Office of Student Affairs

Welcome and Philosophy

The Office of Student Affairs is dedicated to providing support to the academic mission of Western State College of Colorado. In providing such support, our mission is to provide opportunities beyond the curriculum for students to “apply the curriculum” – to question thoughtfully; to reason clearly; to either compete vigorously or to cooperate sensitively, depending on the challenge; and otherwise to fully embrace the human condition and the responsibilities and opportunities it affords.

The Office of Student Affairs is committed to working with students, faculty and staff from all areas of the College to build an open, inclusive, intellectual, and multicultural community. We are also engaged in developing and maintaining external partnerships with constituents such as the Gunnison County community, employers, alumni, parents and others. Our primary commitment is to students. Contact is initiated prior to entrance, sustained throughout their matriculation, and continued beyond graduation.

The Student Affairs staff is friendly and helpful. Everyone looks forward to supporting and assisting you in your academic work and in becoming involved in co-curricular activities. We do urge you to further enrich the classroom experience by becoming involved in one of the clubs or activities offered through the Student Government Association (SGA), intramural/club sports, Wilderness Pursuits, the Fitness Center, or one of the other activities that are of interest to you.

Programs and Services

The Office of Student Affairs provides support to students, as well as to their friends and family, in times of crisis. This may include referral for academic and personal problems, crisis outreach, response in case of student death, as well as helping students feel supported in the college environment. Our goal is to provide caring services to students in order to assist them during times of need.

Campus Life

The programs offered through campus life give students the opportunity for direct participation in activities involving their academic, emotional, physical, spiritual, or career-related development. The services provided by the various departments in Student Affairs assist students both in making their way through college and in making the transition to their post-graduate lives.

Policies and Handbooks

Campus Ombudsperson

• Can offer assistance or referrals regarding college policies, procedures, and regulations, assists in resolving student-based problems and conflicts.
• Readliy accessible to students as a neutral and impartial listener.  The emphasis is on resolving issues informally or through mediation.
• Helps to promote fair and equitable treatment within the Western system.

Contact:

Shelley Jansen
Associate Vice-President of Student Affairs & Director of Campus Life
Phone: (970) 943-2616
Email: sjansen@western.edu