2.10: The institution provides student support programs, services, and activities consistent with its mission that promote student learning and enhance the development of its students.    Narrative:  The University of Texas (UT) at Arlington offers its students an environment that encourages active learning for all levels of students. UT Arlington’s support programs, services and activities help meet the University mission and goals of preparing students for “full, productive lives and informed and active citizenship.…Outside the classroom a wide range of student organizations and activities contribute to the learning environment.” [1] The people and resources of the student support programs, services and activities at The UT Arlington are directed to developing the talents and potential of individual students and stimulating the growth of a lively and dynamic campus community.   UT Arlington’s support services and activities are characterized by active learning that enables students to: (a) exhibit leadership in a wide range of student organizations, (b) participate in the affairs of the University governance, (c) work to change the campus to make it better for all, (d) participate in service learning projects that impact the larger community and (e) learn the skills necessary to make successful transitions to careers or graduate education. Co-curricular opportunities engender a transformative collegiate experience, both for the students and the institution. UT Arlington offers a wide array of student support programs, services and activities that promote student learning and enhance student development at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Many of the services available are published in the Undergraduate [2] and Graduate [3] Catalogs, the Student Handbook [4] and office websites.   The University is committed to the physical and psychological well-being of its students, offering specialized, accessible problem-solving services that allow students to concentrate on their studies. Students from a variety of backgrounds are welcome, as they strengthen and enhance the campus environment. This is evidenced in the wide variety of student programming offered by the Division of Student Affairs [5] and the academic student support service programs outlined in Comprehensive Standard 3.4.9. [6]   Student Support Programs, Services and Activities:  As evidenced by UT Arlington’s Organizational Chart, [7] the Vice President for Student Affairs reports directly to the Provost. The following student support programs, services and activities fall under the Division of Student Affairs: [5]  ADA Coordinator [8]: The role of the ADA Coordinator is to ensure that students have a physical and programmatically accessible environment that encourages the matriculation and academic success of all disabled students. Campus Recreation [9]: To meet the needs of a diverse educational community, Campus Recreation provides opportunities and experiences that contribute to the health, well-being, development and education of the University community. A broad range of activities, services and facilities are offered (e.g., Informal Recreation, Intramural Sports, Sport Clubs and Aquatics). The QUEST University Wellness program offers health and fitness education through lecture series, group exercise, personal training, massage therapy, fitness testing and nutritional consultations. The UT Arlington Spirit Groups, which consist of the UT Arlington Pom Squad, Cheerleaders and Mascots, are part of Campus Recreation. These groups appear at athletic events and other UT Arlington activities and perform competitively at regional and national competitions. The UT Arlington Movin’ Mavs [10], UT Arlington’s seven-time National Championship Wheelchair Basketball Team, also falls under Campus Recreation. In addition to the championships, the Movin’ Mavs has developed 24 First Team All-Americans and had 10 student athletes selected to participate in ParaOlympic competitions.  Office of Multicultural Affairs [11]: The Office of Multicultural Affairs strives to create, foster and support an academic, social and cultural atmosphere conducive to the needs of all students, thereby embracing individuals from all backgrounds and maintaining a commitment to diversity of opinion. A major initiative of this Office relates to the recruitment and retention of students from underrepresented backgrounds. Diversity training, cultural programming, seminars, educational assistance and leadership development are also offered throughout the year. Diverse cultural programming reinforces a commitment to the personal growth of students outside the classroom. Programs such as Hispanic, Native American and African Heritage months are a few of the cultural programming initiatives.    Office for Students with Disabilities [12]: The goal and policy of the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) is to ensure that no qualified person be: (a) excluded from participating in any University program or activity, (b) denied the benefits of any University program or activity or (c) subjected to discrimination with regard to any University program or activity. As part of its commitment to a diverse campus culture, the OSD envisions full participation and integration of students with disabilities. In order to achieve this goal, OSD promotes the cooperative efforts of the departments, offices and personnel, which are essential in preparing students to work, live and contribute to an increasingly complex society. To this end, the institution continues to strive to achieve excellence in its services and to assure that they are delivered equitably and efficiently to all of its members. The OSD attempts to guarantee equal access by removing possible barriers, both in campus structures and in the classroom environment. This is done through counseling, referral, assistive technology, interpreters, reasonable accommodations and the provision of disability related information.   