Mission Statement:

The Division of Student Affairs supports the mission of Bennett College for Women and provides a co-curricular program of educational development for our students.  The Division is committed to creating an environment that encourages the development of the whole student, intellectually, culturally, socially, and spiritually.  As educators, we assist students in developing the life skills (integrity, responsibility, self-respect, trust, and accountability) necessary to make effective and informed choices, promoting their well being and preparing them for life beyond the college experience.  The Division acknowledges the worth and value of all persons and strives to strengthen community through diversity.

 

Our mission is accomplished through many areas:

Career Services– The Office of Career Services is responsible for aiding students in developing, evaluating, and effectively initiating career plans.  The efforts of this office are designed to stimulate the professional growth of each student by providing assistance with career planning and placement options, career development, and experiential opportunities to address the issues of career selection and preparation.

Office of the Chaplain – This office serves as the spiritual covering for the campus, participating in various campus programs and reaching out to members of the College community in times of crisis and emergency.  The Chaplain is responsible for religious life on the campus, while counseling students, ministering to their needs, and encouraging their spiritual growth.

Counseling Services– This department provides individual and group counseling for students to address developmental and interpersonal needs.  Programs are sponsored to promote and encourage prevention and responsibility, and include topics related to issues pertinent to students in a college setting.

Health Services – The Health Center, through its programs and services, enhances the educational process by modifying and/or removing health-related barriers to learning.  The department offers a comprehensive approach to health through education, consultation, and referral.  The Director, in consultation with our consulting physician, ensures that all state mandates are followed regarding students’ health records and immunizations.

Residence Life – Residence Life provides a safe and comfortable living environment for all residential students.  The Director oversees the total program including housing assignments and facilitating community development programs and activities.  Each residence hall is managed by a full-time, live-in resident director.  These directors are responsible for evening and weekend duty coverage and work closely with Public Safety, especially after our general operating hours.

Student Activities – This department offers a variety of recreational, social, cultural, educational, developmental, and experiential activities for the Bennett community.  It is responsible for ensuring that campus activities are valid to the needs and interests of students.  The Director serves as the advisor for the Student Government Association and oversees the membership intake process for our Greek-letter organizations.

Academic Cultural Enrichment Series (ACES) - ACES is designed to enhance the cultural, spiritual, and educational development of the entire campus community through participation in a series of activities.  These activities include formal convocations, departmental and organization-sponsored events, concerts, and other related programs.  All students are expected to attend these activities.

New Student Orientation - The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs is responsible for the coordination of new student orientation at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters.  The Division leads a campus-wide effort to educate and acclimate new students and their families to Bennett’s customs and traditions as well as campus services and resources.

Code of Conduct - Bennett’s Code of Conduct is administered through the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.  All applicants are required to sign and commit to the “Bennett Honor Code” as a term of their admission.  The College is committed to community and behavioral standards and expects all community members to embrace these expectations.  Details regarding the Code can be found in the Bennett Belle Book.