The mission of the Division of Student Development and Success, affirming the University’s mission, is to promote student growth by serving, educating, and developing students to become contributing members of the local and global community. By serving and partnering with students, the staff in this division of the University strives to represent and advocate for the needs of students, promote a community of respect to affirm the value of each individual, and provide and promote services and co-curricular activities which enhance student learning and University identified learning outcomes. The individual departments that make up this large division are described briefly below.
Athletic and Recreation Department
The Athletic and Recreation Department is responsible for the development and administration of an intercollegiate and recreational sports program that provides quality and competitive opportunities for students in a variety of fields. Avila offers intercollegiate women’s competition in basketball, bowling, soccer, softball, volleyball, and wrestling. Intercollegiate opportunities for men’s competition include baseball, basketball, bowling, football, soccer, and wrestling. In addition, Avila sponsors a spirit squad that includes performance and competitive dance and cheer teams.
The director of athletics and recreation, in conjunction with coaches and staff, coordinates recruitment of student athletes; promotes athletic and recreation programs; and manages all competitive events, athletic facilities, and equipment, including the Mabee Fieldhouse, the Pavilion, and the Zarda Sports Complex.
The Eagles compete within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and have a conference affiliation with the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.
Avila students, faculty, and staff receive free admission to all home athletic contests with a valid Avila ID card.
For more information, please call the Athletic Department at (816) 501-3756.
Athletic and Recreational Facilities
Avila has outstanding athletic and recreational facilities available to students, faculty, and staff. Outdoor facilities include the Thomas R. Zarda Family Athletic Complex for baseball, football, soccer, softball, and recreational use, as well as practice fields and the Santa Fe Trail. Indoor facilities within the Mabee Fieldhouse and Pavilion include a competition practice arena for basketball and volleyball, fitness center weight room, indoor batting cage, and men’s and women’s locker rooms.
Bookstore-Mailroom
The campus bookstore sells school and office supplies, logo clothing, stamps, and miscellaneous gifts and merchandise. The bookstore is located in the lower level of Marian Center. For more information, please call the bookstore at (816) 501-3630 or access the bookstore page on the Avila website.
The bookstore also operates the mailroom from which all UPS, FedEx, Amazon, and USPS letters and packages are received and shipped. All packages are picked up by the student during open hours of the bookstore. A student ID is required for package pickup.
Campus Ministries
The values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet are deeply embraced at Avila, with a focus on promoting the spiritual development of the community, especially students, through prayer and service-learning opportunities. Civic engagement and service are encouraged as vital expressions of faith, as we strive to live and grow in our faith. Our goal is to foster a culture of faith that is experienced daily in relationship with God, ourselves, others, and creation. Inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, we seek to embody the unifying love of God and the dear neighbor without distinctions that divide. We live out our love for God through various ministries, engaging all students in service, prayer, and community. Hundreds of hours of service are facilitated each year, enriching the broader community. We come together for prayer and celebration through liturgies, retreats, and student-led small groups and bible studies. For more information, contact us at 816-501-2985.
Career Services
Career Services provides support and resources for job-seeking students. Students can receive assistance with the following:
- Major/career exploration
- Resume and cover letter assistance
- Career/job preparation
- Career coaching
- Job and internship search
- Interview preparation
- Personal Assessments
Appointments can be scheduled via Navigate, emailing timothy.floyd@avila.edu or stopping by the Student Affairs Office on the bottom floor of Blasco Hall.
Counseling Services
Counseling Services is staffed by two full-time counselors alongside part-time graduate intern clinicians.
Some of the offerings facilitated by counseling services:
- Personal counseling dealing with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and adjustment
- Support for those struggling with a personal crisis
- Referrals to outside agencies, as appropriate
- Workshops, information sessions, and small group sessions
In-person, on-campus counseling services are available by appointment Monday-Friday during normal business hours. Students may schedule an appointment online.
Avila has also partnered with a telehealth vendor, UWill, to offer online counseling services, with evening and weekend availability, as well as 24/7 crisis counseling. Video, telephone, and texting services are all available and may be accessed by signing up with your Avila student email address at UWill.
