The University of Guelph Learning Commons brings student affairs professionals and librarians together to offer students a coherent and integrated approach to learning, writing, research, and technology support. It is distinguished by three characteristics: (1) a partnership model between academic and student affairs; (2) a solid foundation of…

This chapter describes two emerging theories that inform career counseling and explores how they can strengthen student success programs for underrepresented populations. The chapter also describes several effective programs and services that support traditionally underrepresented students as they prepare for, succeed in, and make the transition…

Students with disabilities have begun to make significant strides with regard to the fulfillment of traditional adult roles. Though not perfect, transition planning has improved the outcomes for students with disabilities who enter college and matriculate. However, many barriers still exist for students with disabilities who have a desire to…

When considering the issues associated with addressing faith, spirituality, and religion on campus, it is important for student affairs professionals, especially those at public colleges and universities, to be cognizant of the associated legal issues. The Constitution protects the freedom of religious exercise and against the establishment of…

Colleges and universities are beginning to consider the needs of transgender students, but few understand how to offer support to this segment of the campus community. This chapter address issues and provides suggestions for student affairs professionals.

This article reviews and analyzes how the Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information, or "Privacy Rule" of Public Law 104-191 of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), have impacted the administration of student judicial affairs in higher education. In addition to briefly…

The perspectives of 84 African American students attending a predominantly White institution (PWI) were qualitatively analyzed to identify the conditions under which African American student organizations were perceived as assets and liabilities to academic success. Results indicate that involvement in African American student organizations can…

College students who are no longer fully adolescent and not yet fully adult are frequently at risk for developing habits of excessive alcohol use, with consequent poor study habits and aberrant socialization patterns. "Weeding out" such trends is the work of prevention programs on campus. "Seeding" with other pro-social norms becomes the second…

This pilot study examined the approaches and expectations regarding personal and professional balance among nine student affairs officers. The focus of the exercise was to determine lessons about balance obtained from professionals who have been mentored or are mentoring younger staff. Demographic variables were also examined to determine how they…

Being from a typical African-American descent, the author's family struggled through a history tarnished by the legacy of slavery and racism in America. Many of these personal family stories of struggle she received through an oral tradition. She learned early in life the importance of discipline, hierarchy, and hard work. She was expected to…

As one strategy to improve the campus climate for students with disabilities, the Project Opportunity and Access online training program was evaluated for its ability to change the attitudes of faculty and student affairs staff. The Attitudes Towards Disabled Persons Scale was used to measure attitudes towards individuals with disabilities.…

Historically, student affairs professionals focused their work almost exclusively on undergraduate students. Doctoral faculty remained focused on the comprehensive needs of doctoral students. However, this situation is changing. Due largely to growth in numbers and diversity of graduate students, student affairs professionals at colleges and…

International students and the faculty and administrators charged with their oversight were surveyed at two religiously affiliated, private universities to determine the extent of their adjustment problems in the United States. Although the international students were found to have only minor adjustment problems in the twelve areas covered by the…

This study used the term "thriving," grounded theory design, and focus group interviews to investigate women's health. Purposeful sampling yielded women who had experienced abuse in adult interpersonal relationships and status-related oppression (N = 21). Four focus groups identified factors that define and contribute to thriving, began the…

Difficult romantic relationships are common in college, with painful breakups often leading students to seek help from the college counseling center. However, these already painful situations are further complicated when one member of the couple refuses to allow the relationship to end. An area of particular confusion on the part of the college…