As the world is changing, higher education program administrators must give up a linear way of thinking and search for another that fits a nonlinear, dynamic system. Leaders can learn much from the science of chaos studies about how dynamic human organizations function and the underlying principles of complex dynamic systems. (MSE)

A campus atmosphere of cultural pluralism in which individual minority groups can maintain a sense of identity and uniqueness while acknowledging and building on shared experiences and values can empower all members of the college community. Student activities policies and procedures reconsidered in this light can lower barriers. (Author/MSE)

Leadership is different from management, but much of the confusion about leadership stems from equating the two. The differences between leadership, involvement, and management are discussed. Leaders have vision, power, are doers, embrace conflict, and meet the needs and wants of followers. (MLW)

The entertainment-based campus-activities programming model popular with many traditional four-year colleges and universities is not necessarily appropriate for community colleges. "Cluster programming" designed to meet the needs of smaller, specific, student subgroups may be more effective. In addition, booking national-level personalities who…

A discussion of the current role of student personnel services in higher education looks at their history, at higher education as a social and educational institution, relevant theories of human growth and development, and at organizational concepts affecting student development. (MSE)

Issues in the debate over whether to pay college students for their work in student activities are examined, and the practices of a number of institutions on both sides of the debate are presented. Whether money acts as a motivator in this context is discussed. (MSE)

An interview with a college student activities director addresses topics concerning student activities planning including the need for good planning, activities planning as leadership training, roles of staff and students, planning phases, effective use of financial and human resources, contracting with artists, effective promotion, event-day…

The ethical climate of organizations is discussed, and it is argued that the fostering of such a climate must be an intentional act of organizational leaders and members. Issues associated with fostering an ethical climate are outlined, a self-evaluation instrument for organizations and institutions is presented, and strategies for overcoming…

While the civil rights and social reforms of the past two decades are firmly established in some areas, other aspects of ethnic and cultural diversity are under assault on campus. The challenge for student personnel services is to take pluralism and the value of diversity seriously in decisions about standards, philosophy, and purpose. (MSE)

Some questions that might be asked when considering a career in campus activities are answered, including: what career positions are available in student activities, should one consider a master's degree or a doctorate, what types of programs are there, and where can one find information about graduate programs. (MLW)

Organizational culture is difficult to change, but the norms that exist are the easiest elements to identify and change. Even if changing the norms is not desirable, it is essential to understand and articulate them. A change in cultural norms is communicated through new expectations, different language, and new behaviors. (MSE)

As student populations change, so do the students who volunteer for cocurricular activities. The challenges for campus activities organizers include recruiting older students and providing adequate rewards for volunteering. Students can be attracted by emphasizing the job-related aspects of volunteer jobs or offering course credit. (MSE)

Campus activities programmers are encouraged to balance roles by: remembering their time is valuable; accepting their own imperfection; saying "no" when necessary; taking care of themselves; learning to request help and delegate; giving best time and energy to what matters most; focusing on life's positives; developing support systems; keeping a…

Student activities administrators are offered guidelines for managing others, including being aware of assumptions about working with others; acknowledging that people's views, preferences, and needs do not always coincide with one's own; learning about staff's individual differences and preferences; engaging in dialog; paying attention to…

College campus activities professionals implementing change need to simultaneously involve four elements in the organizational world: environment, people, structure, and purpose. Resistance to change can be countered by defusing resistance, developing a strategy, choosing leaders wisely, providing advance notice and information, and observing…