Research on the association between student-faculty informal, nonclass contact and various outcomes of college is reviewed and synthesized. Relevant investigations are summarized, methodological problems are discussed, and directions for future research are suggested. A conceptual model to guide future inquiry is offered and discussed briefly.…

Explores the debate on diversity, clarifying how the positive effects of diversity activities outweigh potential problems. Explains the role of student affairs administrators in using the university mission statement to concurrently promote diversity, civility, and free speech. Describes the First Amendment as setting minimum parameters for…

While the political activities of the small college and religious institution occur in a unique cultural context, they cannot be avoided. Politics and power can be best understood in ways that contribute to, rather than detract from, the work of those in student affairs in these kinds of institutions. (Author)

Argues that multicultural coursework, pedagogy, and support services, which honor diverse needs and voices, can enhance the environment for graduate students of color. Examines problems faced by students of color; ways to bolster recruitment, retention, and support programs; faculty-student interaction; classroom interaction; professional…

Provides career counselors with an overview of career-related issues relevant to college students with disabilities. Topics include the impact of disability on career development and on postsecondary educational participation. Examines access and accommodation issues and argues for an expanded role for career counselors who work with disabled…

An article originally published in 1973 discusses the increasingly difficult role of the university library director and identifies factors contributing to the declining status of that position. Recommendations for ameliorating the problem are offered. The introduction discusses the applicability of the article to the current situation of…

Data on sexual violence at colleges are reviewed briefly, and strategies for reducing such violence are outlined, focusing on techniques to discourage sexual aggression in male students. The author draws on experience in giving workshops to student groups. Academic advisors are urged to be active in addressing the problem. (MSE)

Discusses issues about cultural environment, ethnic identity, and social support for Latino students on predominately White campuses. Describes how university services can help diminish their educational and social difficulties, and presents different vignettes that illustrate these concepts. Identifies attitudes and beliefs necessary to provide…

Draws on recent comparative case studies of universities in Europe and North America to examine global and local factors in changing university management practices. Discusses effects of economic globalization, internationalization of ideas and educational practices, the ideology of new managerialism, and entrepreneurial fund raising. Criticizes…

Argues that the rising tide of "efficiency" in contemporary education often masks reductions in educational quality and equity and efforts to reduce public investments in education. Analyzes historical and comparative examples in U.S., U.K., and Australian reform movements; the methodology of comparative education; and ongoing reforms in…

This book addresses the philosophy of governance in higher education, the nature of governance and some of the forms it may take, the meaning of democracy in university governance, criteria for assessing governance systems, and underlying assumptions about aims and efforts. The book focuses on the colleges and universities in New York City in the…

The dimensions and consequences of college student attrition and features of institutional action to deal with attrition are discussed. Patterns of student departure from individual colleges as opposed to permanent college withdrawal are addressed. After synthesizing the research on multiple causes of student leaving, a theory of student departure…

This paper analyzes biases in academe concerning what constitutes "legitimate" and "rigorous" scholarship and examines how these biases interact with decision-making power to place minority scholars and their research into a traditionally ascriptive secondary role. Looking specifically at the Chicano/Latino scholar, it is…

Discusses the state of the art of environmental assessment and redesign (i.e., the interdependent relationships of campus organization, physical structures, and people) considering the effects of environment on student well-being. Suggests ways for student affairs staff to use environmental assessment technology more profitably. (WAS)

Examines challenges in retaining students of color and the urge by some reformers to "fix the student" rather than focusing on institutional change. Argues that institutional commitment to retention entails a willingness to revise policies, power relationships, curriculum, support services, campus climate, and environment. Offers recommendations…