About the Division of Student Affairs

DSA Mission

The Division of Student Affairs advances the College mission and strategic plan by intentionally fostering and proactively promoting student learning and development within our residential liberal arts college community, where self governance and personal responsibility are hallmarks. We achieve our mission by embracing our core values.

DSA Core Values

Students in a water fight smiling as they avoid a spash — Students cooling off during a water fight

We value:

student-centeredness
diversity, social justice, and global citizenship
being curious, learning, thinking critically, reflecting, and pursuing passions
relationships, collaboration, and partnerships
providing challenge, support, empowerment, and accountability to students and colleagues
integrity, honesty, authenticity, well-being, and personal responsibility
hard work, dedication, and positivity

DSA Vision

The Division of Student Affairs aspires to be a nationally recognized model, comprising exemplary, collaborative, and student-centered educators, who challenge students as they discover their potential, achieve excellence, and serve the common good.

DSA Desired Learning Outcomes

The Division of Student Affairs staff engages Grinnell College students to foster personal growth and learning outside of the classroom. We do so through our programs, services, and resources; mentoring, advising, and counseling; and facilitating student self-governance in our residential community. As a result of interacting with Student Affairs educators, students will:

Develop Intrapersonal Skills

learn behaviors, attitudes, and skills that promote well-being, resilience, and personal safety and that reduce risk to self and others
learn to be self-reliant, appropriately assertive, and resourceful so that they may be their own advocates

Value Diversity, Social Justice, and Global Citizenship

learn to recognize, understand, and appreciate difference while respecting the ideas and dignity of all
learn to challenge and work productively against injustices, locally and globally
learn to actively engage with and positively affect the communities of which they are members, including identity-based groups, residential self-governing campus, City of Grinnell, nation, and world

Think Critically

learn to challenge assumptions and consider alternative perspectives
learn to apply existing knowledge and experience to new situations

Relate to Others

develop the capacity to establish healthy, mutually-beneficial relationships with others
enhance communication skills to effectively listen, reflect, and convey ideas
develop behavioral maturity and awareness of how their actions impact individuals or groups, and manage interpersonal conflicts effectively and civilly

Live with Integrity

learn to identify values and principles in decision making and to act in congruence with their beliefs
enhance leadership skills by collaborating with others to reach their goals and positively effect change

We intend that students develop, practice, and integrate these competencies into their lives at Grinnell and beyond.