Student Access Services
Avila University views disability as an important aspect of diversity, and is committed to providing equitable access to students with disabilities (e.g. mental health, attentional, learning, chronic health, sensory, physical, etc.). If you are a student who has (or may have) a disability, please contact the Student Access Office to engage in a confidential conversation about the process for requesting reasonable accommodations. Students may contact the Student Access Office by email (DSO@Avila.edu), telephone (816-501-3666), or by stopping by our office located in the Slepitza Center for Student Excellence. Students may also learn more about the Student Access Office by visiting https://www.avila.edu/avila-life/student-success-center/student-access-office/.
TRIO programs are federally-funded programs designed to provide educational access and assistance to income-eligible, first-generation and/or students with a disability. TRIO programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as TRIO programs because there were three original programs created. TRIO programs are required to serve a majority of students who meet an income guideline and are also first-generation college students (the first in their family to complete a four-year college degree).
There are over 1,000 colleges, universities and community agencies nationwide that host TRIO programs. All TRIO program hosts apply for funds through competitive grants with the Department of Education.
The mission of TRIO programs at Avila University is to empower students to advance their achievement in higher education. TRIO strives to increase academic success, college access, and graduation rates by using research-driven strategies to assist individuals in overcoming financial, academic, social, and cultural barriers to higher education.
Avila University hosts two TRIO programs that serve income-eligible and first-generation college students. All services are offered at no cost to participants.
Student Support Services (SSS)
SSS provides resources and services students need on their path to college graduation and whatever lies beyond. We achieve this by taking a holistic approach, meeting students at their level of need, providing intensive academic advising, advocating for and with them, developing a sense of educational responsibility within each student, and celebrating the milestones along the way. Students are provided opportunities for cultural exploration, developing and furthering knowledge, forming relationships, and personal growth.
Overcoming barriers and succeeding in post-secondary education is what SSS is all about. Committed to the success of each program participant, the staff creates a climate of support specifically designed to facilitate student learning and development, enabling the student access, persist and graduate from college.
Services provided at no cost to the student include peer tutoring, professional tutoring, academic advising, financial literacy workshops, federal student aid workshops, learning communities, graduate school test preparation, mentoring, graduate school visits, cultural/social activities, and grant aid.
Student Support Services
Provides services to students at Avila University
Funded to serve 150 students yearly
Contact: inspiredtoachieve@avila.edu or 816-501-2439
Upward Bound (Classic and Achieve)
Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. The Upward Bound program serves high school students from low-income families and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of post-secondary education.
Services provided at no cost to the student include tutoring, academic workshops, ACT test prep, college campus visits, assistance with the FAFSA, assistance with applying to college, social/cultural activities, leadership development, community service, 6-week residential program, college credits, and scholarships.
Avila University hosts two Upward Bound Programs in the KC area.
Provides services to students at Ruskin High School and Grandview High School
Funded to serve 74 students yearly
Contact: UpwardBound@avila.edu or 816-501-2438
Provides services to students at Northeast High School and Central High School
Funded to serve 60 students yearly
Contact: UpwardBoundAchieve@avila.edu or 816-501-2488
Dining Services
The University, through Great Western Dining Services, provides a variety of dining services for the campus. The primary dining facility on campus is the dining hall located in Marian Center.
All resident students select a meal plan option. Currently, resident students have the choice of three meal plan options.
Dining room hours are subject to change and are posted outside of the dining hall main entrance. For menu details or operating hours, contact Great Western Dining Services at (816) 501-3755 or access the dining hall page on the Avila website.
Commuter students, faculty, and staff have the opportunity to purchase commuter meal plans. Contracts and information for commuter student and employee plans are available through the Food Service Office.
Lactation Lounge
As part of our family-friendly environment, Avila University supports breastfeeding mothers by accommodating a mother who wishes to express breast milk during the day. The University provides a private lactation room, the Lactation Lounge, located in Whitfield Center. The room is furnished with a table, two chairs, and electrical outlets. It also has a small refrigerator reserved for the specific storage of breast milk and a microwave.
Employees and students may use the Lactation Lounge anytime during normal business hours. The room has signage for “Available” when it is not occupied or “Occupied” when in use. The Human Resources office also maintains a key for this room. Visitors who wish to use this room to express breast milk should be directed to the Human Resources office.
International Student Services
International Student Services (ISS) assists international students with their adjustment to both Avila and the U.S. In addition, students are helped with questions regarding student visa issues and requirements. For further details, contact the ISS Department at iss@avila.edu.
