The phrase "best practice" is used often in student affairs, but the term lacks a common and accepted definition. This results in the implementation of programs and services that are neither grounded nor assessed. A model is proposed here that suggests a best practice process that integrates foundational student affairs documents and applies the…

This study examined the use and perceived effectiveness of standards published by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education in student affairs units at a community college in the Southwest. The available literature mainly addresses use of the CAS standards at four-year rather than two-year colleges. The study investigated…

The increasing use of the CAS standards as a comprehensive assessment approach in divisions of student affairs necessitates a more in-depth understanding of how the CAS standards are being implemented in these settings. In response to increasing calls for improvement, accountability and professionalism in student affairs (Bresciani, 2006; Cooper…

This study examined the application and perceived effectiveness of the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) in a community college Student Affairs Division. The two research questions were as follows: (1) How does a Community College apply CAS standards? (2) What is the perceived effectiveness of applying those standards? A case study…

This article gives an overview of a new model for assessment practice within student affairs divisions. With the current increase of accountability and greater demands from higher education stakeholders, student affairs practitioners need to understand how to demonstrate the effectiveness and value of their work as it relates to the mission of…

College student personnel and mental health workers need psychological education programs whose effectiveness can be empirically verified. This report describes such a program in sufficient detail to give professionals a clear model for study and application to their particular populations. Shostrom's Personal Orientation Inventory was used to…

A model workshop for training campus personnel in crisis intervention skills is described. This workshop combined theoretical presentations with interventions in crises simulated by student actors and actresses. The crisis interventions were videotaped and processed. Problems and issues that arose are discussed. (Author)

Describes a method for evaluating academic advisement which includes the staff in the evaluation process. The college Advisement Center Self-Study Guide creates an opportunity for program changes and improvements to be developed internally, with its major strength as preventative research. Advisement accreditation standards are outlined. (JAC)

Describes a program evaluation measure for assessing college student development intervention outcomes. Outlines the management, student-centered, and implementation approaches of the measure and examines the model's application in student development. Uses two case examples in which the model is applied to student services assessment projects to…

A proven model for screening prospective residence hall assistants (RAs), training them in critical interpersonal and leadership skills, selecting the best candidates, and giving them strong supervisory support on the job is presented in this comprehensive guide. After an introductory chapter on the historical context within which RAs operate…

Although much has been written in support of a student development role for the student affairs professional, research documentation is lacking on the contributions made by student affairs staff to the development of students. A simple research methodology, which could be easily replicated on college campuses, to begin providing these missing data…

In an examination of efforts towards the implementation of the Tomorrow Higher Education (THE) model for student development, a survey of 204 student personnel administrators at small, public, rural community colleges was conducted to determine: (1) the extent to which practitioners agreed with the basic constructs and underlying assumptions of…

The way that academic advisers, counselors, faculty, and administrators can help undecided college students set and implement educational and career goals is described. The focus is a developmental advising approach and career development concepts. Origins of indecision, categories of undecided students, and model programs for counseling and…

The appropriateness of four counseling center models (traditional, consultation, vocational guidance, psychotherapy) and 15 specific counseling center functions for universities with enrollments of 10,000 plus were evaluated by samples of counselors, student personnel administrators, resident assistants, faculty, students, and university…