About
IDEAS Center is the social/emotional brave space providing support and validation of the experiences of underserved student populations. The center also provides a gathering place for dialogue and support surrounding the concerns of inclusion, diversity, equity, access and social justice.
Vision
Through authentic interactions, the IDEAS Center provides space for encouragement, education and empowerment of underserved student populations.
Mission
The IDEAS Center strives to engage students in meaningful opportunities and conversation to foster a supportive space in which students feel comfortable. As a student-driven advocacy center, we provide educational opportunities to students through collaboration with campus partners on issues of inclusion, diversity, equity, access and social justice and support the ideals of unity and community within the campus and the greater Meadville community.
Goals
As a center, we commit to:
- Being an intermediary for students in identifying best resources to meet their needs socially, academically, emotionally, and financially.
- Offer resources for those students that may be facing essential barriers to success including food insecurity, providing basic necessities, etc.
- Provide leadership development and programmatic support to the Culture, Identity, and Leadership Coalition.
- Through programming, support students in meaningful ways to promote their overall well-being.
Outcomes
Students that have a greater sense of belonging have a higher likelihood of retaining and persisting to graduation. By providing these intentional services, we will increase retention rates through supportive interventions and campus collaborations.