This document examines the relationship between the student affairs and academic functions in higher education and presents three major reasons why student affairs personnel should be involved in academic functions: (1) to contribute to the academic mission and life of the campus; (2) to show that student affairs operates from a body of knowledge which has rigor; and (3) to further contribute to the growth and development of students. Teaching courses is described as one area where student affairs staff directly contribute to the academic mission. While there are many subject areas that could be taught by student affairs personnel, some particularly relevant ones are considered, such as courses dealing with college students, leadership, training, community development, higher education, and finance and administration. This report elaborates and illustrates the role of student affairs personnel in academic functions by discussing the teaching of a course entitled "Education and Racism." It concludes that there are unique contributions that can be made by student affairs personnel that directly affect academic functions which are not being made by others on campus, asserting that an attempt should be made to redefine and develop the academic role for student affairs staff and calling for a future conference on the topic. (Author/NB)