At the University of Lynchburg, active participation in academic life is essential to each student’s education. Similarly, active engagement in campus life, out-of-classroom learning opportunities, and recreation is essential to students’ development as individuals, community contributors, and leaders. Consistent with the University’s educational mission, the Office of Student Development promotes student success through engaged cocurricular learning and by fostering an inclusive, dynamic campus community.
Student Development offers diverse opportunities for students to engage in campus life and to experience self-discovery and personal development. Through on-campus living, cultural and social activities, membership in clubs and organizations, community service, intramural and club sports, spiritual life activities, and promotion of personal wellness, students enhance their intellectual abilities, physical and mental well-being, teamwork, inclusion, communication and leadership skills, commitment to community engagement, and readiness to achieve personal and career goals.
Student Development staff endeavor to enhance campus life and students’ University experiences in three primary areas/portfolios:
- Community Development provides transformative experiences through active living-learning opportunities in the University’s varied on-campus residential facilities for undergraduate students. Community Development also includes intentional engagement in the campus and greater Lynchburg city communities, as well as upholding community expectations through personal responsibility and accountability, conflict resolution, and reparation of harm caused to the community.
- Student Involvement and Leadership facilitates students’ engagement in the University’s diverse campus community through participation in clubs and organizations, development of leadership skills, and enjoyment of social and recreational opportunities in Drysdale Student Center.
- Well-being and Belonging promotes both individual and community well-being through proactive and preventive education, intervention, and support. This collaborative model of integrative wellness includes Campus Recreation, Case Management, the Counseling Center, the Health Center, the Spiritual Life Center, and Wellness and Health Promotion (including International Student Support).
Central to the University of Lynchburg’s effective educational environment and enjoyable campus life is a shared commitment to integrity, diversity, and an inclusive community in which all students, faculty, and staff are welcomed and respected. Student Development collaborates with campus partners, such as Campus Safety and Security and the Office of Equity and Inclusion, to enhance students’ opportunities for cocurricular learning and engagement in campus life.
Students are eligible to participate in the governance of the University of Lynchburg community through the Student Government Association or through independent participation. Typically, students are appointed to various committees and task forces established by the faculty, staff, and other constituents of the University. Students appointed to these committees represent the interests and views of their organizations, on-campus residential facility, graduation class, or specific populations within the general student body. In almost all cases, students serving on these committees enjoy full voting privileges as they participate in decision-making processes that affect policies, planning, programming, budgeting, academic offerings, dining, and other student services. Specifics related to the student’s role and participation in institutional decision-making are noted in “Student Rights,” numbers 9 and 12.