This article introduces the concept of a scholarship of practice and its potential for improving student affairs research and practice. Student affairs graduate preparation faculty members and student affairs scholar-practitioners can engage in a scholarship of practice by using research to inform their practice and using the findings of their…

This review analyzed the effectiveness of mandated substance use interventions in reducing future cannabis or other illicit drug use. Findings indicated that early decreases in cannabis and other drug use are commonly reported among students participating in mandated interventions. The longer time elapses post-intervention, the more likely…

Student affairs professionals must strive to address the needs of an increasingly diverse student population. As such, this review critically examines scholarly research over the last 25 years regarding the concept of cultural competence as it pertains to students, student affairs professionals, and faculty members. This review also develops a…

As colleges and universities work to address unwelcoming campus climates for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff, scholars must reflect on extant literature to propose future possibilities to address institutional inequities. This qualitative content analysis employs a critical queer framework to investigate how four leading student affairs…

Using a systematic literature review approach, this article examines the expanding landscape of LGBTQ+ student affairs in higher education. In reviewing 38 pieces of scholarship, several themes emerge about this line of work: how LGBTQ+ student affairs work came to be, how students experience LGBTQ+ centers, and ongoing organizational concerns.…

Helping skills are increasingly viewed as essential competencies for student affairs practitioners. The purpose of this study was to examine the helping competencies covered in student affairs professional preparation programs. The authors examined 16 syllabi of helping-skills courses in student affairs programs and compared this analysis to…

This article offers a synthesis of over 40 journal articles, book chapters, and books related to the history of student affairs published since 1996. Within this literature, scholars have explored the roles and responsibilities of early student affairs administrators ("positions and practice"), demonstrated efforts to establish a…

This multi-institutional qualitative study included an examination of foreign-born, undergraduate, immigrant college students' interactions with faculty members and student affairs professionals. Individual interviews with 103 immigrant students--representing over 40 countries--were collected across three U.S.-based institutions. Using…

Higher education's commitment to students of color has gradually eroded because of a number of problems including the country's changing climate regarding racial issues and the persistent downturns in the U.S. economy (Allen, 1988a). The enrollment of Black students at four-year predominantly White institutions (PWIs) continues to fall short of…

The study reviewed 17 years of research extending the work of Lovell and Kosten (2000) on student affairs competencies important for professional preparation and practice. A meta-analysis was used to organize and present data on 22 articles concerned with knowledge, skills, dispositions, curriculum, multicultural competency, and professional…

Students' interactions with student affairs personnel should provide opportunities for students to reinforce their global citizenship, since many opportunities to practice such citizenship are provided in the co-curricular (e.g., service learning, leadership development, negotiation of differences). As such, student affairs personnel need to be…

Ritual plays a critical role in creating community and reinforcing values. This exploration of campus rituals suggests how college personnel might use rituals in their efforts to bring individuals together in a community of learners. (Author/MKA)

This article reports themes that emerged from interviews with 16 senior student affairs officers following the September 11th tragedies. Themes related to personal and professional reactions to the terrorist attacks are discussed. The authors focus on the stated desire of several SSAOs to compartmentalize their reactions and the possible…

The explosion of computer applications in the modern workplace has required student affairs professionals to keep pace with technological advances for office productivity. This article recommends establishing an administrative computer user groups, utilizing coordinated web site development, and enhancing working relationships as ways of dealing…

A new model among student affairs professionals, faculty, and academic administrators is emerging at colleges and universities across the country. This "partnership model" or "partnership movement" is characterized by collaborations and connections. These partnerships can serve as a transformational tool to enhance the quality of the students'…