Role
of the College Union
The union is the community center
of the college, serving students, faculty, staff, alumni,
and guests. By whatever form or name,
a college union is an organization offering a variety of programs,
activities, services, and facilities that, when taken together,
represent a well-considered plan for the community life of the
college.
The union is an integral part of the educational mission
of the college.
* As the center of the college community life, the union complements
the academic experience through an extensive variety of cultural,
educational, social, and recreational programs. These programs
provide the opportunity to balance course work and free time
as cooperative factors in education.
* The union is a student-centered organization that values
participatory decision-making. Through volunteerism, its boards,
committees,
and student employment, the union offers first-hand experience
in citizenship and educates students in leadership, social
responsibility, and values.
* In all its processes, the union encourages self-directed
activity, giving maximum opportunity for self-realization and
for growth
in individual social competency and group effectiveness. The
union's goal is the development of persons as well as intellects.
Traditionally considered the "hearthstone" or "living
room" of the campus, today's union is the gathering place
of the college. The union provides services and conveniences
that members of the college community need in their daily lives
and creates an environment for getting to know and understand
others through formal and informal associations.
The union serves as a unifying force that honors each individual
and values diversity. The union fosters a sense of community
that cultivates enduring loyalty to the college.
Adopted by the Association's general
membership in 1996, this statement is based on the Role of
the College Union statement,
1956.
|
