustained student success.

Emphasize the importance of student support services as part of students’ college experiences. Increase collaborative opportunities with campus and community partners to foster a greater culture of wellbeing.

Build upon and increase student knowledge around mental health and awareness of campus resources.

Implement accessible and culturally relevant programs and services across all departments within the Division of Student Affairs.

Create a supportive environment that ensures all students cultivate a sense of belonging and connection to the campus community. s

Assist students in identity development and cultural competence by developing intentional programs, spaces, and services to engage in dialogue that invites diverse viewpoints.

Create an environment that promotes a positive sense of belonging for all students that contributes to their academic, personal, and professional success

Evaluate and improve processes, systems, and services that contribute to student and staff success.

Enhance intentional collaborations, partnerships, and communication within the Division and across campus. Integrate data tracking and analysis into departmental planning and budgeting.

Develop divisional learning outcomes that support research, assessment, and practice.

Provide opportunities and resources for professional staff development, including opportunities for research.

The Division of Student Affairs (DSA) has organized its programs strategic "investments" of resources and support that yield an “i college environment and experience where students are connec college success. Our model of student success describes who w following sections of this report provide greater detail about th Student Succ

Connection to Community Exploration & Authentic Expression

Community Health Care & Crisis Support

Academic Guidance & Support

and services into a new model of student success based on six “impact” on student development at KSU. Our goal is to build a cted, supported, and inspired to give them the best chance at we are and how we serve 43,000 KSU students every day. The he programs, services, and initiatives that represent the DSA cess model.

elping students make meaningful connections to peers, faculty, staff, resources, and KSU traditions is the

first step toward student success. These connections build a sense of belonging and pride for KSU and create a bridge for accessing support resources and growth opportunities.

Growing the Owl Nation

To foster a sense of belonging and pride in 43,000 students, DSA invests in signature events and programs that provide inviting and welcoming spaces for students to find and build community in Owl Nation. 2022 NSSE data indicates that the investment in building "meaningful connections" is positively impacting first-year students.

7,769 7,769

400+ 400+

KSU Day of Service is a remarkable, annual event that serves as an opportunity for volunteers to give back and address the specific needs of community organizations throughout Cobb County and metro Atlanta. Volunteers participate in a diverse range of projects, such as 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.

Connecting Home Communities

Community Beyond KSU

elping KSU students connect with our local communities creates powerful experiences that are rewarding and purposeful. Engaging our students in volunteerism and service allows them to follow their passion and apply their academic learning. These experiences also help reduce loneliness and isolation. The Department of Volunteerism and Service leads our divisional efforts to offer students the best off-campus experiences.

hen it comes to a student's journey through higher education, the support and involvement of parents and families are crucial.

KSU recognizes the significance of this partnership and has a robust Parent and Family Program to ensure that parents and families feel

39,634 39,634

supported, informed, and engaged throughout their student's collegiate journey.

OWL FAMILY OWL FAMILY HUB USERS HUB USERS

"I feel valued by KSU" "I feel valued by KSU"

ur welcoming communities invite students to pursue their interests and show up as their authentic selves. Students are encouraged to have fun, follow their passion, and get out of their comfort zones to become the best version of themselves.

Going Further Together

ngagement in Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) is a popular avenue for students to explore their personal and

career interests. Student participation in RSOs was at an all-time high in AY23 and the number of RSOs increased by 11%. Opportunities to learn, grow, and find a home base are flourishing for all students.

88,690

total interactions total interactions

66,445 event attendees event attendees

Affinity to the University

17,406 unique users served unique users served

SA's affinity centers, including four Cultural Community Centers and one Unity Center, offer spaces for students to celebrate their identities, develop their perspectives, and nurture new relationships. The centers host workshops and events to create supportive spaces for students to engage in meaningful conversations.

111,606 1,606

Visitors tap in at one or more of the 5 affinity centers across the Kennesaw and Marietta campuses.

