In these uncertain times, it is essential when dealing with student activism that faculty and staff base their actions on foundational assumptions and beliefs representing best professional practice that serve the multiple purposes of higher education. To set a context for his arguments, the author draws on a recent example from the field. The…

In this paper, the author summarizes the role and contributions of the scholarship and institutional research about student engagement and its relevance for student development professionals and others committed to enhancing the quality of the undergraduate experience. The presentation is organized into four major sections. First, the author…

Extraordinary behaviors in otherwise ordinary student affairs organizations that are unusual and merit promotion are described. (Author)

Uses metaphors to examine organizational entry into student affairs divisions from the perspective of employing institutions and new staff members. Defines organizational entry and briefly describes metaphorical analysis before employing metaphors (skydiving, matchmaking, gardening, and grocery shopping) to improve understanding of the entry…

Goals of student affairs and liberal education are similar, yet in many institutions student affairs is considered ancillary to the primary purposes of the academy. Reasons for this anomaly include a positivist consciousness, lack of attention to students' social and emotional development, student affairs divisions' separation from curricular…

Originally published in January 1984, describes a framework in which extant models and knowledge from selected disciplines applicable to student affairs work can be synthesized. Argues that a multiple perspectives framework is a logical extension of previous efforts to lend direction to the thinking about and practice of student affairs work.…

Graduate students in College Student Personnel Administration were surveyed to determine their research orientation. In general, respondents exhibited a relatively strong orientation to inquiry-related activities. If favorable attitudes to inquiry are desirable, students should be strongly encouraged to take part in research or coursework in…

Describes student affairs functions and staffing patterns common to four Japanese national institutions of higher education. A brief description of the Japanese higher education system is also provided. (Author)

Surveyed 50 resident assistants and 46 dormitory residents in the fall and spring to examine changes in their perceptions of the resident assistant's role. Results showed that, while a substantial number of RA functions became less important to both groups over the year, supervisory functions became more important. (JAC)

Surveyed 212 chief student affairs officers to study career paths, individual characteristics, and the influence of school size on responsibilities. Results showed few changes in responsibilities in recent years. Those administrators from small colleges tended to have more experience in and preparation for student affairs work. (JAC)

There may be many obstacles to faculty and student affairs in higher education collaborating on assessment, but they can be surmounted. Discusses strategies used on campuses across the country that break down some of the cultural, bureaucratic, and leadership barriers. (Author/MKA)

Suggests that the disparity between staff expectations and actual reality is related to misunderstandings about how student affairs units are supposed to function. Presents seven stress management measures to help staff members cope with and take advantage of seemingly inexplicable situations. (JAC)

Much of the thinking and writing about typical student affairs organizations has been grounded in core assumptions consistent with scientific and bureaucratic models of organizing. These questionable assumptions describe how things are supposed to work; however, most divisions of student affairs operate under multiple and sometimes competing…

Women are no longer underrepresented in student personnel preparation programs. However, an increased number of female master's degree graduates are seeking a limited number of entry-level positions. Women (and men) should be made aware of the inherent free-market employment risks when contemplating a career in student personnel work. (Author)

Tests a learning productivity model for undergraduates using hierarchical linear modeling. Perceptions of the campus environment influenced student learning productivity by affecting institution-level student effort, learning efficiency, and student gains. Student affairs professionals can promote higher levels of student learning by helping to…