The intent of the study was to investigate recent developments pertaining to the position of dean of students to determine what impact, if any, the recent tumultuous history and dramatic growth of higher education has had. The research was carried out in three large, urban, state-supported universities: California State University, Long Beach; California State University, Los Angeles; and, California State University, Northridge. These institutions were chosen mainly for pragmatic reasons, but also because their type is increasingly common in the higher education scene, having large enrollments and oriented to urban communities with a commuting student body often from non-traditional student populations. Two appendixes are included: (1) Sample Interview Questions; and (2) Background Information on the Three Subject Universities. A selected bibliography is also included. (Contains 68 footnotes.)