May 17, 2017
New vision for Kansas State University’s Division of Student Life
Submitted by Communications and Marketing
The role of student leadership and student organizations is essential to student success at Kansas State University. K-State students are involved in leadership in many aspects of student life, and K-State remains committed to increasing those opportunities for students.
“The Division of Student Life will implement a new structure to significantly enhance student leadership and development opportunities related to student organizations,” said Pat Bosco, vice president and dean of student life. "This will be similar to the Division of Student Life’s recent successful reorganization related to academic and student success through its Academic Achievement Center."
The new structure — which includes functions currently carried out in student activities and services and fraternity and sorority life — will provide increased collaboration among student groups. This also allows the university to leverage its limited resources for all registered student organizations. The new structure will go into effect immediately, with the university continuing to solicit input from stakeholders and student leaders.
"Our intention is to increase services and support to our groups by removing silos," Bosco added. "We have the opportunity through this merger to significantly improve cross-training and collaboration among groups in new and intentional ways. Change can be difficult, particularly when there are pieces to a complex puzzle that need to be worked out. We are committed to continuing to provide support for student involvement and leadership opportunities.
"There will be no change in office space and we ultimately want to increase service and support to my students," Bosco said. "While in the short term there may be some uncertainty, in the long term we will be positioned to respond to the ever-changing landscape and create an innovative model for others to follow."
Currently, there are nearly 500 student organizations registered with the university, including fraternities and sororities. Many of these student groups have been recognized among the best in America, including a nationally recognized student government.