Our Philosophy

Our Assumptions about Students and Their Learning

• Student learning and development occures inside and outside the classroom (Astin, 199).
• Student learning and development requires experiential opportunities that allow students to apply their knowledge (Kuh et al., 2008).

Our Assumptions about Students and Their Involvement

• Student involvement positively impacts the college student experience (Astin, 1999).
• Student involvement in campus activities leads to a greater sense of belonging and affinity at their institution and among their peers (Tinto, 1994)
• Student involvement leads to greater persistence, retention, and graduation (Astin, 1999).

Our Assumptions about Students and Their Communities

• Community participation serves as an experiential learning opportunity which is a high impact practice for student development (Kuh et al., 2008)
• Community participation, including student organizations, volunteerism, and leadership experiences should be aimed at impacting social change (Komives et al., 2007)
• Change agency is a key function of effective leadership (Komives et al., 2007)