About

Mission

Through knowledge, discovery and doing – Transformation

The Division of Student Affairs threads together students’ passions, curiosities and ambitions into a transformative journey of research and scholarship, growth and impact.

The Case Western Reserve student experience is a distinctive fusion of rigorous academics, pioneering research and dynamic campus life, all experienced in the heart of University Circle—one of the nation’s most culturally rich and vibrant districts.

In this immersive environment, we cultivate meaningful pathways and empower students to:

• Deepen their knowledge through academic and experiential exploration

• Engage in life-changing research, discovery and creative works

• Make lasting contributions to the community, locally, nationally, globally

We are committed to fostering deep connections that define the student experience—linking:

• Peers and organizations that spark belonging and personal growth

• Faculty and research that drive academic excellence and professional achievement

• The Cleveland community’s world-class institutions, where the values of civic engagement and service are actively lived

Our Vision

We are a force that moves the world

We forge a student experience that is a national model for how students gain momentum, discover their purpose and belong—powered by rigorous academics, pioneering research and the cultural richness of Cleveland.

Here, an inspiring and forward-thinking environment accelerates the connections that matter. We envision graduates who are a force for enduring impact—recognized as agile, resilient, conscientious and ethical leaders equipped to shape a complex world for the better.

Our partnership is the catalyst. By uniting students, families, alumni, faculty and our Cleveland community, we forge a culture where well-being and discovery converge—launching every student toward a future of impact.

Our Action

Impact in motion

Leverage Cleveland’s cultural and intellectual assets

• Heighten the integration of arts, culture and professional resources from University Circle into student development offerings

• Host public lectures, exhibitions and events that engage both students and the wider community

Establish a culture of wellness

• Establish a center for wellness drawing on existing partnerships and resources, such as the Department of Physical Education and Athletics, and the Department of Human Resources, and establishing collaborative connections with the new Sara and Curt Moll Institute for Mental Health and Well-Being. 

• Partner with University Relations and Development to identify funding and support for student health needs

Expand experiential learning opportunities

• Elevate programs that integrate classroom knowledge with hands-on experiences in research, internships and community engagement

• Partner with community and corporate partners to enhance real-world learning projects

• Strengthen the undergraduate research platform 

Enhance community engagement

• Continue strong support of structured service-learning initiatives that connect students with local, national and global communities

• Elevate recognition of student contributions to civic engagement and social impact

• Build on beloved university traditions, and establish new ones

Foster meaningful connections

• Establish the Spartans Connections Hub, ensuring every student has a meaningful connection to the CWRU community in addition to the academic experience

• Utilize technology, our relationship with the Office for Enrichment & Engagement,  and the newly formed Student and Family Connections portfolio to enhance belonging and community engagement

Cultivate leadership, global competence and civic engagement 

• Continue to build student leadership development programs emphasizing respectful dialog, information literacy-critical evaluation of sources, ethical decision-making, resilience, agility and cultural awareness

• Provide platforms for students to showcase their impact locally and internationally

• Continue our investment in elevating professional growth and development opportunities for staff across the Division of Student Affairs and student services staff in the Schools and College.