Student Life

The mission of the Student Life and Engagement Unit is to foster a student-first culture by providing inclusive programs, services, and learning opportunities that promote student leadership, personal growth, community building, and holistic development. Our unit works to empower Blazers to become engaged leaders, active citizens, and lifelong learners by offering transformative experiences inside and outside the classroom.

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2024-2025 Highlights

Successfully reimagined and executed Homecoming Week after a major hurricane disrupted original plans—serving 2,069 students across six events.

Hosted 25 events throughout the year, engaging nearly 6,000 students in community-building, leadership, and campus spirit.

Hosted over 2,000 events across campus spaces—including student, faculty, and community partner programs—coordinating every detail from reservation to breakdown and achieving increased customer satisfaction.

Looking ahead: 2025-2026 Goals

Student Life will enhance leadership development by equipping students with the confidence, skills, and experiences to lead effectively in organizations, initiatives, and the community. The office aims to increase the number of student organization leaders by 5% annually and ensure that at least 70% of them participate in leadership training each year..

To foster a stronger sense of community, Student Life will focus on inclusive engagement through diverse events and traditions. The goal is a 5% annual increase in attendance at major campus programs and to see at least 15% of undergraduates actively involved in student organizations by 2026.

Student Life will continue to promote personal, social, and emotional development through leadership, service, and wellness opportunities. The office will increase logged service hours by 10% and grow wellness program participation by 5% annually.

Looking ahead, Student Life will expand campus and community partnerships to boost engagement, retention, and alumni connection. The team will track a 5% annual increase in repeat engagement and aim for 25% of all students to participate in Student Life events and organizations by 2026.

Event Highlights

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Fall Explosion

Fall Explosion jump-starts the academic year with two action-packed weeks of events hosted by departments across campus. Designed to ease the transition back to school, the series helps students get involved, connect with resources, and discover student organizations. The celebration culminates in The Happening—VSU’s largest vendor fair—welcoming more than 800 students to explore campus and community opportunities.

 

Homecoming

Homecoming is a time-honored VSU tradition, celebrating both the spirit of today’s Blazers and the legacy of those who came before us. This year’s celebration carried special meaning as students returned to campus following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, making the week’s sense of community and resilience even more powerful. Daily events and competitions—including a concert, pep rally, and Casino Night—brought energy and excitement to campus, culminating in the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen. Homecoming remains a beloved celebration of pride, connection, and the enduring strength of Blazer Nation.

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Mayhem Music Festival

Mayhem Music Festival is VSU’s annual year-end celebration, bringing students, staff, and the community together for an unforgettable night of live entertainment. Featuring a lineup of local and national artists, the festival offers a chance to relax, recharge, and celebrate another successful academic year. As one of the largest events on campus, Mayhem draws more than 1,000 attendees each year and continues to be a beloved highlight of the spring semester.

Explore the Impact Report

Learn more about the impact each office is making on the Student Experience.

Engaging Students

Department Reports

Staff Successes

Explore the Impact Report

Learn more about the impact each office is making on the Student Experience.