The functions of the Student Life area are central to the educational mission of Washburn University. Student Life staff view themselves as educators. From advising students to sponsoring organizations to serving as mentors, the staff are educators who teach students how to function in groups, how to resolve conflicts, how to make plans and set goals, how to accept responsibility, and how to use the institutional processes. In addition, staff teach students how to cope with their environment so they may succeed in their collegiate endeavors as well as learn how to apply that knowledge to their lives after goal completion or graduation.
Teaching students is an integral part of the staff's administrative responsibilities.
Student Life recognizes the vested interest of students in the educational process. The staff encompasses a wide range of educational backgrounds and experiences and is committed to working with students to help them participate more effectively in university and community life. Thus the staff serves as conduits for expressing student concerns to the administration and is active in channeling administrative policies to students.