This study was conducted because limited research has occurred in the area of co-curricular student learning outcomes assessment, which has resulted in confusion within the student affairs profession on how to develop and implement assessment plans. The purpose of this study was to examine high-quality assessment practices of student affairs…

A university governing board's influence on institutional policy is undeniable. Educating board members about student affairs issues is essential to ensuring a well-informed, effective board. This study examined the relationship between student affairs and the board's student affairs committee (SAC). An 89-item survey was developed and…

Describes the design and application of the Student Affairs Program Evaluation Process at the University of Nebraska. An evaluation team including students and faculty was set up to study counseling, recreation and orientation programs. Weaknesses and strengths of the process were discussed and suggestions made for appropriate followup activities.…

The academic model of success in higher education often neglects the role of noncognitive variables, including Emotional Intelligence (EI). As higher education educators turn their attention to learning, scholars are focusing on the role of EI and other noncognitive variables in enhancing learning. Although learning takes place both inside and…

Investigated the leadership behaviors of 78 Orientation Advisors (OAs) to determine whether certain practices made any difference in the effectiveness of OAs or in the value of the orientation programs to new students. Results indicate significant and consistent relationships between leadership behaviors and perceived effectiveness and…

This paper describes strategies for two types of accountability evaluations: internal and external. (Internal evaluations are a unit's evaluations of itself. An external evaluation involves people not affiliated with the unit.) These strategies were developed by the Center for Counseling and Student Development at the University of Delaware.…

Describes the operation of Project HELDS (Higher Education for Learning Disabled Students) on one campus. Evaluation results showed the use of existing university resources such as tutoring and taping books and lectures had a meaningful impact on the academic achievement of the 27 participants. (JAC)

Identified and examined the operations of 15 offices of the ombudsman in which the ombudsman is a student. Results showed students, faculty, and administration were generally satisfied with how the ombudsman duties were handled and agreed the program is effective in alleviating student frustration. (JAC)

Administrators contemplating the implementation of an undergraduate paraprofessional academic advisement program have much to draw upon in assessing the advantages of such a program, including effectiveness, economy, availability, accessibility, flexibility, and organizational input brought about through peer group membership. (Author)

Warns that as pressures for greater accountability increase, student affairs personnel risk focusing their attention on preservation of educational systems rather than on student development. Emphasizes the need for closer interaction between the theorist and practitioner, grounded in formal theoretical knowledge of human development. (JAC)

Explores the usefulness of orientation programs for students aged 27 and older (N=454) to discover whether differences in personal, financial, and academic background affect their perceptions of orientation programs, willingness to participate, and other factors. Results indicate that a workshop format allowing students to select sessions would…

Describes model job rotation plan in a college student affairs division in which a staff member (intern) rotates among departments as a staff development opportunity. A 10-year follow-up evaluation underscored the success of the program. Concludes job rotation is not just learning experience, but it is also sharing experience. (Author/ABL)

To reduce alcohol-impaired driving among college students, some university officials have organized safe ride programs for their campuses. Such programs provide transportation for students from local bars and restaurants to campus-area housing. In June 2001, Midwestern University (MU) initiated a safe ride program, the Midnight Special, as part…

Presents a model for the concurrent staffing of a hospital ambulatory care/emergency department and a student health service. The model was created by interfacing the services and needs of two institutions and incorporates accountability, budget restraints, and creativity. (Author/RC)

Describes vulnerability of student affairs and other academic support areas during economically difficult times. Explores four components of unified systems approach to student affairs financial management that can maintain efficiency and effectiveness: (1) long-range planning; (2) accountability; (3) evaluation; and (4) applied model of systems…