Theoretical modeling has been a widely used tool in the student persistence literature for many years; however, only recently has it been applied to the Historical Black College or University (HBCU) context in an intentional way. We investigated a theory of student persistence in commuter institutions at 2 commuter HBCUs (N = 147 students).…

Compared outcomes of college as perceived by African-American and white alumni in the affective or personal growth categories. An analysis of responses to an alumni survey revealed that, for affective growth variables, proportionally more African Americans than whites indicated that college had influenced their growth "very much." (Author/NB)

Presents a historical perspective about how student affairs have responded to the central purpose of learning in colleges and universities. Describes how college student affairs were originally cast in a dualistic role with academic affairs, but then developed into a more progressive and holistic philosophy. (Author/SR)

Clarifies the commonalities between the educational roles of student affairs and academic affairs in student learning. Suggests additional ways in which student development educators can fulfill their mission to assist in student learning. (SNR)

The student development movement may have represented a digression from the central educational mission of higher education. The Student Learning Imperative is the latest attempt to redirect student affairs into a realignment with student learning. This article offers practical suggestions for conceptualizing the content, methodology, and…