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STUDENT ENGAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY

Based on my experiences working with students, and higher education, my philosophy of student engagement and success involves purpose, intention, and integrity. Educational support and opportunity that is made accessible to all students. The capacity to succeed through purposeful and meaningful learning experiences, as well as challenging and enriching programs that build on academic abilities. I believe in the value of a holistic education that enables students to work autonomously toward intellectual development, practical competency skills, an increase of social and physical resources, spiritual, and psychological development  including safety and identity formation. Ultimately, I advocate the cultivation of critical thinking skills and active learning through personal and collaborative exchanges that provide proactive access to an array of resources.

As a higher education professional, my student engagement philosophy mission and the role are to assist the student body in developing their potential and making a contribution to the betterment of society. My student engagement core values are to contribute to the overall development of students, address needs, and make available all resources that involve a student’s life. As a proactive and purposeful professional administrator, I would consider periodic evaluations of all areas to enhance current and future students’ services because as students change, institutional practices and policies should follow. As professionals, we are expected to advocate students’ rights and the importance of engaging students in active learning, ethical practices, effective management of resources, and networking. However, to become engaged, students must feel accepted and receive a sense of belonging. Therefore, my student engagement philosophy promotes an active and collaborative role that ensures institutional cultures welcome students of diverse backgrounds and focus on the type of engagement that goes beyond strategies, techniques, and behaviors. This philosophy role is participatory and leads not only to academic achievement but to success as an active citizen. Thus, to make a difference in students’ lives, not just academically, but as a whole.

The aspects of student engagement I enjoy are being part of the roles and settings that explore teaching, learning, and caring models promoting respectful interactions and achievement-oriented values that enhance students’ social and emotional competence. An environment where practices and activities reflect team leadership that focuses on values such as respect, excellence, and diversity. Student supports that I enjoy is offering guidance throughout the entire college experience. Assisting students to navigate through all aspects of college policies and services. In addition, to provide input and continuous reevaluation of policies and procedures that impact the student body to ensure they are receiving the best service, assistance, and guidance throughout their college experience.

There are three major characteristics that make up the college environment: peer interactions, classroom, and physical environment. Previous experiences and interactions have the greatest influence on students’ college environment whether they are positive or negative. Students must interact with different cultural backgrounds, socioeconomic status, and value systems. The result is a combination of pre-college experience and college environment that’s challenging and more exploratory in the attainment of knowledge and more reflective in thinking. Therefore, my philosophy acknowledge that incoming students’ successful transitions result from engaging with peers, classroom, and other aspects of an organization. Institutions who recognize students' needs, learning styles, pre-college experiences, and identify those influences, are able to provide support that aids reach students goals. Acknowledging the connection between the college environment and factors affecting successful student transition, enhances the college experience, and contributes to student retention and graduation rates.

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