Presents needs assessment as a necessary part of program planning in student affairs. Questions (N=12) are suggested as a framework to guide needs assessment activities. When staff and students become responsible for assessing their own needs, the process becomes educational and goals are more likely to be met. (JAC)

This paper presents a problem-focused needs assessment process for use by student affairs personnel. A comprehen- sive perspective of the needs assessment process is recommended, which views needs assessment as a necessary step in program planning, implementation and debriefing. Five types of needs assessment are identified and explained: (1)…