Student affairs practitioners in higher education have been leaving the field at an alarming rate (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, 2022). As personnel working on the front lines in efforts related to student success and retention, early-career incumbents in these positions experiencing such high rates of attrition…

The student affairs profession is at a crossroads (Torres & Walbert, 2010) given digital technology's growth and the academy's administrative expansion (Bowen, 2013). Student affairs administrators must simultaneously respond to digital technology's implications in students' lives (Kirschner & Karpinski, 2010) and to new state and federal…

This dissertation examines the beliefs, attitudes, and practices of Chief Student Services Officers (CSSOs) regarding the professional development of their middle managers (i.e., direct reports) within the Illinois Community College system. A sequential, mixed methods study was performed with CSSOs at Illinois community colleges across the state.…

Universities are expanding and growing at rapid rates to meet the demand for higher education in America. The profession of student affairs serves as the beacon to help guide students outside of their classroom experience. In response to the changing campus climate, Student Affairs' divisions will be tapped to help shape university policy while…

The purpose of this study was to identify the leadership competencies and characteristics that are "preferred" by student affairs administrators, and to compare these preferences across generations to determine if there were any differences. The term "preferred" was used to indicate that the study asked respondents to assign a value or a level of…

Student affairs organizations are at a crossroads. They face expanding enrollments; a concomitant increase need for often more complex services; changing demographics; a growing cohort of non-traditional and first-generation students; shifting and more demanding responsibilities; and increased expectations from the greater campus community,…

The purpose of this study was to explore the performance appraisal experience of 14 mid-level women in student affairs administration at four-year colleges and universities in Northern Illinois using a qualitative research approach involving personal interviews. Previous research on career development and advancement of mid-level women in student…

As the demand for qualified higher education faculty increases, practicing administrators with the appropriate education and experience will be likely recruits. Article provides an overview of the realistic considerations and preparations administrators should take when contemplating making the move from an administrative to faculty position.…

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…

The study examines the perceptions of 104 mid-and senior-level student affairs administrators of positions, responsibilities, competencies, and theories important for professional practice for new student affairs professionals. In regard to competencies, the results of this study provide important information about preprofessional abilities that…

This book is based upon the author's personal journal, chronicling her triumphs and challenges during her first year as a Student Services Administrative Officer. The author speaks candidly as we follow her journey to become a successful vice president. She provides valuable leadership, management, and professional development advice and offers a…

A professional development bibliography and resource guide for college administrators and student personnel workers are presented. The bibliography of over 200 publications (generally, 1966-1982) covers 18 specialty areas: admissions and records, counseling and guidance, consultation, financial aid, general reading, instruction, management,…

Although financial aid staff feel they are treated as second-class citizens, they are seen as their own worst enemy. Some recommendations to improve the profession include: avoid use of jargon, reduce use of forms, promote the consolidation of loan activities, establish goals and objectives, and improve organizational development. (MLW)

A survey was undertaken of staff in Student Affairs of the University of California at Davis in December 1979. Data gathered in that survey and relating to professional development activities of the staff are presented. The objective is to provide information on development opportunities for those employees, staff participation in them, and need…

Historically, student affairs professionals focused their work almost exclusively on undergraduate students. Doctoral faculty remained focused on the comprehensive needs of doctoral students. However, this situation is changing. Due largely to growth in numbers and diversity of graduate students, student affairs professionals at colleges and…