Welcome to Student Affairs

students walking down steps with Clayton UC in the background

Welcome to the 2025-2026 Academic Year

Vice President for Student Affairs, Katherine Lavinder, EdD

Katherine Lavinder, Ed.D., Vice President for Student Affairs 

Welcome to the 2025–26 academic year! The Division of Student Affairs is excited to welcome you and help you make the most of your time at Lehigh.

“Learning happens everywhere” is something you will hear a lot on campus. You'll see this come to life as you learn in and out of the classroom, get involved on campus, and connect with people from all kinds of backgrounds. We explore this idea through bLUeprint, our student life curriculum. Its five foundations—creative curiosity, self-concept, healthy connections, critical consciousness, and strategic adaptability—are designed to help you think about your experiences and what you learn from them. We encourage you to reflect on these foundations as you navigate your path and take full advantage of all the resources and support available to you.

Our division is here to help you connect and succeed. Building a sense of community is at the heart of what we do and we strive to create an environment where you can connect with others and feel at home.

We offer many programs and resources to help you grow, from leadership opportunities to academic support services. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do, and we offer a range of wellness resources and support services.

Using the resources available to you is an important part of being successful at Lehigh, and there are countless people on campus who are eager to support you. We're invested in your success and can't wait to get to know you.

To stay connected, check out our website and follow our offices on social media for updates on events, resources, and opportunities. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Go Lehigh!

Katherine Lavinder, Ed.D.

Vice President for Student Affairs

Student Affairs Mission and Values

Join us in shaping a vibrant, inclusive campus where every student thrives. We champion well-being, spark lifelong learning, and foster community through innovation, collaboration, and equity—so every member can belong, contribute, and reach their fullest potential.

Student Affairs Foundational Principles Organizational Chart

Our Framework for Student Growth and Engagement

Students Studying

Holistic Development

Fostering academic, emotional, and personal growth.

Student Affairs cultivates a community of curious and engaged learners by encouraging reflection, innovation, and meaningful action. We support students in becoming purposeful individuals who care for themselves and contribute to positive change in the world.

students during Holi celebration

Student Engagement

Creating pathways to leadership, involvement, and belonging.

Student Affairs empowers students to shape inclusive communities through active participation, shared responsibility, and collaborative leadership. We foster spaces where every student can belong, lead, and make a meaningful impact.
 

students helping during move in

Thriving Together

Supporting student flourishing through care and connection.

Student Affairs provides holistic resources that promote well-being and personal development. We create environments where students are supported in thriving—academically, socially, and emotionally—with a foundation of care, access, and purpose.

Our Commitment to Assessment

Student Affairs is committed to a culture of assessment that demonstrates our impact and informs continuous improvement. Through intentional evaluation of programs and services, we align our work with Lehigh’s mission, strengthen student learning and development, and guide evidence-based decision making. We invite you to review our annual reports, Life at Lehigh surveys, and Photovoice projects to see assessment in action.

See Our Impact Student Affairs Annual Report AY23-24

Impact That Matters

8,950+

Number of students who attended a Lehigh After Dark Event in the 2024-2025 AY

2,804

Number of tutoring visits in the Fall of 2024

149

Number of students who received support through the Student Opportunity Fund

1,758

Total Number of Exams Proctored by Testing Services for the AY 24-25

Our Commitment to Staff Professional Growth and Development

At Lehigh, we're committed to fostering a professional culture that values and promotes staff member well-being, learning, and engagement, as well as the sharing of knowledge and expertise, both on and off campus. Learn more about the ways we celebrate staff excellence.

Partnering for Student Success- Faculty and Community Engagement

Student Affairs is committed to enhancing the University’s educational mission. One way that we achieve this is through our partnership with faculty and staff across the University. Our staff partners in research, teaching, and supporting students on their academic journey.
🔗 Faculty & Staff Resources
🔗 How to Refer a Student
🔗 Contact Us