This chapter describes and discusses the topics covered in the "New Directions for Student Services" sourcebook series from 1997 through 2014 and provides a profile of the guest editors for the series.

Based on experiences over the past 2 decades, the authors look at some of the challenges of making predictions and then offer some thoughts about student affairs practice in the foreseeable future.

The chapter discusses learning that has resulted from selected international professional development experiences.

What is a culture of assessment? According to this author, in a culture of assessment, staff members recognize that they must collect evidence systematically to demonstrate accountability to their stakeholders, and that they must use that evidence to improve. Fundamental to the concept is the author's back-of-the-envelope definition of…

This chapter provides an overview of strategies that can be used to demonstrate accountability in financial issues in higher education student affairs. (Contains 11 references.) (Author)

Examined attitudes of practitioners and faculty on outstanding works in student affairs literature, 33 of whom recommended 105 book titles. From list of titles, 49 participants selected up to 10 books considered essential reading for entry-level student affairs practitioner. Twenty-two books were identified by 8 or more respondents; only 5 were…

A comprehensive resource for program assessment in student services, this volume provides practitioners with an overview of the what and why of program evaluation and access to the tools to design and carry out an assessment project, communicate the results, and implement the findings. In Part 1, "The Context for Assessment in Student Affairs,"…

Conducting good assessment studies and how to use results may determine the future of student affairs. Includes facts to help guide programs; determine why a study is needed; know that all assessment is political and takes time and money away from direct services to students; how results of assessment is communicated is as critical as the…

This article examines foundational literature in student affairs with a focus on selected early books, journal articles, and conference proceedings. An analysis of the contributions of these selections to the field is provided. (Contains 31 references.) (Author)

Provides overview of status of intercollegiate athletics and presents information to student affairs officers so they can assist their institutions in complying with National College Athletic Association regulations. Introduces issues that may confront student affairs administrators, identifies principles and recommendations for practice that can…

This chapter examines factors that influence higher education finance, trends in revenue and expenditures of institutions of higher education, and current strategies used to meet financial challenges. (Contains 28 references and 6 tables.) (Author)

Examines longitudinal funding for 513 public institutions over the time period 1995-1999 using the IPEDS database. A comparison across institutional types is presented, and student affairs funding also is compared with other major campus units. (Contains 16 references and 4 tables.) (GCP)

This study was undertaken to provide a profile of students enrolled in doctoral programs in student affairs administration during the 1988-1989 academic year. Questionnaires were sent to the administrative heads of doctoral programs in student affairs administration at the 58 institutions in the United States listed in the American College…

Funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) typically has lagged behind traditionally White counterparts. This study compared spending per student for student affairs at HBCUs with traditionally White counterparts. Results indicated there was no statistically significant difference in spending between the two types of…

Identifies central aspects of student affairs work during 75-year history of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). Reviews NASPA proceedings, historical accounts, and contemporary publications. Notes that NASPA's history has been shaped by history of higher education in United States and has been tied closely to the…