Collaborating between academic and student affairs offices on a college campus

Rate this practice

Average

Your rating: None

Abstract

Combining academic service-learning with student affairs creates an environment that best supports student initiatives and leadership, and provides students with the skills and knowledge to help them become well-rounded individuals. This effective practice was developed by an AmeriCorps*VISTA member with the Michigan Campus Compact (2004-05) at Madonna University, Livonia, Michigan.

Issue

Collaboration on ideas and activities between two different campus offices can be difficult, but it is important that each department have an equal voice in order to determine what is best for the students being served.

Action

At Madonna University, the first step in building a bridge between academic and student affairs was to call a meeting with the director of service-learning, coordinator of student activities/wellness, vice president of student affairs, and vice president of academic affairs. An agenda was created for the meeting so that all who would be attending would have the opportunity to be prepared in advance.

For those attempting a similar collaboration, remember not only to discuss ways that the two offices can work together, but acknowledge the partnerships that already exist within the offices.

Try to communicate via these open meetings once a month. Each meeting should allow time for updates from each office and brainstorming about points of collaboration.

Key Components:

Coordinate a meeting schedule and set tentative agendas. If you do not have a designated liaison make sure to alternate who is in charge of the meetings. This will help ensure that one office isn’t overpowering the other.
At the first meeting discuss the following questions: What issues are the two offices trying to address? How is this issue unique to each office and the institution as a whole? What type of collaboration would best address this problem? What factors are in place on your campus that would assist with a successful collaboration? What factors may exist that would make collaboration a challenge? What are the anticipated outcomes of this collaboration?
Build lasting partnerships. (For example, if there is an academic service-learning class that meets one semester out of the year, the two offices can work together to ensure the institution’s commitment to the community partner during the other semester.)
Define the terms used at the institution to describe various initiatives. Consider how students will understand these terms and how they connect to the institution’s mission.
Be open to new ideas from a different division of the institution. Remember, it takes a whole university to provide the best experience for the student.
It takes time to change; you don’t have to do it all right away. Take small steps to work towards the main goal: to provide the best opportunities for students, inside and outside of the classroom.
Establish and maintain ongoing communication with all those that are involved and also follow an agreed-upon process for any communication that will take place outside of the meetings. (Open communication will lead to strong collaboration).

Context

The Madonna University director of service-learning works with faculty to assist in creating academic service-learning projects, developing community partnerships, and also works with faculty to write grants.

The Madonna University coordinator of student activities/wellness recruits for and coordinates a variety of civic engagement, community service, and health promotion projects, including Habitat for Humanity, food banks and soup kitchens, Christmas for Kids, alternative spring break programs, student government, and student leadership activities.

Outcome

Collaboration between academic and student affairs helps to provide the best opportunities for the students — both inside and outside of the classroom.