42,054 42,054

22,545 unique students have membership(s) in at least one of the 342 student organizations

Capitalizing on Shared Experiences

he diversity of experiences students bring to KSU is a hidden "superpower" that DSA uses to drive the exploration of resources

and opportunities. Many of our students share experiences that create natural communities to help them maximize their college experience. For example, the Office of Military and Veteran Services actively serves as the designated point of contact to provide a comprehensive network of resources for over 1,700 transitioning veterans and military-affiliated students.

he health of the KSU community is essential for fostering a supportive and thriving educational environment. Through

comprehensive wellness programs, access to healthcare resources, mental health support, and promoting a culture of inclusivity, KSU prioritizes the well-being of our entire community of students, faculty, and staff.

Fitness

&

Therefore, DSA invests in infrastructure, staffing, and training to deliver a variety of wellbeing (fitness, aquatics), sport (i.e., intramural, club sport), and outdoor recreation programs to meet a variety of interests and physical abilities.

workshops and events including, stress management programs, nutrition consultations and workshops, risk reduction education, CPR certification, and more. Students also have access to wellness coaches, nutrition counselors, and “peer health educators.”

S T U D E N T S

Mental Health

he importance of good mental health for college success cannot be overstated, as it significantly impacts academic performance

Health and Wellness Education

romoting health and wellness to KSU students is rooted in developing their ability to become their “healthiest self”

while balancing the academic, personal, and career responsibilities they encounter during college. Education is key and DSA departments foster students’ overall wellness through health education

verall well-being. By providing a range of services such as individual therapy, group support, workshops, and crisis intervention, KSU ensures that students receive support and build emotional resilience. In addition to the mental health services provided by Counseling and Psychological Services, KSU provides the following training for faculty and staff: “Kognito At-Risk Mental Health,” QPR suicide prevention, and “Mental Health First Aid.”

1142 42

S T U D E N T S A N D S T A F F

SA is dedicated to supporting students' personal growth through comprehensive services. DSA also works to continually acknowledge and embrace the growing number of KSU students experiencing significant life challenges by providing care and crisis initiatives that help students grow and succeed.

Student Behavior

he Behavioral Response Team is a collective of campus partners working to identify and assist individuals who are

distressed and/or exhibiting abnormal, threatening, or dangerous behavior. The team effectively coordinated and delivered supportive resources for over one thousand students during and after significant life challenges.

Students In Recovery students in recovery. By fostering a community of students and professionals seeking sobriety while pursuing their education, students in the CYAAR program produced a higher GPA average in fall 2022 and spring 2023 than the total KSU undergraduate population (see chart p 15)

he Center for Young Adult Addiction and Recovery (CYAAR) is a nationally recognized college-based program for

Students In Need

ostering a proactive climate of care for students is foundational to all personal growth efforts within DSA. We also provide

signature initiatives to support KSU students experiencing food and housing insecurity. CARE, especially their ASCEND program, provides critical resources that address basic need insecurities and remove challenges so students can focus on their academic, personal, and professional growth.

programs

ncreasing academic success for KSU students is achieved through personalized advising, guidance, and support. DSA staff build strong

relationships with students and promote selfefficacy, agency, and purpose. These relationships are leveraged to direct students to critical resources and experiences.

High-Touch Academic Support

SU student-athletes take pride in being students first. The Office of Student-Athlete Success emphasizes the development of the

whole person by preparing the student-athlete for life after sports. That preparation includes comprehensive academic support services comprised of academic advising, tutoring, career development, and life skills development. Academic advisors monitor student-athlete progress and deliver support through academic case management, resulting in a higher grade-point average than the total KSU student body. (see chart p. 15)

113,663 3,663

STUDENT-ATHLETES

Academic case management is also provided by DSA to students in the following programs: Center for Young Adult Addiction Recovery, ASCEND, and African American Male Initiative.

