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Mission Statement

Research, Access, and Academic Engagement (RAAE) at Loyola Marymount University is dedicated to fostering student success through comprehensive support services and transformative educational experiences. As a multi-program hub, our division guides and catalyzes first-generation student success, champions the participation in and completion of research, and provides robust support for graduate school awareness and application processes. We aim to create inclusive, brave spaces where every individual can experience a strong sense of academic belonging and build personalized campus networks and resources. Grounded in the Practitioner-Scholar model and a commitment to educational equity, our mission is to integrate our scholarly and daily work, research, and literature within the framework of student success, guiding students as they arrive at the university, navigate their academic journey, graduate with confidence, and lead impactful, purposeful lives beyond college.

RAAE strives to support and advance:

  • Research and Exploration: Providing opportunities for all students and community members to engage in research and academic exploration, fueling intellectual curiosity and innovation.
  • First-Generation Achievement: Leading campus initiatives and producing scholarship that enhances understanding and support for first-generation student success.
  • Access, Retention, and Progression: Contributing to higher retention and graduation rates by supporting students through every step of their academic journey.
  • Post-Graduation Preparedness: Equipping students with the tools and knowledge they need to pursue meaningful careers and lives of service after graduation.
  • Personalized Support: Offering tailored resources and networks that meet the unique needs of each student, empowering them to achieve their goals.
  • Leadership and Service: Instilling values of leadership, service, and community engagement, preparing students to make a positive impact on society.
  • Academic and Vocational Growth: Designing academic experiences that encourage self-discovery, foster academic curiosity, and support vocational development.
  • The Practitioner-Scholar Model: Conducting and disseminating research and scholarly work that not only supports student success and educational equity but also provides up-to-date theoretical foundations for student programming and support.