Student Orientation [13]: Maverick Orientation Advising and Registration (MOAR) is a two-day program that is required for all first-time freshmen and an optional program for non-traditional freshmen. The program focuses on providing new students information that enables them to become competent, self-reliant learners who are committed to and engaged in their higher education experience. During this orientation, students and their families become familiar with the UT Arlington’s programs and policies, thereby fostering a sense of community and an affinity with the institution. This program gives students the opportunity to meet with faculty advisors and complete their registration and provides the Student Success Panel a venue to discuss information about the Honors College, Mav Scholars and UT Arlington HOSTS!, a peer mentoring program. The Student Services Panel acquaints the participants with information regarding such topics as parking, e-mail addresses, library services and textbook purchasing. Specially trained students called Maverick Orientation Leaders (MOLs) assist with the program.  Student Activities [14]: Student Activities provides opportunities for all students to learn leadership and management skills while promoting a variety of programs to meet the cultural, recreational, social and educational needs of the University and surrounding community. EX.C.E.L. Campus Activities [15] is a student programming board that is organized into the following committees: (a) Campus Traditions, (b) Entertainment and Arts, (c) Lectures and Debates, (d) Marketing and (e) Membership. Twenty-six Greek chapters are part of one of four councils: (a) Multicultural Greek, (b) Interfraternity, (c) Panhellenic and (d) National Pan-Hellenic. The Exploring Leadership Program incorporates the: (a) Leadership Academy, (b) leadership retreats and workshops, (c) annual Leadership Recognition Ceremony, (d) EDUC 1130 and 2330 (credit courses offered through the College of Education), (e) Campus and Community Involvement Record, (f) Leadership Commonwealth, (g) Peer Leadership Training Program and (h) Leader Shape. In the near future, these leadership functions plus others in the Division of Student Affairs (e.g., Student Governance’s Freshman Leaders on Campus) will be more closely coordinated and form a Leadership Center. In addition, there is a growing program titled UT Arlington Volunteers that strives to promote active citizenship and closer community ties through projects such as helping to rebuild homes in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.  Student Governance and Organizations [16]: All of the programs and activities of Student Governance and Organizations (SGO) are focused on maximizing active student learning and participation in the affairs of the University community. SGO comprises: (a) Student Congress, the elected representatives from each of the nine undergraduate schools and colleges; (b) the Constituent Councils, the branches of Student Congress that address policy issues and provide programs and information (e.g., publications, forums) to their constituents; (c) the Graduate Student Senate; (d) Student Organizations, the over 250 registered organizations classified as honorary, international, political, recreational, professional, fraternities and sororities, religious, service and special interest; (e) the UT Arlington Ambassadors, including Mr. and Ms. UT Arlington, the official student hosts for UT Arlington who are dedicated to the preservation and promotion of University traditions; (f) Freshman Leaders on Campus (FLOC); (g) UT Arlington HOSTS!, a peer mentoring program that matches new students with returning students, using the academic major as the connector and (h) the Leadership Commonwealth, which is cosponsored with the Department of Student Activities.   Student Judicial Affairs [17]: The Office of Student Judicial Affairs exists to promote and enforce the Code of Student Conduct and Discipline. [18] Students alleged to have contravened University standards are sent summons letters with instructions to make an appointment with the Director of Student Judicial Services. Each case is adjudicated and appropriate educational sanctions and penalties are determined. There is also a strong outreach effort through programs such as Academic Integrity Week and National Hazing Prevention Week. Student Judicial Affairs will join with the Attorney for the Students to create a mediation program.  Student Legal Services [19]: Any currently enrolled student who has paid the Student Activity Fee may seek a private consultation with the Attorney for the Students. The Attorney may not represent the student in a matter involving the University nor can the Attorney accompany the student to a court proceeding, but matters such as landlord/tenant disputes and consumer problems may be addressed. The concentration is on prevention in the form of a series of legal education seminars and individual and customized topical presentations for students and student organizations. Students are empowered to develop skills and knowledge that will enable them in the future to avert, resolve or appropriately engage personal legal issues. Resolving legal concerns helps students concentrate on their academic studies.  Student Publications [20]: The perennial prize-winning newspaper, The Shorthorn, offers students the training and resources necessary to prepare for careers in journalism and related fields. During the fall 2005 semester, more than 80 students from 22 majors were on the staff of The Shorthorn.   The following student support programs, services and activities fall in divisions other than Student Affairs:  Career Services [21]: Career Services has three campus locations: Career Services, Business Career Services and Student Employment Services. Career Services provides the following: (a) fall and spring campus-wide career/job fairs, (b) graduate & professional school fair, (c) on-campus interviews and online job listings for internships and work-study positions and (d) the Workforce Recruitment Program, a federal program for students with disabilities. New innovations include the RezFuzion Virtual Mock Interviewing Program and Podcasts developed on career-related topics. Career Services also offers the Career Diploma Series, six workshops designed to build the skill sets needed to prepare for and obtain meaningful work. Other services include: (a) presentations to classes and student organizations, (b) résumé referrals, (c) online job listings and (d) on-campus interviewing. Career Service Workshops are designed to enhance career readiness and the attainment of individual career goals.  