Dean of Students AVP
Welcome from
Student Affairs
I would like to express how happy we are as a Life University community that you are here with us. We are very honored you have chosen to embark on your educational journey with us. As the Dean of Students, I am pleased to assist you in your academic, personal and professional development. Whether this is your first time at a university, you are continuing your education or returning after some time, we want to provide you with all the necessary tools for you to find success here at Life U.
I hope that your time at Life U will prove to be a productive learning experience. Our area is focused on the education our students receive outside the classroom. Though we are mindful that the intellectual life will be the core of the enterprise at Life U, we are dedicated to the idea that learning continues, is enhanced and is made meaningful beyond the threshold of the conventional classroom. I would invite you to enjoy intellectual discovery, participate in various campus events, get involved in a recognized student organization, and perhaps actively participate in community service. I hope that you will have a transformational experience at Life U that unlocks the potential within you.
We are committed to a vision of diversity and inclusion that fosters all students’ academic and personal growth. We are here to help you create a vibrant community that enhances the quality of your student experience. These efforts include navigational skills to make sensible and informed decisions about academic and personal matters; negotiating the opportunities and challenges that are an important part of a highly demanding academic environment; and finding appropriate resources within and beyond the Division of Student Affairs. We also work with a range of collaborative partners, including the Academic Affairs department, Advisement, Residence Life and Campus Safety to create opportunities for students, faculty, staff and community members to integrate the learning that takes place inside and outside of the classroom.
At Life U, we stand on Lasting Purpose, which is our duty to give, to do, to love, to serve, out of our own abundance. These are the pillars that Student Affairs functions uphold, and you will see those through all that we do in service to our students. We are student first, student centered, student oriented … we are Student Affairs.
Please feel free to contact me at DeanofStudents@life.edu if we can be of service. Our number one priority is to ensure that the student experience at Life U is a powerful and enriching one!
Sincerely,
Michael D. Smith, Ph.D.
Dean of Students
Student Affairs
Departments
Life U CAREs
Connect, Advocate, Resources, Empower, Support
CONTACT
At Life University we are a supportive small community that wants to make sure our students have the resources they need to help them through their academic and extracurricular journey at Life.
Reach out so we can help. CARE is a user-friendly resource that you can email (CARE@life.edu ) and make a request or share a concern that goes to our Interim Dean of Students, Dr. Ron Lunk. We will connect you to a CARE member who will typically make contact by email, so you can meet and help learn about the many resources and support services on and off campus.
If you are or know of a student of concern who needs help or support, click here and fill out the form so a member of the Life U community can reach out.
Take advantage of Life U CARES and be part of caring for yourself and your fellow classmates.
We look forward to hearing from you!
SBAT
Student Behavioral Assessment Team
The purpose of the Student Behavioral Assessment Team (SBAT) is to proactively identify student behaviors of concern in order to provide a coordinated and planned approach to preventing, assessing, managing and resolving interpersonal and behavioral concerns and threats to the Life University community.
SBAT makes recommendations for treatment, disciplinary action and/or other responses to the Vice President of Student Affairs and other campus officials as appropriate, with the ultimate goal of promoting student health, safety and success within a thriving educational environment.
GOALS
- Provide a safe, physical environment for members of the LIFE community.
- Provide a safe, emotional environment for members of the LIFE community.
- Promote peace of mind for friends and family of the LIFE community.
- Balance the individual needs of the student and those of the greater LIFE community.
- Provide a structured, positive method of addressing student behaviors of concern which impact the LIFE community, including mental health and/or issues of physical and emotional safety.
- Manage each case individually, discreetly and effectively.
- Initiate appropriate intervention in an effort to overt the need for punitive measures.
- Facilitate a coordinated response for students within and across relevant departments, as appropriate.
- Balance the educational, physical and emotional needs of the student and the academic and philosophic missions of Life University.
- Serve as a resource for students, faculty and staff regarding issues and needs pertaining to student behavior.
The SBAT Committee includes membership from across several campus constituent groups and is overseen by the AVP/Dean of Students.
Members include:
AVP/Dean of Students
CARE Case Manager
Director of Conflict Resolution and Accountability
Director of Counseling Services and Student Belonging
Campus Safety/Police
Academic Dean Representatives or designee