Student Affairs recognized among its peers at research universities
William & Mary was named one of the “2015 Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs at Research Institutions” by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education Magazine and the American College Personnel Association (ACPA).
William & Mary was the only research institution in Virginia named to the list of 14 “Most Promising Places.” In 2014 the university was included on the list of the top 30 “Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs.”
Started in 2014, the “Most Promising Places to Work” survey is conducted by the Center for Higher Education Enterprise (CHEE) at The Ohio State University. To be eligible for the commissioned survey, colleges and universities must be members of ACPA.
“This study yields insight into diversity in the student affairs workplace and offers a useful tool for employers, career services staff, and job-seekers across the country. We hope it continues to serve as a tool for the profession,” said the study’s principle investigator, Terrell Strayhorn, in a CHEE release.
For the study, respondents are evaluated on workplace diversity, staffing practices and work environment. CHEE notes on its website that its research team uses a web-based survey approach to conduct the survey and evaluates categories such as family friendliness, salary/benefits and professional development opportunities.
In an email, CHEE noted that it was William & Mary’s “focus on staff development and excellence through diversity” that made it one of this year’s “Most Promising Places to Work.”
"Our vision in Student Affairs is to create an engaging learning environment where community is strengthened and individuals flourish,” said Virginia M. Ambler, vice president for student affairs. "That's true not only for our students; it's also the kind of working environment we strive to create for and with one another. Our division is made stronger by the diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives of our staff members. I am delighted that W&M's Student Affairs Division has once again been recognized by Diverse as a promising place to work and I could not be more proud of our team.”
William & Mary’s Division of Student Affairs is responsible for numerous aspects of student life. Among the departments reporting to the vice president is the Dean of Students Office (which includes student accessibility services, student conduct and honor, academic enrichment, care support services/case management, transfer student services and parent & family programs). Others are, the Office of Residence Life, the Office of First Year Experience, the Student Health Center, the Counseling Center, the Office of Student Leadership Development, the Cohen Career Center, Campus Recreation, the Center for Student Diversity, Health Promotion, the Sadler and Campus Centers, and the Office of Community Engagement. The division includes 98 full-time and 18 part-time student affairs professionals.
Other research universities on CHEE’s list included Northwestern, the University of Miami, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi and Ohio State.
