Since 1988, Michigan Tech has increased its attention to the quality of student life. The University has made significant accomplishments in providing services to students. However, until assessment procedures are in place, we will not accurately know how well we are delivering those services and programs. In addition, rapid growth in student services programs and the large number of student organizations requires better coordination of services. Although great strides have been made in including students in decision making processes, continuing inclusion is needed to meet our mission and vision for student life.

In summary, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats with regard to student services and student life are as follows:

Internal Assessment of the Organization
Strengths Significant programmatic improvements Students’ leadership capacity Increased staff Improved staff competencies Awareness that life outside the classroom impacts student success	Weaknesses Low student fees which limit funding for student life Ineffective advising of student organizations Little coordination of services Lean staffing No effective program assessment
Opportunities Corporate sponsorship of student-life activities	Threats Increased learning disabilities and substance-abuse among college students
External Assessment of the Environment

Action Plan

To take advantage of opportunities and remedy concerns with regard to student services and student life, the following action plan is recommended. Responsible parties for implementing the recommendations are identified.

This action plan will be integrated into the strategic planning process for 1998/99.

ENDNOTES

1. Boyer, E.L., College: The Undergraduate Experience in America, The Carnegie Founda tion for the Advancement of Teaching, New York:Harper and Row, 1987, p. 177–199; Pascarella, E.T., and Terenzini, P.T., How College Affects Students, San Francisco:Jossey Bass, 1991, pp. 214–334. BACK

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