Kathleen Manning identifies seven philosophical positions in relation to the broad issue of difference. Recognizing and understanding where they stand in this matrix allows educators to work more effectively with students, faculty, and staff about the complex and sometimes contested issue of difference.

Over the past 5 years, ACPA and NASPA have promoted conversations about an exploration of scholarship in the field through dedicated special issues of their journals (2001 and 2002 respectively) to the topic. The leadership of NASPA called a "summit" in 2006 for scholars and practitioners to gather and discuss the state of scholarship in the field…

Draws connections between student affairs practice and educational philosophy as expressed by Paulo Freire. Presents argument that Freire's work provides beneficial framework as student affairs administrators define themselves as educators who encourage students to reach their full potential. Discusses Freirian concepts of praxis, individual…

Outlines use of qualitative research in student affairs. Suggests rationale for the appropriateness of qualitative methods as means of knowledge generation. Discusses five issues of concern. Concludes qualitative research methodology reflects and parallels complexity and richness of student affairs field. (Author/ABL)

The relationship between the philosophy, theory, and methods of different research paradigms is explored in this article. Specific theoretical perspectives, critical theory, postmodernism, critical race theory, queer theory, and feminist theory are explored in the context of their political values and implications for qualitative research.…

Discusses theoretical and philosophical foundations that can be used to structure Introduction to Student Affairs course within graduate program. Describes the model course as being divided into two segments: liberation theology and liberal arts. Sees liberal arts segment as being further subdivided into philosophy, history, psychology,…

Discusses the topic of spirituality in organizational theory and student affairs practice. Reviews theories and models and applies them to student affairs administration. Defines and discusses the word "soul" as a means to provide context for the discussion. (Contains 18 references and 1 table.) (GCP)

Reviews theories about multiculturalism, discussing them within context of student affairs services, environments, and programming. Multicultural theories presented are categorized into liberation, cultural identity development, student development, and organizational development models/theories. Those specifically summarized include Pedagogy of…

Explores myths fashioned during the growth of student affairs and discusses their implications for student affairs administrators. Some of the myths contested include claims that the field lacks a professional philosophy, that it was founded "by default," and that it must have an educational mission equal to that of the faculty. (Author/RJM)

Presents the Cultural Environment Transitions Model elucidating a monoculturalism to multiculturalism continuum. Contends model assists in understanding institutional progress toward a multicultural environment. Concludes student affairs educators have capacity to influence initiation and fulfillment of multiculturalism within their areas of…

In response to uncertainty surrounding the future of the student affairs industry, this paper explores management and organization literature in education and business to elucidate the condition of higher education as a mature industry. The first section,"Higher Education as a Mature Industry," presents characteristics of the life cycle stages of…