Considers the role of student affairs personnel in helping to develop a more coherent and holistic approach to higher education. Encourages student affairs personnel to direct attention to issues of student empowerment, outcomes assessment, guidance and advisement, and learning communities and environments. (Author/NB)

Student affairs professionals at smaller institutions are encouraged to research their commuter students' characteristics and needs and to create or enhance services and programs to improve the college experience for commuters based on their findings. (KS)

Argues that while student personnel training for the chief student affairs officer may be desirable, it is unnecessary. Suggests that student development education is a field distinct from the administration of higher education. Training programs must reflect these differences. (Author/CMG)

Examines how community has been defined and accomplished in American higher education. Explores the shared beliefs and values evident on college campuses, which are described as intentional communities. Discusses the role of student affairs as the "keeper of community" and outlines the needs of students as individuals and in groups. (RJM)

Argues that contract law and tort law are appropriate means for providing enforceable professional ethics in student affairs and that incorporating student affairs ethical codes into contracts with students creates enforceable ethical codes. Believes that providing such codes strengthens risk management programs, as well as encouraging…

Observes that student affairs professionals are on verge of new opportunity to exert leadership within their institutions. Argues that in readying for leadership role, student affairs professionals should hone leadership abilities and expand management skill repertoire. (Author/CM)

Fiscal concerns continue to challenge institutions of higher learning and will affect the financing of student services initiatives. By being aware of current fiscal trends, critiquing thinking about financial matters, and attempting to find new sources of revenue for the future, student affairs practitioners will be able to anticipate and address…

After 18 years as a student affairs professional, the author is now headed in a different direction. The personal lessons that she has learned about work-life balance over the past two decades are very similar to others. Instead of focusing on personal lessons, the author offers some structural observations, and--with respect, as she leaves the…

Examines the phenomenon of sophomore slump, a phase in their college years when students often feel depressed, frustrated, anxious, or dissatisfied. Encourages student affairs professionals to recognize the existence of sophomore slump and to provide support for students. Suggests three strategies for helping students: developing special programs,…

Moral education is an issue that higher education has often avoided. This paper begins with a critical review of the role higher education institutions have taken in the moral education of students and how that role relates to institutional mission. It continues by proposing an educationally defensible moral and ethical standard and finally…

This book is based upon the author's personal journal, chronicling her triumphs and challenges during her first year as a Student Services Administrative Officer. The author speaks candidly as we follow her journey to become a successful vice president. She provides valuable leadership, management, and professional development advice and offers a…

Argues that universities' complexity challenges the knowledge of those in student affairs with both legal and ethical dilemmas. Claims that student affairs needs to move beyond discussion of ethical codes and apply them to daily work. Professional organizations and preparation programs must be combined to improve ethical training in student…

A consortium of 20 organizations has designed standards and guidelines for improving the quality of student services and the training of professionals involved in student services and development programs. They address a variety of issues including mission, program design, leadership and management, administration, funding, facilities,…

States need of organizational participants to feel a sense of personal ownership in carrying out their special roles within broader organization. Identifies leadership behaviors that can facilitate ownership sense among student affairs staff members. (Authors/CM)

On college campuses, the diffused authority system makes positive and appropriate response to sexual harassment difficult. Student affairs personnel can assist by identifying and educating influential faculty, organizing universal campus education and prevention programs, encouraging student participation in program creation and administration,…