MSU revealed their 21st century model for student services during a town hall meeting Wednesday.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Services Denise Maybank said the model she presented was not set in stone and invited attendees to give their feedback and offer ideas.
Maybank said the new model came about because of a need to stay relevant and responsive to 21st century students by creating seamless opportunities for them.
The new model was described as a “holistic” approach to student services, which included addressing every need of the student, regardless of which specific office or department they go to for help.
"(The goal is) to transition from the usual expected silos and labels and relationships as we’ve known them over the years as Students Affairs and Services to a more integrated function that allows students to get what they need from MSU,” Maybank said.
She grouped student services into three main areas: Health, Wellness and Safety, Transition, Leadership and Experimental Learning and Identity/Affinity. Many of those departments are interconnected with others in neighborhoods and at other offices around campus.
Maybank focused on making students aware of programming and keeping students engaged by having staff respond to the student as a whole and not just the specific need they came to the office for. The new model encourages staff to refer students to other resources and to holistically approach student services.
Maybank reiterated paying closer attention to Identity and Affinity services that allow students to “feel whole,” and participate in student organizations that recognize cultural, emotional and socioeconomic diversity. She also specifically mentioned campus greek life as an integral part of student involvement.
Sigma Phi Epsilon Chapter President Jake Pawloski said the values and interests of greek life organizations closely align with those of the university. He said he is excited to see where the newfound relationship will go.
“Greek life wants to be involved in as many areas as it can be,” he said. “As we get more support we can provide services to our members and others, which benefits the entire community.”
ASMSU Vice President for University Programming Jamayl Martin also was pleased with the proposed model, saying that ASMSU always looks for more ways to assist and incorporate student identity.
“I do see some need for more representation and engagement,” he said. “The focus on allowing students to expresses multiple identities is pivotal to the student experience.”
