Student Success and Belonging

Dear Lee College Community,

Welcome to our Student Success and Belonging Department. We aim to provide holistic supports and resources for our students, so that they may achieve their educational goals and feel that they belong on this campus.

So, what does it truly mean to belong? According to Cohen (2022), belonging is "the feeling that we're part of a larger group that values, respects, and cares for us-and to which we feel we have something to contribute."

Many of us are alum and life-long residents of this service area. It is our personal and professional endeavor to create the ideal student experience; which ensures all students have what they need to be successful. Throughout the years, we've grown not only in students, but in the innovative practices of our faculty, scholarships, and industry partners who provide students internships and employment opportunities.

As a department, we are also constantly evaluating the needs of our students and colleagues to ensure everyone feels they belong here at Lee. A prime example of this work is our mission to de-stigmatize and provide support with what some call "basic needs" (emergency aid, food, transportation and daycare assistance). Just like a textbook or a Scantron, these things are necessary for many of our students' successes and journeys, and we are dedicated to finding new and better resources for them every day.

You can find our following programs and services at the heart of our main campus, the newly renovated Student Center.

• Student Engagement and Activities
  • Game Room
  • Student Organization Offices
• Student Resource and Advocacy Center
  • Food Market
  • Gas Cards/Bus Passes
  • Clothing Closet
  • Childcare Assistance
  • Emergency Aid
  • Students with Children

• Learning Hub
  • Tutoring
  • Study Rooms/Family Study Rooms
  • Collaborative Think Tank Rooms
• First Year Experience
  • Peer Mentors
• Mental Health Counselor
• Community Partner Office
• Meditation Room
• Nursing Room for Mothers

... and more!

Other areas/departments within the Student Success and Belonging Department outside of the Student Center include:

• Access Center/Disability Services
• Common Grounds Student Lounge
• Veteran Services
• Title IX
• Substance Abuse/Drug Prevention

We look forward to working with you all as we continue to uplift and advocate for our campus and the surrounding service area.

For any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Kelli Forde-Spiers at kfordespiers@lee.edu

Important Notice

In accordance with Senate Bill 17, Lee College will not require Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training as a condition of enrolling at the college or performing a college function, unless required by federal law. DEI training includes any training, program, or activity designed or implemented in reference to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation. This prohibition does NOT apply to:

• Professional development that is requested by an individual or group that is not required for any student or employee who does not wish to participate, is not used as a condition of enrolling at the college or performing a college function, and is led by people who have not been required to lead it.
• Classroom instruction, scholarly research or creative works by students; many courses may require students to study aspects of DEI and complete assignments pertaining to DEI.
• Holidays and celebrations focusing on an identity group like Black History Month or Transgender Awareness Week where participation is voluntary.
• Employee organizations focusing on an identity group, if all employees can join and have the same benefits of membership.
• Student organizations focusing on an identity group if all students can join and have the same benefits of membership.