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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

About Our Division

Our Core Values: Belonging, Collaboration, Growth, Wellbeing

Core Values

The SCL Core Values are guiding principles that give us a sense of self and what is important as we work together and make decisions that inspire transformation. We evoke these values in our work every day.

  • Belonging: We cultivate an inclusive community that welcomes individuality, celebrates identity, appreciates contribution, inspires connection, and supports equity.  
  •  Well-being: We foster an environment in which individuals can flourish and become the best version of themselves.    
  • Growth: We invest in learning and promote opportunities for development.   
  • Collaboration: We engage in purposeful connections to achieve common goals.  

Priorities

Our Divisional Priorities support efforts to enhance SCL's ability to inspire transformation over the next 2-4 years. 

The Teams

Seven teams are moving SCL’s priority work forward: Information Sharing, Data and Assessment, Space Improvement, Staff Resource Enhancement, Student Resource Enhancement, Student Holistic Learning, Staff Development

High-Level Progress

One year into a four-year plan, each Action Team has completed discovery of root issues in their area, and prioritized projects for moving work forward. Each team is completing an annual review of their goals and action steps. Major projects include a Data Steward Group, Divisional Assessment Standards, a Communications Portal, a Space Usage proposal, Student Learning Outcomes, a New Staff onboarding process, and a People Leader development program. Action Teams will convene for a second annual divisional planning session in Fall 2024.
 

Data and Assessment

A systematic review of all digital data record systems was completed, for a full understanding of data definitions, data validity, data transformation, and need for system sunsets. The formation of a data steward group to improve data quality and governance was approved by the Vice President’s Council. A systematic review of current assessment plans, and assessment roles within job functions across the division was completed. An ongoing interactive divisional assessment calendar is ready for pilot, and divisional assessment standards have been drafted for wider review.

Contributors: Diane Hamilton & Susan Lin (Chairs); Tim Blair, Alec Brown, Jen Callahan, Dezi Okorie, JLP Prince, Stephanie Resue, Lisa Zehr; plus Taylor Bouraad, Karen Brown, Denice Cassaro, Nick Fanelli, Troy Feldman, Hollis Helton, Dawn Lodor, Daniel Longaker, Emily Nester, Jaime Panos, Nikki Sayward, Don Sevey, Emily Yahinich 

Information Sharing

Staff representatives from across SCL are developing a centralized online information portal especially for SCL employees. The portal will provide timely access to divisional and university updates, archives of divisional and university communications, event announcements and engagement opportunities, staff professional development resources and more, all in one Microsoft Sharepoint location, accessible with SSO login. Work is also underway to explore opportunities to increase information sharing with students.

Contributors: Amy Gaulke and Jennifer Austin (chairs), Anna Gallow, Bryan Chambala, Jody Marnell, Juan Costilla, Karen Vicks, Margaret Kadish Bruns, Aaron Goldweber, Connie Mabry, Dustin Freeley, Jane Pealo, Linda Stout, Mar Perez, Mark Anbinder, Wendy Franzese 

Space Improvement

A comprehensive review of SCL spaces for staff and students was conducted across campus. Priority areas for improvement were recommended, including improvements to the room reservation process, standards for spaces, and more. Resources will be coordinated through an internal space planning position with assistance from SCL units.

Team Contributors: Terri Boslett, Abby Priehs, Megan Ramey, and Asa Schindler (chairs), Brandi Smith-Berger, Jen Gudaz, Joel Harter, Karli Buday, Tiffany Robertson, Barbara Romano, Brian Kerry, Cassidy Rourke, Dana Stevens, Denise Hubbard, James Kazukietas, Laura Weiss, Peter Warner, Susan Parker

Staff Development

Job descriptions and performance dialogue process were reviewed for improving focus on staff development. People Leader development program is being designed to promote skills for success and internal career growth.

Contributors: Shan Varma and Brandon Fortenberry (chairs), Bruce White, Kristi Shorter, Kurt Sarsfield, Melissa Alario, Rachel Clark, T. Daniel Richter 

Staff Resource Enhancement

A staff onboarding plan is being proposed for implementation during the 2024-2025 academic year. The plan proposes steps that would increase consistency of experience during an employee’s first months in Student & Campus Life.

Contributors: Cassie Palladino and Kim Garrison (chairs), Candyse James, Scott Grove, Brilynn Winkleblack, Stephen Perina, Katherine Ballard, Sarah Janusz, Emily Dunuwila, Amy O’Donnell, Carrie Sipe, Shawn Ruebel, Paul Muscente, Meg Rogers, Kath Fenzel, Julie Paige

Student Holistic Learning

Nine Learning Outcomes for students are being integrated into SCL programming and resources during the 2024-2025 academic year – in the areas of Belonging, Well-being, and Interpersonal Skills. 

Team Contributors: Jenny Loeffelman and Erica Kryst (chairs), Christine Nye, Jeff Godowski, Kris DeLuca, Lindsey Bray, Matt Johnson, Amy Foster, Bethany Resnick, Jana English, Julie Edwards, Ricky Boche, Shura Gat, Suzanne Horning, Travis Winter, Jim Best, Kolyn Blinn, Adrian Durant, Alyse Mizia, Amadou Fofana, Heather Fortenberry, Joyce Muchan, Louise McGarry 

Student Resource Enhancement

Analysis is underway for a survey that collected information on resources currently in use in units across the division, with mapping to student learning outcomes.

Team Contributors: Christina Liang and Kevin Perry (chairs), Sharifa Wip, Maggie Jones, Jake Parker Carver, BJ Wojtowicz, Maria Zambos, Fermin Romero, Emily Pace, Amy Sucheski-Drake 

Additional SCL Core Values Resources