Academic Success and Tutoring Services
Academic Success and Tutoring Services provide academic coaching and peer tutoring free to all Avila students. Peer tutors can assist with study skills, organization, and time management strategies, as well as course based tutoring needs. Located in two tutoring spaces, the Tutoring Center can be found in the Willcox Writing and Tutoring Center in Avila’s Library and Learning Commons and the STEM Enrichment Zone located in O’Reilly Hall. Services provided include:
- In-person, course-specific academic coaching and tutoring
- Online/virtual academic coaching and course-based tutoring
- Group study sessions
- Study Hall assistance
- Other services as requested
The Writing Center
The Writing Center offers support for any writing project, including course papers, application essays, resumes, and presentations. Writing Consultants provide the following services in the Willcox Writing and Tutoring Center in Avila’s Library and Learning Commons:
- In-person writing support for any course, at any level
- Online writing support
- Other services as requested
See the Academic Success and Tutoring Services or call (816) 501-3712 and the Writing Center or call (816) 501-3710 for more information, including courses covered, hours, and appointment scheduling.
Orientation for New Students
New student orientation affirms the mission of Avila University by partnering with students, faculty, and staff to facilitate the transition of all new students into the Avila collegiate environment with an emphasis on educational, service, and social opportunities. For more information please call (816) 501-3754.
Campus Safety
The campus is supported by professional campus safety officers 365 days a year, 24-hours a day. Campus safety officers can be reached immediately at (816) 985-6079.
If the situation calls for immediate emergency response from local authorities, call 911 (Campus phones - dial 9-911).
Officers are also available for escorts on campus, completing incident reports, crime statistics, and safety education. All campus crimes or incidents must be reported to the Campus Safety Office at (816) 985-6079.
Lost and Found items may be recovered from the Campus Safety Department located in Whitfield Center.
Residence Life
The residence hall program strives to complement a student’s academic program through a community living experience. Along with the convenience of living on campus, living in the residence halls allows a student to interact with students of diverse backgrounds, cultural experiences, and lifestyles.
The residence halls offer a comfortable environment designed to foster a vibrant community. With rooms that accommodate over 400 students, the community is staffed by live-in personnel and well-trained student staff, ensuring a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. The residential contract includes utilities (water, electricity, sewer, trash, internet, etc.) The floor lobbies are a great place to lounge and study with friends and classmates. Kitchen and laundry facilities are found throughout the campus as well.
Additional information about the residence halls, including the community living standards, staff contact information, and processes and procedures, can be found in the Housing Handbook. To find out how to become more involved in Residence Life, contact the Residence Life Office at (816) 501-3627 or via email at housing@avila.edu.
Student Activities
Student Activities supports over 20 student organizations that sponsor activities such as social events, speakers, entertainment, trips, service learning, recreation, films, leadership development, workshops, publications, and resource libraries. Our goal is to create leadership and involvement opportunities where students can enhance leadership skills and personal development. For more information please call (816) 501-2985.
Student Success/Academic Advising
Avila students will find academic, personal, and holistic support designed to enhance student growth with the Office of Academic Advising and Student Success through success coaching, academic advising and coordination of the First Year Experience.
An area of support is Success Coaching. This coaching is a primary strategy encouraged as a result of Academic Progress Reports, Mid-Term Grades, Academic Probation and the promotion of Student Course Registration. Coaching can also be used to learn more about common skills needed for college such as time management and study strategies and can serve as a referral point to additional services and resources.
Another area of support is Academic Advising. The professional academic advisor, in collaboration with the faculty mentor, supports the student in reaching a four-year graduation target consistent with professional and academic goals. The professional academic advisor serves as a referral source to connect students to University services and resources that can assist them in achieving student goals.
The First Year Experience includes support for first year students through areas such as Summer Bridge, FS 101 (First Year Seminar), peer mentoring, the common reading program, the first-year publication and student success workshops.
The area also coordinates the 15 to Finish program which promotes the successful completion of 15 credit hours each semester which places a student on pace to graduate in four years.
Student Development Activities
Organizations
Getting involved in organizations and activities is an important part of the University’s total educational experience. As participants, students develop such skills as interpersonal communication, organization, budgeting, time management, delegation, motivation, and the art of compromise. Avila University supports over 20 student organizations, which provide leadership and involvement opportunities for all students. Listed below are brief mission statements of these student organizations. For further information about any of the groups listed, please go to https://www.avila.edu/avila-life/student-experience/organizations/ or stop by the Division of Student Affairs’ office in the lower level of Blasco.
