Date Approved
4-21-2025
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Education-Higher Education (M.Ed.)
Degree Program
Education Leadership & Counseling
First Advisor
Dr. Paul Bylsma
Academic Year
2024/2025
Abstract
Universities are increasingly aware that isolated student organizations hinder engagement, replicate efforts, and diminish campus life. At Grand Valley State University, over 400 Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) vie for attention but often fail to collaborate, resulting in many students lacking cohesive and impactful co‑curricular experiences. Based on experiential learning theories such as Astin’s Student Involvement framework, Tinto’s theory of student departure, and the Social Change Model of Leadership Development, the RSO Collaborate and Create project aims to tackle this issue by offering a structured pathway for collaboration across organizations, simultaneously enhancing leadership skills and improving the campus environment. While the university provides basic advising and funding, these resources seldom lead to meaningful collaboration among organizations. To enhance a sense of belonging, increase involvement, and ignite innovation, campuses must establish frameworks that connect student organizations, develop collaboration skills, and highlight shared achievements. By aligning organizational growth with university-wide goals for inclusion and engagement, RSO Collaborate & Create presents a replicable model for higher education professionals looking to transform disjointed student activities into collaborative, student‑driven innovation hubs.
ScholarWorks Citation
Fosu, Elijah A., "Campus Vibrancy Through the Lens of Student Organizations Collaboration" (2025). Culminating Experience Projects. 575.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/575
