1998-1999 - The University of Scranton

Student Affairs, as a professional field within higher education draws upon the human
development movement and, more specifically, student development theory. One theorist who
has made a major impact on student development theory and student affairs work is Arthur
Chickering, author of a seminal work in student development entitled Education and Identity,
published in 1969. Chickering defined seven “vectors of development.” These vectors outlined
the manner in which Chickering theorized that college students grew and developed during the
college years.
The vectors included Achieving Competence (intellectual, physical/manual and social/interpersonal);
Managing Emotions; Becoming Autonomous; Establishing Identity; Freeing
Interpersonal Relationships; Clarifying Purposes, and Developing Integrity.
Specifically, Student Affairs at the University of Scranton concerns itself with providing
programs and activities that promote student development. The work of student affairs takes
place in the counselor’s office and the classroom, on the athletic field or court, in meeting
rooms and residence halls, through student organizations, and in a host of informal settings
across the campus.
Student development is the joint responsibility of the student and the University. Both must
be concerned with the development of individuals and of the student body. In the final analysis,
this is the responsibility of the University as an educational setting and of students as an important
component of that educational environment. They are both resources and end-products of
the University's work.
The following areas or offices perform specific work in relation to the goals and objectives
of the Student Affairs division.
CAMPUS MINISTRY — As a Catholic institution, the University of Scranton is dedicated
to promoting continued growth in personal maturity and freedom, especially as religious believers
and persons dedicated to service of the human family. The specifically spiritual ministry of
the entire University community is coordinated by the office of Campus Ministry assisted by
the Jesuits, other clergy, University staff members and students themselves. Regular daily and
Sunday liturgies and other special services are conducted in the Madonna della Strada chapel,
St. Ignatius chapel, and in the dormitories. Spiritual counseling is available from the staff and
the Jesuits, especially the Dormitory Counselors. These people make available their training,
experience, and friendship to promote greater self awareness, maturity, integration, and ability
to pray, as well as to identify obstacles to these and other goals.
Persons seeking time for quiet reflection, directed prayer or an experience of Christian community
are invited to participate in frequent programs at nearby Chapman Lake. Campus
Ministry also sponsors lectures and discussions on vital issues, organizes special events to
heighten religious awareness, assists in services to the larger community, and is responsible to
act as spokesman for justice within the University. In conjunction with Rev. Rees Warring of
Elm Park Methodist Church and other local non-Catholic clergy, students of non-Catholic
faiths are encouraged to help plan an expansion of services to themselves.
COUNSELING CENTER – The Counseling Center serves all students of the University in the
personal and interpersonal dimensions of their lives. Located on floor 2F of the Gallery Building, the
Center offers individual and group counseling concerning a variety of issues such as: dating, family
relationships, depression, anxiety, grieving, self-esteem and self-image, eating disorders, sexual abuse
or harassment, drug and alcohol concerns, stress management, assertiveness training, major and
career decision-making, and values clarification.
The Center also serves as a liaison with other offices and agencies (both on and off campus)
regarding academic, career, and mental health-related concerns. In addition, the Counseling
Center offers outreach programs to enhance the lives of students and to reduce impediments to
achieving their full potential.
The Counseling Center staff includes psychologists, certified counselors, and a licensed
social worker. Interviews are on a voluntary basis, confidential, and without charge to the student.
The Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Later evening sessions
are available Monday through Thursday by appointment only. In addition, emergency crisis
intervention is available from September through May (while classes are in session) on a 24hour
basis via contacting Public Safety (941-7777) to access the counselor-on-call. Stop by the
Counseling Center or call (717) 941-7620 to make an appointment.
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