Much of a group's development is part of the natural, interpersonal dynamics that exist when people are working together. Stages in the developmental cycle of groups are identified: polite, why we're here, bid for power, constructive, and esprit de corps. (MLW)

By working more closely and intensively with a few students, particularly in leadership training, campus activities educators can multiply the effects of their efforts and find the time they need to face new challenges. Mentor programs, workshop leaders, campus leaders roundtables, etc. are described. (Author/MLW)

Competent student leaders' actions derive from personal values, beliefs, skills, and goals. Leaders need to know themselves well and act consistently with regard to their value systems to earn followers' trust. Kennesaw State College (Georgia) combines the components and stages of student leadership in a framework for developing leadership…

ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center), a national database funded by the U.S. Department of Education to collect and analyze literature on all areas of education and education-related fields, is described. Samples of student activities literature found in a search of ERIC are provided, along with a list of database vendors. (MLW)

Ways in which community college student development programs can focus on student learning include using more academically focused language; having a student development plan and remaining on the profession's cutting edge; constant reevaluation of models of student success; finding alternatives to traditional models in delivery of student…

One means of addressing the need for student leadership education is the weekend retreat. Putting together a successful retreat experience involves assessing the needs of the target group and evaluating resources available; developing ownership and advocacy for the retreat; establishing learning outcomes; designing the format; and implementing the…

The first in a two-part series on male college student development looks at a significant issue for many young men, lack of relationship with a father, and its effect on their journey to manhood. Specific recommendations are made for adults working effectively with young adult men in this context, and areas for further study are highlighted. (MSE)

Organizational growth in student government, Greek-affiliated organizations, and activities councils can occur through the use of properly planned student leadership training programs. Low adventure training can enhance such programs while promoting optimal organizational and personal growth, providing a framework from which to view group…

The student development transcript, conceived in the 1970s for recording and validating student learning experiences outside the classroom, may come closer to reaching its potential through interactive computer technology. Programs combining student assessment of the college experience, mentoring, and use of the transcript grew in the 1980s but…

Based on the idea that college student involvement in campus activities enhances student development, the University of Rhode Island has established a research project that gathers information on student cocurricular background and interests and monitors student participation in campus organizations and its correlation to student confidence and…

Paraprofessional programs in campus activities not only relieve some of the burdens placed on professionals, but also provide effective peer counseling for students and outstanding development opportunities for the paraprofessionals themselves. Some paraprofessional programs in student activities are described. (MLW)

The James Madison University (Virginia) experience in implementing the "Student Learning Imperative" is described. Challenges to be met in creating programs, services, and curricula focused on learning and a strong sense of intentionality are discussed including circumstances for change; compatibility of project and community values;…