Mission and Values
Our Mission
Student Activities enhances the academic experience by fostering the development of critical thinkers, ethical leaders, and engaged citizens at Kenyon and beyond through our programs, services, and educational opportunities. Our work is student-centered and we strive to serve as an advocate for all students and student organizations as they experience and learn.
Values
Global Perspective: Today's student must be prepared for a global world as they enter the workplace. They must understand the value of diversity as it relates to both understanding and acceptance. We promote and celebrate an appreciation for all persons within the campus, local and global communities.
Civility and Respect: Regardless of difference of opinion or background, our conduct must demonstrate courtesy and compassion. We challenge each other to do the right things for the right reasons, uphold shared expectations, and recognize how our decisions affect others.
Integrity: We expect one another to take responsibility for the consequences of his or her own actions and to be truthful to oneself and others at all times.
Continuous and Intentional Improvement: We believe in continuous evaluation of our work and strive to achieve the best in all we do. We strive to reflect on past work and use that assessment to purposefully and intentionally make improvements.
Collaboration: We believe the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and encourage students to embrace the notion of working collaboratively with other student organizations, individuals, College departments, and community partners.
Competency: We emphasize the development of interpersonal, intrapersonal, and organizational skills as a means of enabling our students to contribute to the Kenyon community and society at large.
Leadership: We believe that leadership is a process and everyone has the capacity for leadership. Our intention is to develop students that have the self-efficacy, competency, and self-awareness to be ethical leaders who will bring about positive change in our community.
Why Student Activities are Important
- Students involved in activities are less likely to drop out than students who are not involved
- Activities encourage involvement which results in a stronger learning community
- Students who are socially involved make gains in general knowledge, intellectual skills, and tend to be more satisfied with their college experience
- Promote effective communication and students become active learners
- Students relate and connect to faculty and staff
- Student network with outside organization and alumni for benefit during and after college
Sources: Komives, S.R., Woodward, D.B., Jr., & Associates. (2003) Student Services: A handbook for the profession. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Hamrick, F.A., Evans, N.J., & Schuh, J.H. (2002). Foundations of Student Affairs. San Francisco: Jossey Bass