A Letter from Our Vice Chancellor
In the Division of Student Affairs, we envision a Mizzou where every Tiger thrives and becomes a responsible, engaged citizen and leader who makes a difference on campus and beyond.
To fulfill that vision, we provide our students opportunities to develop skills in community service, leadership programs and much more. Such involvement enriches the student experience, fosters students’ sense they belong at Mizzou, student learning, and bolsters their academic success.
At Mizzou, learning has always taken place outside the classroom as well as within it. These growth opportunities have become some of our most cherished traditions and an essential part of the student experience.
Ask any Tiger, and they’ll tell you that what sets Mizzou apart is the feeling that they can call our campus home. That sentiment is growing. Last year we increased students’ sense of belonging from 3.73 to 3.85 on a scale of 1 to 5, and our involvement rate has increased to 88%, an 8 percentage point increase from 2023.
This is an indication that our Tigers are thriving , thanks in part to the thousands of opportunities students have to find their fit and get involved in the spirit of community.
Involvement in Student Affairs programs and activities is linked to increased persistence, higher sense of belonging, more satisfaction with their Mizzou experience, higher feelings of overall well-being, and stronger academic performance. Students who participate in community service, student organizations and on-campus employment have better cognitive development and leadership skills.
Tigers learn to lead and communicate in more than 600 student organizations and in interactions with Student Affairs staff. They learn problem-solving skills that give them a competitive edge in the workforce. These skills are part of the reason why more than 95% of recent Mizzou graduates have found successful career outcomes within six months of spring graduation.
In Student Affairs we pursue five priorities: Student sense of belonging, student engagement, student learning, student well-being and safety, and staff engagement and development. Each of these is critical to the success of our students and the university's effectiveness. The following pages present examples of our successes in these areas in the 2023-2024 academic year.
We continue to build on these achievements and raise the bar to support our Tigers. Doing so, we enhance their Mizzou experience and help them build a legacy that will resonate beyond their time on campus.
M-I-Z!
Dr. Angela King Taylor
Sense of Belonging
For Tigers, sense of belonging is the feeling that they are an integral part of the campus community — accepted, valued and connected. Fostering a sense of belonging helps create a more supportive and enriching college environment, which can lead to greater overall satisfaction and success for students.
"I loved the larger events during Welcome Week. They gave us a sense of community."
Belonging Achievements
- 4,587 students attended one or more Welcome Week events.
- 94% felt welcomed to campus through Welcome Week events.
- 90% were more excited about being a Mizzou student because of Welcome Week events.
- 11,432 intentional Tiger Chats between students and resident advisors (RAs) fostering personal connections and supporting students' growth.
- Fraternity and Sorority Life Honors was re-established to celebrate accomplishments of current and alum members and chapters.
Student Engagement
Tigers are enthusiastic about Student Affairs programs and activities. Engaged students are more likely to excel academically and persist through to graduation. They also experience a greater sense of purpose and accomplishment, which contributes to their overall well-being.
“The things I love most about Mizzou — all the traditions and the sense of community — all come down to the work of Student Affairs. It’s what makes Mizzou so special.” -Zion B., first-generation transfer student
Student Learning
At Mizzou, learning is at the heart of everything we do. Student Affairs offers Tigers numerous opportunities to learn valuable lessons through programs and activities. As a result, they develop into responsible, engaged citizens and leaders who make a difference on campus and beyond.
“My student leadership experience is teaching me valuable skills that will give me an advantage in my future career. I can’t imagine Mizzou without the opportunities that are offered outside the classroom.”
New High-Impact Practice (HIP) Cohort
Launched for Student Affairs practitioners to transform co-curricular programs into HIPs by integrating key HIP elements. Programs include:
Student Learning Achievements
- 73% of Mizzou fraternities and sororities are participated in Fraternity and Sorority Life chapter achievement program.
- 51%: Percentage of fraternity and sorority members on the dean’s list.
- 3.42: Average GPA for fraternity and sorority members (3.29 university average).
- Students who engage in MizzouRec programs like TigerX group fitness classes, personal training and Esports report participation in these activities helped them learn a new skill.
The Fraternity and Sorority Life retreat for chapter and council leaders resulted in notable learning gains across various aspects of the fraternity and sorority community. After the retreat:
- 90% of participants were able to explain stages of team development.
- 90% of participants felt capable of handling difficult conversations.
Student Well-Being and Safety
Student well-being and safety are fundamental to creating a supportive and productive educational environment where Tigers can thrive academically, socially and personally. Student Affairs provides well-being services and resources that address a range of well-being needs.
“It’s a huge relief to know that I can get all my health and well-being needs met right here on campus. All the care providers are compassionate professionals who understand students’ needs and the challenges we face.”- Amy H., well-being peer educator
Ensuring a safe campus community
- 730 total cases handled by the Office of Accountability and Support.
- 1 in 5 Tigers signed up to use the STRIPES safe ride program.
- 1,000+ downloads of Mizzou Safe app, developed and launched in collaboration with Divison of Information Technology, Missouri Students Association, Resident Halls Association, University Police, Boone County Joint Commission and General Counsel.
- 98% of fraternity and sorority chapter residents completed hazing prevention training.
- 15,000+ Sexual health education and resource provided.
Staff Engagement and Development
Staff engagement and development are essential for creating an enriching learning environment. In addition to boosting staff satisfaction and morale, these practices result in staff who are better equipped to provide meaningful support and mentorship to students.
“Student Affairs understands the importance of investing in people. I appreciate the opportunities we have to learn how to support our Tigers and grow as professionals.”
Staff Development Achievements
- Launched 360 Feedback for all supervisory staff to ensure future leaders are developed and critical issues are addressed.
- Launched manager training program.
- 18.6% staff attrition rate is the lowest it’s been in 4 years.
- 21: Net increase in number of staff.
- 7.1: Average years of service within the university.
Connect With Us
Credits:
Read what Student Affairs accomplished in 2023-2024.