As the University’s chief student affairs officer, the Vice President for Student Affairs provides intellectual and administrative leadership, guiding the University’s student affairs services and programs as well as university wide initiatives. Also providing programmatic, assessment and financial leadership for Student Affairs departments, the Vice President serves as an advocate for all students in the University community. Student Affairs departments include: Counseling Center, Dean of Students Office, Housing and Residence Life, Multicultural Center, Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center, Religious Life, Center for Campus Life, and USI Deaconess Clinic. The position reports to the President, is part of President’s Council and Provost’s Council and works closely with faculty, staff, students and community leaders on all matters affecting the student experience.
The Vice President will serve as one of the most visible representatives of the University and, as such, sustain a high level of direct involvement with students, and to be deeply engaged in their campus experiences. As an advocate for students, the Vice President will support the overall planning and development of a seamless cocurricular and curricular experience of students, with particular emphasis on high impact practices, student development, student wellness, and community involvement through leadership education, experiential learning opportunities, student organization involvement, and campus programming.
At present there are seven direct reports to the Vice President and 49 full-and part-time staff in the Student Affairs operation. The Vice President oversees an operational budget of over $17 million. The University is home to four residential halls and forty-three apartment buildings housing over 2,800 residents.