The Activities Team (THE A-TEAM) - Plans and promotes a variety of social, cultural, recreational, and educational events and activities to meet the co-curricular needs of the entire student body.
Alpha Sigma Lambda - Is a national honor society for adult undergraduate students. Avila’s chapter, Alpha Alpha Pi will recognize academically outstanding students who meet the society’s membership requirements.
Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) - Is a national honor society for pre-health students that provides them with professional development as well as service and social opportunities.
Avila Ambassadors - Promotes Avila University and its values as official representatives of the Admission Office. Ambassadors provide tours to prospective students and participate in special University events.
Avila Athletic Bands - The Athletic Bands play a vital role on campus infusing events with pride and energy through musical performance. Students in the Athletic Bands are chosen through the Performance Grant audition process and serve the Avila community at a variety of events providing both aesthetic and artistic vitality and enthusiasm.
Avila Education Association (AEA) - Provides opportunities for professional growth, professional networking, community service, civic engagement, and social networking to teachers, pre-service teachers, and international educators and advocates at Avila University.
Avila Microcinema Film Club - Provides opportunities to be involved in Film and Digital Media production and networking with industry professionals by sponsoring film screenings and guest lectures with film directors, actors and producers; it also sponsors an annual high school film festival.
Avila Singers - Is a non-auditioned choral ensemble intended for preparation and participation in public performances of sacred and secular choral music. The ensemble performs one major choral work each semester on campus. Past performances include Handel’s Messiah and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Requiem. The ensemble is open to all students, faculty, and alumni who wish to participate. Performance grants are available; for more information, contact the Music Department Chair at (816) 501-3651.
Avila Student Nurses Organization (ASNO) - To cohesively contribute to nursing education, to represent professional interests and concerns, and to aid in the development of the whole person and his/her responsibility for the health care of others.
Avila University Theatre Company - Exists to encourage and develop interest in the theatre arts by promoting ensemble - participating in and learning more about the craft of theatre in the spirit of togetherness and friendliness. Open to all regardless of major.
Beta Beta Beta Honor Society - Honor society for the biological sciences, affiliated with Alpha Epsilon Delta.
Black Student Union (BSU) - Provides Avila University with programming that promotes cultural diversity to “Build Stronger Unity.”
Choral Ensembles - University Singers is an auditioned choral ensemble performing challenging, eclectic literature. University Singers performs both on and off campus for special events and scheduled concerts. Members of the ensemble serve as ambassadors for the university, touring each spring and performing in high schools and other venues across the Midwest. A portion of each tour is dedicated to the Sisters of St. Joseph in locations such as Minnesota, New York, California, and St. Louis. Future plans include competitions culminating in additional performances across the United States and Europe.
Any student is welcome to audition for University Singers. Students auditioning for the ensemble should be prepared to sight-read pitches and rhythms. Selection for the ensemble will be based on tone quality, intonation, sight-reading ability, and musicianship. Performance grants are available to reward talent and participation. For more information, contact the Music Department Chair at (816) 501-3651.
Avila Cybersecurity/Computer Science Club - Promotes the sharing of knowledge and information about computer science courses offered in the Avila University Department of Computer Science and understanding through various activities under the Avila University umbrella.
DECA - Collegiate DECA provides our members opportunities for both personal and professional growth through leadership development, community involvement and competitive events. Our conferences help provide members unique access to internships, scholarships and professional networking.
Humanities Club - Promotes a mastery of written expression, encourages worthwhile reading, and fosters a spirit of good fellowship among students of the English language and literature.
Eagles for Christ - A student-ran group that facilitates a weekly bible study and seeks to build a sense of belonging among Avila University students by spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through ongoing peer-to-peer relationship building and engaging in social opportunities.
International Student Association - A community where students from diverse cultures gather together. Students address issues and conflict with open communication and find a way to resolve them. Their events reflect the traditions and arts of their respective countries.
Kappa Delta Pi - An International Honor Society for students majoring or minoring in education.
Kinesiology Club - The Kinesiology Club works to make a positive difference on campus and within the community. They work with other groups to facilitate recreational and fitness activities on campus. Our activities are designed to promote development and networking opportunities related to Kinesiology.
