In this study, the authors engaged with 54 peer financial mentors from seven institutions of higher education across the US through a qualitative inquiry using a Maslowian lens. PFMs, a type of college student worker, are typically hired by program managers or supervisors of financial wellness programs housed within financial offices, student…

Research has indicated that, in comparison to their counterparts at predominantly White institutions (PWIs), Latinx students at Hispanic-Serving institutions (HSIs) tend to encounter less racism and, in turn, fewer challenges in shaping their ethnic identity development. Yet, evidence has also suggested that the disciplines, and by extension, the…

This article examines the limitations and possibilities of the emerging competency-based movement in student affairs. Using complexity theory and postmodern educational theory as guiding frameworks, examination of the competency-based movement will raise questions about overapplication of competencies in graduate preparation programs and…

Historically, research examining graduate student socialization has attended to the structure of the socialization process, rather than how individuals interpret it. This qualitative study explored how 21 student affairs master's degree candidates made sense of surprises that emerged during their initial socialization experiences. The findings…

The purpose of this study was to explore early career professionals' perceptions of how their higher education or student affairs (HESA) graduate program prepared them to work with international students in their postgraduation student affairs work. The following themes emerged: HESA curricula lack formalized coursework about international…

The purpose of this study was to gather student affairs professionals' perceptions of the knowledge and skills needed to effectively help students. Using the Delphi method, 159 entry-level and mid-level student affairs administrators from institutions across the United States were surveyed regarding their perceptions of the helping skills they use…

Examines the close friendships of women student affairs professionals and explores the influences of career mobility on those relationships. Participants defined close friendship and described the challenges of making professional and personal transitions. Considers implications for the student affairs profession. (Contains 52 references and 1…

Explores personal and institutional factors associated with professional status, job satisfaction, career patterns, and professional preparation of law-school placement officers (N=127). Compares law school graduates with non-graduates; discusses career implications arising from professional placement. (EMK)

This ACPA presidential address from 1961 comments upon the current and complex situation of student personnel work in the American college and university. Explores characteristics of student personnel workers that should be identified and nurtured so that they will thrive well into the future. (GCP)

Student affairs professionals (n=244) rater utility of 10 professional developmental competencies, skills, and attributes. Their assessments differed significantly according to their current and projected work responsibilities. Cultural diversity and values/ethics/philosophy were rated very highly, suggesting that student affairs has…

Presents a multidimensional perspective of the student affairs profession within the context of institutional autonomy and diversity. Encourages continued discussion on the evolution of professional identity. Offers paradigm which challenges unitary and comparative approaches to the profession. (Author/NB)

Responds to Scott Rickard's article which presented paradigm of professional identity for student affairs professionals. Contends that rather than providing new paradigm, Rickard has provided informative and insightful depiction of epistemology of student affairs profession. Calls for unequivocal identification with student affairs by many…

Responds to Scott Rickard's article which presented a paradigm of professional identity for student affairs professionals. Contends that student affairs professionals must stop debating the issue of their professional existence and accept their professional assumptions, beliefs, and roles as legitimate co-equals in the academic enterprise. (NB)

Responds to Scott Rickard's article which presented a paradigm of professional identity for student affairs professionals. Examines the status of student personnel services as a profession. Discusses three basic approaches to looking at student personnel services as a profession. Concludes that student personnel workers are professionals working…

Responds to Scott Rickard's article which presented a paradigm of professional identity for student affairs professionals. Acknowledges student personnel professionals' preoccupation with the question of their professional identity. Considers the importance of this question and asks how the question affects job performance of student affairs…