COMPREHENSIVE STANDARD 3.9.3

The institution provides services supporting its mission with qualified personnel to ensure the quality and effectiveness of its student affairs programs.

Non-Compliance

Comment
Student Affairs adheres to the annual performance appraisal policy that ensures the quality and effectiveness of its programs with qualified personnel.

From the Student Support Services Unclassified Personnel Roster, it appears the Division of Administration and Student Affairs generally is qualified to perform the duties that individuals were hired to perform. The Vice President, although trained in organic chemistry with no prior student affairs experience, now has 18 years leading the division. While the roster listed 29 individuals, the organizational chart listed some different individuals.

The credentials of four individuals from the Division of Special Services and Equity could not be confirmed. Additionally, although these individuals appear to have substantial experience, two individuals in the Division of Administration and Student Affairs do not appear to have the degree requirements for the positions listed. Finally, it is unclear if two other individuals meet stated years of experience requirements.

Response
McNeese State University employs qualified personnel to ensure the quality and effectiveness of its student affairs programs.

The University sponsors a variety of student affairs programs and services through a decentralized organizational model that incorporates divisions and departments across the University. Personnel working in all student affairs and services are qualified to perform the duties associated with their positions and meet or exceed the minimum educational and professional experience requirements determined by the University.

The Division of Administration and Student Affairs is the primary unit of the University that delivers student affairs programs. The division is made up of seven departments employing twenty (nineteen full time and one part time) unclassified staff. Student affairs programs and services provided through the division include the departments of Bookstore, Burton Coliseum, Financial Aid, Career Services, Recreational Complex and Intramurals, University Police and Information Center, and Student Services. All unclassified administrative personnel involved in the delivery of student affairs programs within this division meet the education and experience requirements necessary to hold their respective positions. Many exceed the minimum requirements for the positions they hold.

The Division of Special Services and Equity is also comprised of departments integral to delivery of student affairs programs at the University. Three departments within the division employ seven (six full time; one part time) unclassified staff. This support unit is responsible for providing student employment services, services for students with disabilities, and counseling services. All unclassified administrative personnel in this division meet the educational and experience requirements associated with their respective positions. Several exceed the minimum requirements for the positions they hold and programs they oversee.

The Division of Academic Affairs is comprised of three departments directly impacting student affairs programs of the University. All unclassified administrative personnel in the departments of the Registrar (six full time), Scholarships and Testing (two full time), and General and Basic Studies (six full time with one vacancy) meet the educational and experience requirements associated with their respective positions. Many exceed the minimum requirements for the positions they hold and programs they oversee.

One department under the aegis of Information Technology, Enrollment Information, is directly involved in the delivery of student affairs programs of the University. All five full-time unclassified administrative personnel in this department meet the educational and experience requirements associated with their respective positions descriptions.

On-going Professional Development of Student Affairs, Special Services and Equity, and Information Technology Personnel

Professional development through service in professional organizations at the local, state, regional, and national levels is one method used to keep personnel abreast of current trends and other critical developments in student life. The University encourages and supports efforts of its employees to participate in professional organizations and in professional development activities. Professional development through attendance at conferences and meetings, internal training programs, and participation with local task forces and action groups is another method which develops and reinforces the skills and competencies of personnel overseeing student affairs programs and related services. Professional development through the pursuit of advanced academic degrees or professional licensure and certifications is another strategy used by student affairs personnel and employees in the Division of Special Services and Equity. The attached document, “Roster of Student Support Services Unclassified Personnel,” illustrates some of the professional development activities that keep University personnel current and engaged with their respective constituents.

ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE
 Instructions for Navigating Roster of Student Support Services Unclassified Personnel
 Roster of Student Support Services Unclassified Personnel