Lambda Nu - The Alpha chapter of Lambda Nu is the national honor society for radiologic science students.
Mu Sigma Pi - Avila Music Department’s student led organization fosters musicianship, artistry and unity through formal and informal performances and activities.
The National Honor Society of Leadership and Success - Helps students create the lives they desire by helping them discover what they truly want to do and giving them support, motivation, and tools to achieve their goals.
Phi Alpha Honor Society, Xi Lambda chapter - National social work academic honor society for social work majors promoting social work scholarship and achievement.
Psychology Club & Psi Chi Honor Society - Promotes educational and social opportunities for students interested in psychology. Psi Chi Honor Society is the national honor society for psychology majors, affiliated with the Psychology Club.
Society of Latinos (SOL) - The Society of Latinos serves the Kansas City community by providing support to elementary and secondary school students. In working with local students, SOL aims to instill the tools, leadership and motivation to help them achieve their academic and professional goals. SOL provides the Avila University community with educational and recreational events to share the culture and traditions of diverse Hispanic/Latino nationalities.
Sound and Fury -The Avila University literary magazine.
Student Government Association (SGA) - All students admitted and enrolled for credit at Avila University are members of the Avila University Student body and represented by the Student Government Association. Student representatives make up SGA. Executive Board members and student representatives serve on committees of the University and encourage student viewpoints and participation in the operation of the University. Contact sga@avila.edu for more information.
Student Social Work Association - Plans and promotes discussion of social issues, community involvement, and opportunities to learn about different practice areas of social work.
United in Change - A space to break down barriers between students from all different co-cultures and backgrounds to establish a feeling of interconnectedness and unity among peers and in our community. Seek ways to give back to the community allow students to speak in a safe place to voice their opinions on social matters that are important to them and have open discussions.
Other Co-curricular Opportunities
Avila Intramurals Program
Intramural activities provide students with opportunities to improve both their physical and mental health while fostering connections with peers through socially competitive events. Avila University offers a variety of intramural activities to cater to different student interests including: flag football, ultimate frisbee, dodgeball, gamming, and basketball tournaments.
Publications
The Sound and the Fury, Avila’s literary magazine, is published at the end of each spring semester. Students comprise the entire editorial staff under the guidance of The Sound and Fury’s advisor. The magazine publishes the best prose, poetry, fiction, and non-fiction the university has to offer. Submissions are open to all Avila students, faculty, and staff, and awards are offered for the best work in each genre.
Choral Ensembles
Avila Singers is a non-auditioned choral ensemble intended for preparation and participation in public performances of sacred and secular choral music. The ensemble performs one major choral work each semester on campus. Past performances include Handel’s Messiah and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Requiem. The ensemble is open to all students, faculty, and alumni who wish to participate. Performance grants are available; for more information, contact the Music Department chair at (816) 501-3651.
Theatre
Theatre is both an academic and co-curricular activity at Avila. Students in both programs have the opportunity to work with theatre professors and some of the finest professional talent in the region. Students are encouraged to apply for theatre performance grants that reward talent and services to the four main-stage productions. Students may participate in backstage assignments, acting, or house management and publicity. Students who major or minor in theatre may concentrate in acting, directing/producing, technical theatre, or musical theatre. Contact the Director of Performance Studies at (816) 501-2405 for more information.
Thornhill Gallery
Since 1978, the Thornhill Gallery, located in the Dallavis Center, has presented art exhibits by contemporary regional and national artists to educate and enrich the students of Avila University as well as the greater Kansas City community. The gallery usually hosts four to five shows a year, concluding with the annual Senior Exhibit for Art Majors in May.
Student Honors
The Avila Medal of Honor is an honor conferred by the president. The award is presented on qualifications of character, service, and loyalty.
The Jeanne Collins Thompson Ariston Award is presented to one outstanding member of the senior class. The award considers academic merit, leadership, and service and is awarded to the senior who best represents the mission, values, and characteristics upon which Avila University is founded.
The St. Catherine’s Medal is presented annually through Kappa Gamma Pi to the sophomore woman who has the best record of progressive achievement for her class at the University.
The St. Thomas More Medal is presented annually by the Avila University faculty to the sophomore man who has the best record of progressive achievement for his class at the University.
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