This study explored how supervisors in student affairs narrate their experiences of supervising new professionals. Utilizing narrative inquiry methodology, data were obtained through in-depth interviews of 13 supervisors and analyzed using thematic and narrative analysis methods. Implications for graduate preparation programs, professional…

In this era of increased accountability, it is important to consider how student affairs researches and assesses the outcomes of efforts to increase moral competence. This article examines both qualitative and quantitative inquiry methods for measuring moral development. The authors review the instrumentation and methods typically used to measure…

Explores the impact of mentoring on the proteges, those entering and advancing in the field of student affairs, and the mentors, those providing professional-development support, and the organizations they serve. Incorporates findings from a national survey of practitioner members of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.…

Many professions require members to be involved in continuing education in order to maintain skill levels, to remain current on issues, and often to remain licensed or certified in that field. The same level of continuous professional development does not always occur in student affairs, and there exists no system for documenting such activities…

During his 30 years at the University of Georgia, Theodore K. Miller established a nationally recognized graduate professional-preparation program. Miller is interviewed, and the professional influences in his life and on his role in developing quality-assurance measures for counseling and human-development programs and for student-affairs…

Reports findings of a regional survey project which assessed the current support services provided to gay, lesbian, and bisexual students and student organizations at NASPA Region III institutions. Also assesses campus climate for gay, lesbian, and bisexual students based on academic support and resources provided to student organizations, along…

Conducted three-year study to examine development of college students using Student Developmental Task and Lifestyle Inventory (SDTLI). Administered SDTLI to 1,193 first-year college students in 1989 and to 256 students from original sample 3 years later. Found student change patterns related to membership and leadership in student organizations.…

Describes the development andexplores the validity of the Synergistic Supervision Scale (SSS), which measures the extent to which staff perceive that their supervisor focuses on the advancement of the institutional mission and the personal and professional advancement of staff. Results indicate that synergistic supervision seems to be a valid…

Posits that prior to designing and implementing any programmatic initiative, the programmer must consider the assessment of individual and group needs as well as environmental or cultural dimensions. Outlines models of program planning and program assessment skills needed by student affairs administrators. Discusses collecting assessment data,…

Researchers surveyed 151 chief student-affairs officers to determine their perceptions of the most important skills and competencies that should be possessed by new doctoral graduates aspiring to midmanagement student-affairs positions. Four skill areas were identified as most important, and two skills were identified as least essential.…

Through the Decision Perspective Survey, Southern Association for College Student Affairs members were asked to consider the extent to which they considered educational/development versus legal issues when making decisions in their work. Results indicate a change in emphasis in decision making with significant new consideration given to legal…