Student Experience
Our student experience values gentleness and recognizes the individuality of every learner in undergraduate and graduate programs. DeSales University supports students’ spiritual, academic, emotional, and physical well-being. Students are encouraged to engage in community life, where faith, friendship, and fun inspire social responsibility and care for others. Efforts will focus on using the University’s athletic programs and facilities to build and strengthen community connections.
This pillar embodies the Catholic, Salesian spirit by supporting each student’s growth. It offers wellness, guidance, and career resources rooted in faith and service.
Implement a Comprehensive Retention Plan
We are supporting all students—traditional day, graduate, and adult studies—from recruitment to graduation through enhanced retention strategies. This comprehensive approach tracks key metrics, including first-year retention, stop-out rates, early alert resolution, and graduation rates across all student populations. We are increasing student engagement opportunities and strengthening connections among faculty, staff, and students. Annual student satisfaction surveys will help identify and address areas for improvement.We bring together financial aid, academic advising, student engagement, counseling, and health services to strengthen community and promote belonging.
Strengthen the Be Well Initiative
The Be Well initiative promotes resilience and holistic well-being across the University, supporting students’ emotional, mental, physical, social, and spiritual growth. We are increasing student engagement in resiliency activities by categorizing all programs according to wellness dimensions and tracking participation. Faculty participation in the Be Well initiative will increase from five to ten members over three years. The peer-to-peer support model will launch with ten Be Well Influencers and grow to twenty students offering guidance and support.
Enact a Comprehensive Study for Athletic Programs and Facilities
Athletic programs and facilities serve as vehicles for strengthening community life while supporting University-wide recruitment and retention. We are conducting strategic studies to identify philanthropic support for major facility priorities. One priority is a 10,000-square-foot auxiliary gym that would support men’s volleyball and attract fifteen additional male students. Additional priorities include a fieldhouse with turf fields and locker rooms for lacrosse and field hockey, expanded locker rooms, upgraded bleachers, and improved court surfaces. These enhancements will benefit the entire student experience while creating naming opportunities for donors.
Coordinate Career Development Through Alumni Networks
Our schools, colleges, and alumni community form an interactive network providing practical experiences and career development for all students. We are achieving annual increases in internships, Career Development Center programs and events, and classroom presentations. As social media followers grow, our reach expands. Meanwhile, the student-alumni mentor program strengthens partnerships, including collaboration with Ryan Leadership Institute alumni. We are expanding survey participation and working to improve graduates’ employment or graduate school placement within six months of graduation.
