Focusing on the student experience broadly defined and, in particular, on the quality of student encounters in and out of the classroom is of critical importance to improving student outcomes. Improving learning, satisfaction, retention, time to degree, and graduation outcomes is not predicated simply on improving entering characteristics or…

Examines the implications of Ernest Boyer's (1990) concept of the "scholarship of application" for student affairs. Addresses the meaning of the scholarship of application, its importance for student affairs, and constraints and challenges that must be overcome to embrace the scholarship of application. (Contains 38 references.) (GCP)

Comments on E. G. Creamer and Don G. Creamer's article "Predicting Successful Organizational Change: Case Studies." Notes one of the enlightening concepts is the observation of qualitatively different leader behaviors in successful change projects. Describes the omission of a clear delineation of change project goals for each institution and how…

Considers applications of campus ecology theory in residence halls and asserts that residential environments can be designed and managed to enhance and foster student development. Describes practical strategies for overcoming or reducing environmental conditions that interfere with student satisfaction and development. (NB)

Examines the significance of forging partnerships between academic affairs and student affairs, partnerships that advance student learning, foster educational attainment, and reinvigorate undergraduate education. Details the nature of the partnerships, the benefits, and obstacles to their foundation. Concludes with a discussion of implications for…

An experiential training program emphasizing challenge-response theory was conducted in remote forest areas in an attempt to aid resident assistants to further develop social modeling competencies and increase their understanding and application of group process skills. (Author)

Presents a new look at the impact of living-learning centers. (Author)

Describes changes in college student characteristics that have increased gulf between teachers and students. Contends that student affairs professionals can fill gap through use of innovative tools like Tracking Retention and Academic Integration by Learning Styles (TRAILS) that provide faculty with information about individual student learning…

The author responds to criticisms of training resident assistants by means of adventure training. This type of training is designed to meet the needs and objectives of housing departments who feel that development of interpersonal skills is best accomplished through adventure training. (Author/HLM)

By encouraging students to stake out, control, and personalize a piece of physical space within the framework of a small family-like living unit, residence hall staff can facilitate the structuring of environments that enhance the natural development of students, while at the same time sustaining operations with minimal costs. (Author)

Outlines effective partnership for promoting student success through the creation of residential learning communities called Freshman Interest Groups (FIGs). Answers questions on how collaboration got started, how the need for such was determined, what form it took, problems encountered, and how the program was evaluated. Recommendations for…

This issue highlights the undergraduate experience and the increasingly important role of student affairs professionals in creating educational environments that enhance student success. It compares college students in the 1960s to today's students, noting that attitudes and behaviors of today's students are different from those of previous…

Discusses the transformation occurring in higher education as well as keys to enhancing learning and personal development. Suggests that student affairs redesign its work by promoting an increased capacity for learning and self-reflection in order to redefine student learning and personal development as the primary goals for undergraduate…