Office of Student Affairs

At the heart of our mission, the Office of Student Affairs leads in cultivating future global leaders. We foster an inclusive and joyful community where students learn, lead, and flourish — both independently and collaboratively.

Blending Tradition with Innovation

Aligned with our values of belonging, collaboration, courage, curiosity, excellence, and integrity, the Office of Student Affairs enhances the student experience through robust support and sustainability initiatives. By nurturing a community that values each student's distinctive perspective and strengths, we uphold F&M's commitment to preparing graduates for lives of fulfillment and impact. This holistic approach ensures that F&M continues to be a beacon of educational excellence, blending tradition with innovation to meet the challenges and opportunities of today's rapidly changing global landscape.

The Division of Student Affairs aspires to be the national leader in developing Diplomats for the world. Our core values are the foundation upon which we build community in the Division of Student Affairs, where Diplomats cultivate critical thinking and extend compassion and respect to self and others.

We view our values not as static principles, but as a dynamic, lived commitment. Through this, we create a vibrant community where individuals flourish, ideas thrive, and our collective impact resonates far beyond our institutional boundaries.

Belonging

We champion the profound impact of true belonging, where students become part of our community through intentional efforts while embracing and expressing their authentic selves. Within our nurturing environment, every member not only finds a sense of belonging, but also contributes to the diversity of perspectives and experiences that define our inclusive community.

Collaboration

Working together is ingrained in our culture, and collaboration is at the core of our students’ development. Active, curious listening is the key as we collaborate to achieve goals that might be unattainable through individual efforts alone. We harness the collective strength and diversity of our community, achieving outcomes that surpass individual capabilities.

Courage

In the face of uncertainty, we embrace courage as a guiding force. Navigating uncharted territories, we push boundaries, fostering growth and transformation.

Curiosity

At the heart of our ethos is a deep appreciation for curiosity. We encourage a culture that values asking questions, reflecting on the unknown, and fueling our collective mission.

Excellence

Our commitment to learning propels us to be better and do better. We consistently strive for excellence, marked by hard work, a sense of meaning and accomplishment, and an unwavering dedication to quality outcomes.

Integrity

We choose courage over comfort, committing to what is right over what is easy. Our unwavering commitment to integrity ensures that we act ethically, keeping promises and fostering an environment of trust and accountability.

 

Our Four Key Areas

We are committed to building and sustaining excellence in four core areas:

Student Success

At Franklin & Marshall, we are dedicated to our students’ physical, emotional, and social wellbeing, as well as their success in the classroom. We offer a variety of resources to help students develop as individuals and thrive at F&M and beyond.

College Houses

These are not your average dormitories. F&M’s College Houses are lively hubs of intellectual, extracurricular, and social engagement that not only give students a place to hang out, sleep, and study, but also provide them with their own special place to belong.

Academic Support Services

A constellation of tutoring and academic support services are available to students at F&M, many of which are located in one central location on campus: the Student Support Hub. With the help of F&M’s dedicated academic support resources, we’re committed to ensuring all students on campus have equitable access to the support they need to enhance their academic skill set and success.

DipCares

DipCares is a wellness program on campus that ensures you, faculty and staff are aware of supportive resources available to you and how to access them.

Mindfulness finals

Accessibility Services

The Office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) works with students with specific needs to determine reasonable accommodations and ensure that they have equal access to all aspects of their education. In accordance with equal education opportunity laws, F&M arranges to provide appropriate accommodations for students whose disabilities limit their participation in academic programs for which they are qualified. 

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Fraternities & Sororities at F&M

Fraternity & Sorority Life

Since the first fraternity was established on campus in 1854, F&M's fraternities and sororities have been part of our community, offering interested students additional opportunities for intellectual advancement, leader development, responsible citizenship and community building.

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Athletics and Recreation

The College’s distinct perspective on intercollegiate athletics emerges from our historic mission of educational excellence and deep commitment to the holistic development of our students. We embrace the educational value of competitive sports and structure our athletic programs to maximize their contribution to student leadership and development.

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Student Engagement

From the moment they arrive on campus, our students have opportunities to connect and build community, take on leadership roles, and discover and pursue their passions. We strive to support and empower our students as they become engaged members of the F&M community.

Housing at F&M

The Residential Experience

It’s important to feel comfortable in the place that will be your home for the next four years. With our distinctive, community-first approach to residential life, we make sure you feel connected and happy.

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Clubs & organizations at F&M

The Office of Student Engagement & Leadership

The Office of Student Engagement & Leadership creates, promotes, and supports opportunities that inspire students to become connected, empowered, and engaged members of the F&M community.

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Spring Arts at F&M

First-Year Experience

When accepted students make the decision to become a Diplomat, they forever join the extended community of Franklin & Marshall College. Throughout their first year, students receive directed programs and opportunities to become connected and informed about student organizations, resources for support, course registration, housing selection for sophomore year, and more. The First Year Experience (FYE) creates spaces and opportunities for F&M’s newest students to connect with the campus and the Lancaster community, explore new interests, and engage with a variety of people and ideas in order to support student engagement and success. 

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Parent and family programs

Parent and Family Programs

F&M families, parents, and caregivers are our partners in their student’s success at the College. Through support and encouragement, they serve a critical role in their student’s college education. Parent & Family Programs engages and provides resources for family members to help support successful student transition to college, ongoing education, and persistence to graduation.

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Career and Community Development

Career and Community Development at F&M focuses on equipping and empowering students to navigate and plan purposeful, well-rounded lives.

Nida Fayaz Intern

Center for Career and Professional Development

F&M’s Center for Career and Professional Development cultivates professional development experiences that empower students and alumni to design and navigate fulfilling careers with courage and curiosity.

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PIT pre-arrival program

Ware Institute for Civic Engagement

F&M’s Ware Institute for Civic Engagement connects F&M students with opportunities to learn, serve, and work in the surrounding Lancaster community.

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