Counseling Services [22]: The mission of Counseling Services is to help students define and accomplish personal, academic and career goals. The Center’s regular programming fosters student opportunity for academic and career success, thereby helping students to lead full, productive lives. The Counseling Center offers the following services: (a) individual and group counseling, (b) workshops and seminars and (c) campus outreach activities. These services include planned, purposeful communication and collaboration, and coordination with students, faculty and staff. Counseling Services also partners with Student Success Programs to administer the Peer Counseling Program, a program that trains qualified students to teach courses in college adjustment and provide leadership for the freshman interest groups (FIGs).   UT Arlington Health Services [23]: UT Arlington Health Services, under the direction of the School of Nursing, strives to maintain the optimum physical and emotional health of UT Arlington students, as well as faculty and staff, by providing quality, accessible, comprehensive and cost-effective primary health care as an outpatient provider. UT Arlington Health Services contains a pharmacy, laboratory, radiology department, mental health unit, women’s clinic, immunization clinic, orthopedic clinic and a substance abuse prevention office. Complementing the efforts of the professional staff is a peer education program that prepares and trains students to educate the University community and surrounding communities about healthy lifestyles, including information on topics such as substance abuse, eating disorders, healthy relationships, acquaintance rape, STDs, HIV/AIDS and stress.   UT Arlington Housing [24]: Campus housing has dramatically increased in the last five years, adding two new residence halls and four new apartment communities for a total of 1,792 new beds. Currently, 4,394 students live in campus housing. To meet the needs of diverse students on-campus, there is a blend of traditional and new housing facilities with various amenities and rent structures. This growth in residential life has altered the campus in many positive ways and has allowed Housing to promote a student-centered community that allows students to achieve their educational goals. For example, Housing has partnered with the Student Success Program to provide Learning Communities and FIGs. The residence hall program emphasizes student leadership, development of community and success inside and outside of the classroom. Each residence hall has a hall council and a student staff actively engaged in leadership training, programming and community service. Members of the faculty and staff from all over the University greet new students each fall at Move-In Day and help new residents (and their parents) become established.    E. H. Hereford University Center [25]: The E. H. Hereford University Center provides services and facilities that respond to student needs for informal activities and services (e.g., mail service, a variety of food choices and facilities, meeting rooms and recreational facilities for activities such as bowling and billiards). The Center is also home to Student Activities, Student Governance and Organizations, Multicultural Affairs, the Attorney for the Students, Student Judicial Affairs, Student Publications, Dining Services and a banking facility. MAV Express, which makes identification cards for all members of the University Community, is also located on the main level. The MAV Express card may be used as a debit card and is accepted at many campus facilities and a limited number of off-campus establishments.  Other Programs: UT Arlington also offers its student body several academic support programs and learning resources. Academic programs and resources are outlined in Comprehensive Standard 3.4.9. [6]   Assessment of Student Support Programs, Services and Activities:  The assessment of Student Affairs programs, services and activities takes many forms, including: (a) campus surveys, (b) the Unit Effectiveness Process [26] and (c) focus groups, onsite evaluations and student newspaper surveys. In 2004-05, at the request of the Division of Student Affairs, Institutional Research, Planning and Effectiveness conducted a survey that focused on the use and satisfaction of Student Affairs’ services. [27] All campus units must submit assessment plans to the Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Effectiveness as part of the Unit Effectiveness Process. These plans list program goals and record achievement in the form of formative and summative goal development, attainment and measures of improvement in specific identified services and procedures. Evidence of program effectiveness is seen in the units’ assessment plans. [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] Student Affairs also uses student focus groups, performs onsite evaluations and puts surveys in the student newspaper to elicit student feedback regarding programs and services.   Comprehensive Standard 3.4.9 [6] speaks to the assessment of academic student support services.   Division Collaboration:  The Student Affairs Division provides many opportunities for collaboration within and outside of the Division. First, the Leadership Team meets every two weeks during the fall semester. The Leadership Team consists of representatives from each Student Affairs department and liaisons from outside the Division of Student Affairs, including such offices as Student Success, Communication, International, Housing, Alumni Affairs, Communication, Health Center and Athletics. Second, the Division has a Management Team that consists of Student Affairs department heads plus the: (a) Director of the Office for Students with Disabilities, (b) Director of Student Judicial Affairs, (c) Student Attorney and (d) coordinators from the Office of Student Governance and Organizations, as well as their counterparts from Student Activities. Third, the Vice President for Student Affairs meets with the University President and Vice President of Student Congress twice a month to discuss issues, concerns and important topics. Fourth, there is a President’s roundtable dinner meeting with student leaders once a month. Fifth, to assist the Division with decision-making processes, the Division has committees in various areas (communications and assessment, benchmarking, external fundraising, space allocation and professional development) with membership from across the division. Sixth, the Division sponsors video conferences on topics of importance. Finally, the entire division (professional and support staff) meet for retreats on a regular basis.