Academic Success For All

nsuring equal access to all educational experiences by students with identified, legally defined disabilities, and promoting

the University's knowledge of and compliance with applicable federal and state laws is the primary work of the Office of Student Disability Service (SDS). SDS serves as the official communicator of specialized learning and performance support (i.e., accommodations) and is critical to an effective, efficient, and equitable learning environment. With over 1,890 student requests for services, SDS is proud of the 201 registered students who graduated in AY23.

case files managed

Academic Values and Norms

he quality of the KSU education is built on integrity; the degree to which all members adhere to our academic values and

The Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAI) serves KSU by defining clear expectations of student conduct for all students and addressing issues of student academic misconduct and disruption of campus life.

standards of conduct

student meetings

SU is actively cultivating a community of well-rounded, career-focused scholars. DSA provides numerous opportunities for students to develop essential skills needed for the workplace.

LEADERSHIP

1,450+ 1,450+ STUDENTS SERVE IN LEADERSHIP ROLES STUDENTS SERVE IN LEADERSHIP ROLES

INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES

Focused-learning Opportunities

SA offers focused-learning opportunities in areas such as communication, teamwork, and inclusive communities. Through 30

workshops, students gained valuable knowledge about various identities, different cultures, and tools for effective communication and networking These learning experiences prepare students to navigate diverse settings and any difficulties they may encounter in their current and future workplaces

30 30

WORKSHOPS WORKSHOPS

COMMUNICATION AND TEAMWORK

139 139 STUDENTS TRAINED STUDENTS TRAINED

My participation in the KSU Department of Student Leadership's Leap into Leadership Team Leader Series has been a recent example of steps I am taking to improve upon my leadership abilities. My passion for engineering is the result of many years of growth and mentorship passed on to me by my seniors. My goal is to pass this passion to younger generations of students by leading by example and supporting their efforts to learn and grow in my RSO

My dedication to improving my leadership skills and passing on my passion for engineering to the next generation of students demonstrates my commitment to excellence and potential to make a lasting impact on this university.

students appointments

-Steven Tubbs, -Steven Tubbs, Mechanical Engineering student Mechanical Engineering student

BELONGING & KSU PRIDE

y laying the foundation for academic achievement, personal development, and long-lasting connections that contribute to

lifelong success, DSA makes the investment to create an inclusive and supportive community that promotes a sense of belonging.

All that you touch you change.

All that you change changes you.

The only lasting truth is change.

Traditions like the Pumpkin Launch, Stuff an Owl, and the Football Game Runout may appear to be merely fun celebrations but, in fact, are designed to create 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 well-being, and

-Octavia E. Butler, Poet -Octavia E. Butler, Poet

actively engage in their college experience Early evidence of DSA's impact on these outcomes is found in very positive student reports of their comfort in being themselves, feeling valued by KSU, and being part of the KSU community.

ACADEMIC PROGRESS & PERFORMANCE

etention, graduation, and progression (RPG) are important indicators of academic progress and performance. DSA

departments contribute to these success indicators through focused investments into “high-touch” programs that are characterized by

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 (CYARR), ASCEND, African American Male Initiative (AAMI), and Student-Athlete Success.

The impact of these programs has resulted in term GPAs and retention rates higher than the total undergraduate population and similar comparison groups (when applicable) High-touch programs at KSU are producing academic success in student populations that have historically been “lowperforming” which is noteworthy Read more about these programs on page 20.

WORKPLACE SKILL TRAINING

ithin a variety of co-curricular experiences (i.e. student organizations, on-campus student employment, health

and wellness educators, student members of conduct hearings, service, and volunteerism), KSU students develop essential workplace skills such as communication, collaboration, and teamwork. They also hone ethical leadership skills that build competency and experience for success in diverse and inclusive teams. The academic knowledge, skills, and credentials students earn in the classroom prepare them to “get the job.” DSA develops the essential workplace skills that prepare our graduates for success “in the job ”

SCRAPPY'S BUCKET LIST SCRAPPY'S BUCKET LIST

Scrappy's Bucket List challenges KSU students to complete items of their choosing from a carefully curated list before they graduate. Named for KSU’s mascot, Scrappy the Owl, and commemorating the anniversary of the university’s founding in 1963, SBL challenges students to “Complete 63 Before Your Degree!” Students can track their progress online and earn rewards, including hats and hoodies, as they complete levels.

