Missions of Higher Education Student Affairs and Services: 10 Essential Touchpoints for Student Success

As a student, you're probably aware of the many services that your university or college offers. But did you know that these services are actually part of a larger mission to support your success?

Student affairs and services are designed to help you succeed in all aspects of your college experience, from academics to personal growth. They provide a wide range of programs and services that can help you:

• Achieve your academic goals
• Develop your personal and leadership skills
• Get involved in campus life
• Make connections with other students and faculty
• Find support when you need it

10 Essential Touchpoints for Student Success

According to the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), there are 10 essential touchpoints for student success. These touchpoints represent the key moments in a student's college career when they are most likely to need support and guidance.

The 10 essential touchpoints are:

1. Orientation
2. First-year experience
3. Academic advising
4. Career counseling
5. Student leadership development
6. Diversity and inclusion initiatives
7. Health and wellness programs
8. Counseling and psychological services
9. Financial aid counseling
10. Housing and residential life

These touchpoints provide a framework for student affairs professionals to develop programs and services that can help students succeed. By focusing on these key moments in a student's college career, student affairs professionals can help students make a smooth transition to college, achieve their academic goals, and develop the skills they need to be successful in life.

Benefits of Student Affairs and Services

There are many benefits to taking advantage of student affairs and services. These benefits include:

• Improved academic performance
• Increased retention and graduation rates
• Greater involvement in campus life
• Stronger connections with other students and faculty
• More opportunities for personal and leadership development
• Better preparation for life after college

How to Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved with student affairs and services. You can:

• Attend orientation and other first-year events
• Meet with your academic advisor regularly
• Visit the career center to explore your career options
• Join a student club or organization
• Participate in diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Take advantage of health and wellness programs
• Seek counseling or psychological services if needed
• Apply for financial aid
• Live on campus or in university-affiliated housing

Conclusion

Student affairs and services are an essential part of the college experience. These services are designed to help you succeed in all aspects of your college career, from academics to personal growth. By taking advantage of these services, you can increase your chances of success in college and beyond.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you get started:

• What are my academic goals?
• What are my personal and leadership goals?
• What are my interests and hobbies?
• What kind of support do I need to succeed in college?

Once you have a better understanding of your needs, you can start to explore the many programs and services that are available to you.