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Action Plan Priorities 2026-2027

Student Belonging

  1. Establish and formally adopt a division-wide definition and framework for student belonging informed by student input and best practices 

  1. Facilitate targeted programming during the first six weeks of each fall semester, under eagles at night to increase student awareness of campus resources and support identity exploration and development 

Student-Centered

  1. Host two Division of Student Affairs–sponsored signature events each semester that increase visibility of the Division, showcase key programs and services, and create meaningful opportunities for student engagement and connection across campus 

  1. Create a division-wide training for undergraduate and graduate student employees, focusing on our divisional customer service philosophy, skill development, student belonging and cross-training where appropriate 

  1. Establish and operationalize a division-wide expectation to increase the visible presence and active engagement of DSA staff at campus events and in key student spaces to strengthen student connection and belonging 

  1. Increase student involvement in divisional committees (including search committees and university committees as appropriate) 

  1. Establish a Division of Student Affairs Student Advisory Council to inform policy development and revision, including designing and implementing more inclusive, accessible, and effective feedback mechanisms (e.g., reimagined town halls) that facilitate open, constructive dialogue with students 

  1. Strengthen student engagement with the Student Activism Support Team (SAST) through proactive education and structured feedback opportunities 

  1. Conduct a comprehensive RFP process to identify and implement a next-generation student engagement platform that aligns with institutional priorities, enhances the student experience, and meets defined functional and technical requirements 

  1. Establish The Eagle Flight Plan as American University's signature residential experience, creating an intentionally designed, developmentally scaffolded framework that fosters belonging, wellbeing, leadership, engagement, and student success while strengthening the connection between residential living, the DSA’s strategic plan, and the University’s strategic plan 

Holistic Well-Being

  1.  Expand education of the Care Network through faculty/staff engagement 

  1. Establish and operationalize the Hazing Prevention and Awareness Team at American University to strengthen student safety and well-being while ensuring full compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act 

Active, Engaged, Global, and Civic-Minded Community 

  1. Create shared language that defines what it means to be an actively engaged, civic-minded student and student community fostering a culture of understanding, inclusion, and accountability 

  1. Strengthen student awareness, access, and outcomes related to civic engagement 

Resource Development

  1. Conduct an audit of what surveys/assessment strategies currently exist 

  1. Establish a division-wide assessment committee 

  1. Include universal questions in campus partner surveys and assessment strategies 

  1. Obtain University First Year survey and review responses for relevant trends 

  1. Utilize software to collect and analyze data on student food access and distribution for students facing food insecurity 

  1. Identify platforms needing API access beyond traditional OIT tools, use API to improve analytics and reporting 

  1. Implement a divisional student satisfaction survey to inform DSA on how to better engage all students at AU 

  1. Develop a plan for shared technology solutions that improve functionality and reduce costs 

  1.  Recreate inventory of technology platforms within the division along with budget line paying for them 

  1. Collaborate with University Advancement to align communications and donor outreach with high-impact Student Affairs programs 

Staff Engagement and Professional Development 

  1. Assess DSA staff’s current professional activities (associations, conferences, offices held) 

  1. Compile and promote formal & informal opportunities for professional development already in place in division 

  1. Expert Learning Series led by peers 

  1. Incorporate presentations during Divisional Second Breakfast that educate the entire division on departmental topics of interest (residency requirement, student activism support, student conduct process, etc.) 

  1. Expand engagement opportunities at Second Breakfasts, divisional retreats, department meetings, etc. 

  1. Create social opportunities for staff to come together in an informal environment outside of division-wide gatherings