28,555 28,555

“The best parts about completing all 63 things were getting to know both campuses better and meeting people I never would’ve met without Scrappy’s Bucket List.”

students completed at least 1 item -Summer Williams, SBL Completer -Summer Williams, SBL Completer

OWLS TAKE OWLS TAKE FLIGHT FLIGHT

The FLIGHT initiative is a class-year identity program aimed at increasing students' sense of belonging and affinity for KSU, KSU spirit, and ultimately their retention and progression at KSU. Fall 2022 incoming students belong to FLIGHT26 (indicating their potential graduation year of 2026) FLIGHT successfully engaged 5,623 attendees and distributed over 7,000 jerseys for FLIGHT26 to wear around campus.

62% 62%

of FLIGHT26 students agree it helps them feel part of the community

The whole idea is really cool. In high school, you're able to form relationships more naturally; in college, you have to pursue them more. This has given me a way to meet other people.

-Jayden Aquino, -Jayden Aquino, FLIGHT26 FLIGHT26 Student Student

The KSU African American Male Initiative (AAMI) program is a minority-male enrichment program that provides academic, leadership, and professional opportunities to KSU students. AAMI programming empowers black men to achieve academic and personal excellence so that they may become leaders in their families and communities.

of KSU's AAMI Ambassadors (Peer Mentors) have earned internship and professional opportunities

Student-Athletes Success Services (SASS) provides student-athletes with a comprehensive range of support services including study space, tutoring, advising, mentoring, and personal development opportunities. Through SASS, student-athletes receive the necessary assistance and tools to thrive in the classroom while balancing their athletic commitments.

Top Flight Owls (3.0 GPA or higher)

Dedicated opportunities throughout the academic year for cultural and learning experiences for incoming KSU students who have experienced homelessness and/or the foster care system. Services Include:

Academic and Professional Development Workshops

Cultural and Education Abroad Enrichment Activities

Near Peer Mentoring

Case Management

retention*

of 1st-Year

(FLIGHT26) ASCEND Scholars

*Registered for Fall 23

CYAAR supports and encourages recovery and wellness in an abstinence-hostile social environment. By providing recovery-based programs, a peer recovery community, and education to help those impacted by addiction, the Center changes lives, connects students to the community, and lays a solid foundation for transformational recovery.

Three years ago, I was in the worst state of my life with seemingly no path forward. This year, as a direct result of being a CYAAR member, I was able to make connections and was given the opportunity to work for the Georgia Department of Law, allowing me to see a future for myself I never could have dreamed possible.

-Justin S., CYAAR Student -Justin S., CYAAR Student

Rudy Jackson

Ronald Briggs

Eric Ar Director of Learning and Improvement

Student Volunteerism and Service

Military Veteran Services

Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Student Conduc and Academic Integrity

Vice Presi Student

Gloria Laureano Esports

Sr Associate Vice President Marietta

Student Center Operations

Student-Athlete Success Services

Marietta Campus Life

Strategic Planning, Assessment, and Analysis

Office of the Dean of Students

Student Disability Services

Fraternity and Sorority Life Student Activities

Student Engagement

Student Engagement and Belonging

Parent and Family Programs

Cultural and Community Centers and Student Leadership

Assistant Vice President for Student Wellbeing

Counseling and Psychological Services

Sports and Recreation

Health Promotion and Wellness

Center for Young Adult Addiction and Recovery

CARE Services

Director, Student Affairs Administrative Services

Financial Services and Fiscal Management

HR Divisional Support

Contracts

SABAC Budget Management

Marketing and Communications

neson

Marcy Stidum

Candace Hall

ident for Affairs Assistant Vice President for

Cara Ray

Cindy Butson Executive Assistant

STRATEGIC PLANNING, ASSESSMENT, AND ANALYSIS

RUDY JACKSON, PH.D.

Director of Learning and Improvement

SHAWANDA DANIEL, M.S.

Program Manager for Assessment and Analysis

spaa@kennesaw.edu