Division of Student Life
Welcome to our community
Our Vision
Creating transformative learning experiences that inspire students to become their best selves.
Our Mission
The division of student life is dedicated to developing compassionate, confident, and respectful community members. Through our carefully planned programs, services, and individual interactions, the division of student life prepares students for success in a diverse, global society.
Integrating academic learning and student development, the division of student life challenges students to acquire an awareness of creative and cultural forces that shape the world, an integrated set of intellectual skills, a mature understanding of self, and an understanding of personal ethical responsibility.
Walking beside each student, the division of student life guides and supports students throughout challenging situations, assisting students in developing resilience and independent problem-solving skills. Working carefully with individuals and student groups, the division is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community as well as a safe and healthy campus culture.
The division employs an exceptional professional staff committed to enhancing student growth and development. Staff members experience regular collaborations within and outside the division, consistent with the values of a liberal arts institution.
Our Values
Students and their development are the purpose, incentive, and motivation for our work. As we fulfill our individual responsibilities, we collectively embrace our aspirational core values.
- Purposeful communication, regularly practicing purposeful face-to-face connections with others
- Collaboration, strengthening our efforts by crossing boundaries and creating partnerships
- Creativity, valuing creativity in leadership and problem solving
- Work-life integration, consistently practicing self-care and demonstrating the value of wellness
- Diversity and inclusion, knowing that a diverse living and learning community improves the educational experience for all and actively seeking colleagues from underrepresented populations
- Student development and learning, serving as advocates for students while empowering them to assume responsibility for their experiences
Professional Development
The SU Division of Student Life understands the challenges facing higher education and wants to be best prepared to meet the needs of our students. To address current issues, the division encourages professional development surrounding ACPA (College Student Educators International) and NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education) identified competency areas. Each year staff members create plans to strengthen competency in several areas. Staff member plans include local and national conference attendance, participation in sponsored webinars, membership in professional organizations, development of mentoring relationships, participation in book reading discussions, and other activities.
Strategic Planning & Assessment
Student Life professionals partner with students, faculty and others to create a vibrant residential learning community that promotes academic excellence and personal well-being consistent with the priorities outlined in the strategic plan.
The director of each student life department annually creates program outcomes and learning outcomes connected to the strategic plan priorities and the university’s learning goals.
The departments annually assess program outcomes and learning outcomes using best practice in assessment. Results of these assessments projects are used to create an annual report at the conclusion of each academic year.
Additional Information: To learn more about working at Susquehanna and to view current openings in the Division, please visit the Office of Human Resources.
Department: Facilities Management
Director of Facilities Management
Adjunct Faculty in Earth and Environmental Sciences
Interim Director of Public Safety
baileycj@susqu.edu
570-372-4149
Department: Student Life
Dean of Students and Campus Life
kracker@susqu.edu
570-372-4139
Department: Counseling Center
Dean of Health & Wellness, Director of Counseling Center
pearsonwharton@susqu.edu
570-372-4238
Department: Student Life
Dean for Student Diversity & Inclusion
Title IX Coordinator
salerno@susqu.edu
570-372-4302
The Susquehanna University CARE (Concern, Assessment, Response, Evaluation) Team provides coordinated support for students in distress and addresses concerns about student behavior, academic progress, and personal issues. The CARE Team gathers information from personal contact with students, faculty, staff, family members, and other members of the community.
To refer a student to the CARE Team, please fill out this form or contact the CARE Team Chair, Christie Kräcker.
Other members of the team include representatives from Campus Life, Center for Academic Achievement, Counseling Center, Public Safety, Athletics Department and Student Financial Services.
Detailed information about students of concern can be reported on the following forms:
- CARE Referral (non-academic concerns)
- Academic Concern
- Bias Incident Reporting Form
- Title IX Reporting Form
- Hazing Concern Reporting Form
The Student Advisory Board (SAB) brings together a cross-section of student leaders from many facets of student life to share information, collaboratively work towards campus-wide programs and solutions, and facilitate an open dialogue between students and administrators about important campus issues and initiatives.
This group of student leaders also serves as liaisons between the administration and the various student constituents they represent. SAB members are educated about Susquehanna University policies, procedures, and structure, and work closely to enhance student life at Susquehanna.
SAB is comprised of 10-12 students representing a cross section of campus groups.
Working with students to understand and meet conduct expectations, while also providing opportunities for students to be active and engaged in campus.
Our Center for Academic Success will help you build on your academic strengths and work on eliminating your weakness so you can be a stronger student.
The Susquehanna University Counseling Center offers a confidential environment to collaborate with you on your mental wellbeing.
The Susquehanna University Student Health Center offers high quality, compassionate and confidential medical care.
Our Department of Public Safety serves the campus community 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
New and returning students will find a home away from home at the Center for Diversity & Inclusion.
Student safety is critically important to maintaining a thriving community. #ProtectTheNest
There’s something happening at Susquehanna every night, as well as many student clubs and organizations to get involved in.
Members of the Susquehanna University community come from many religious and spiritual traditions or none at all. Wherever you find yourself on your journey, you’ll find a welcome here.