Presents unique model of staff development for student affairs division based on current strategies which have proven to be successful in corporate sector. Notes that model has twofold purpose of addressing concerns regarding opportunities for professional development and problem of institutional staff attrition in field of student affairs.…

Adapted existing management model of organizational growth to student affairs professional associations. Assessed adequacy of that model, the Maturation Model for Professional Associations (MMPA), by using expert panel. Experts believed the MMPA maturation variables seemed to be logical and accurate boundaries for measuring areas of organizational…

Provides a framework for student personnel workers to use in evaluating how their various needs, values, personality characteristics, and lifestyles might fit with administrative positions. Compares administrative and line positions. Recommends line professionals consider the issues before shifting to administration. (Author/ABL)

Introduces college student affairs personnel to wellness concept in effort to have them invest in positive lifestyles. Discusses need for self-care promotion, presents sample wellness dimension and indicators, and profiles status of wellness projects in higher education and student affairs. Examines impact of organizational culture and norms of…

Examines the overlay of maintaining a high degree of professional knowledge and autonomy with the additive and generative stages of professional development for midmanagement student affairs staff. Discusses rethinking professional autonomy and describes a focus group on professionalism in student affairs. (ABL)

Explores the knowledge base of student affairs and raises questions about the common learning that shapes the profession. Concludes student affairs personnel must experience the growth of their maturing profession and continually explore what it means to be "one of us." (ABL)

Compares and contrasts the roles of student personnel administrators at small and large colleges. Defines and explores the background of small colleges and emphasizes the need for administrators to be current with trends in higher education. (JAC)

Attempts to provide student affairs practitioners with general understanding of the media, and successful techniques in working with the media. Contends that, by designing an effective media relations programs, student affairs professionals can rely on the media as a valuable ally. Emphasizes need for preparation and interview skills. (Author/NB)

Suggests that developing critical thinking skills is a priority in colleges and universities, that student affairs personnel share responsibility for this task, and that the two key critical thinking activities, examining assumptions and exploring alternatives, are natural to the out-of-class environment. Suggests specific strategies for…

Contends that qualitative research methods may improve understanding of individual students and groups of students. Discusses key questions in determining appropriateness of qualitative methods for research, evaluations, and policy analysis. Recommends that student affairs professionals consider using qualitative methods in their study of students…

Examines professional status of student affairs and offers recommendations to enhance status. Notes that Council for Advancement of Standards (CAS) Standards and Guidelines for Student Services/Development Programs is step toward student affairs becoming a profession. Concludes that, if student affairs does not determine its destiny, others in…

Reviews reasons why the student affairs profession has changed so dramatically in recent years, including projected decline in numbers of traditional students, student deficiencies, student discipline and emotional problems, student diversity, etc. Offers five recommendations for responding to the changes. (Author/ABL)

Introduces Prescriptive Evaluation Plans, method of large-scale evaluation that gives student affairs practitioners active but manageable role in evaluation process. Describes approach as especially useful for student affairs departments with number of services managed as semiautonomous units, such as student union; resident life department; or…

Ever since the publication of the Council of Student Personnel Associations in Higher Education (COSPA) of the Student Development Services in Post Secondary Education, arguments and debates have ensued as to whether this document: (1) was a statement of philosophy for student affairs; (2) was a philosophical replacement for the near-universally…

Describes major, long-term attempt at Brigham Young University to use campus ecology and student development theories to redefine mission and roles of student affairs. Discusses effort made to provide all student personnel workers the opportunity to study campus ecology and student development theories and to be meaningfully involved in defining…