Applying theory to practice in student affairs is dominated by the assumption that formal theory is directly applied to practice. Among the problems with this assumption is that many practitioners believe they must choose between their lived experiences and formal theory, and that graduate students are taught that their experience "does not…

Are emerging student affairs professionals prepared to respond to undergraduates' growing interest in spirituality? This study explored that question through interviews with 32 graduate students in three college student personnel programs, one at a state university and two at religiously affiliated institutions. Students reported that…

Maintains that spirituality and spiritual development have been conspicuously absent from student development theories and ignored by many student affairs professionals. Argues for consideration of spiritual development by student development theorists, provides a definition and framework through which to consider spirituality and spiritual…

The purpose of this study was to explore faculty perspectives about the role spirituality plays in curriculum and pedagogy in preparing student affairs professionals to respond to undergraduates' spiritual searching. Twelve faculty from three college student personnel programs, one at a state university and two at religiously affiliated…

Management of student affairs is a complex and unpredictable task that requires thoughtful planning and sensitivity. Managers who set priorities in a planned way, act strategically to implement plans, and make adjustments based on changing conditions can make a difference. Managers must work collaboratively to achieve mutual purposes through…

The rapid changes evidenced in higher education have force student personnel professionals to examine traditional practices that promote only slow, incremental change. This requires a shift from focusing on leaders to focusing on leadership. Collaborative leadership can help reshape structures and processes in higher education so that they can…

Most of the traditional competencies that have contributed professional effectiveness in student affairs will continue to be important for success. As higher education continues to transform itself, these traditional competencies will need to be viewed and practiced in different ways. The competencies and perspectives include: entrepreneurship;…

Anticipating change in student affairs and developing new strategies to meet the challenges posed by change requires an understanding of the current themes and trends in higher education. This article analyzes themes, issues, and trends from higher education during the past decade, including: the engaged institution; enhanced student learning;…

An emphasis on learning and development is a student-centered focus. It is essential for student affairs professionals to keep the resources of the institution focused on the student experience. Student affairs personnel need to map the learning and developmental agenda for students and identify the educational strategies needed to help learners…

Explores how higher education themes and trends influence student affairs professionals. Identifies core values, principles, and theories that inform practice. Considers faulty assumptions that shape student affairs culture including the sense of powerlessness professionals have about their role in the institution. Offers suggestions about gaps in…

Fiscal concerns continue to challenge institutions of higher learning and will affect the financing of student services initiatives. By being aware of current fiscal trends, critiquing thinking about financial matters, and attempting to find new sources of revenue for the future, student affairs practitioners will be able to anticipate and address…

The diversification of college students continues to increase. This article looks at the characteristics of these new college students and considers what they want from their college experience. Student affairs professionals must consider how the values and principles of their profession influence their relationships with and service to the…