Chief student personnel administrators (CSPAs) were surveyed to examine the changes in student personnel administrative positions over the past 10 years. Changes were discovered in title, level of educational preparation, experience in the position, age, and the proportion of women to men. (RC)

Examines significant aspects of student personnel work vis a vis student development. Reveals that "in loco parentis" has been a manifestation of a more overarching philosophical belief that colleges should foster the development of the whole student. (Author)

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)

Presents results of study undertaken to learn what academically successful American Indian students at one postsecondary school encounter and what persons and/or support services help with their academic success. Most students indicated family of primary support. Few reported obstacles were academic, indicating the importance of student support…

Surveyed lesbian, gay, and bisexual student affairs professionals about work experiences related to their sexual orientation. Findings indicate that lesbian, gay, and bisexual professionals who were open to all people at work reported experiencing more discrimination in their careers than those less open. Other findings are discussed. (RJM)

Examined the meaning and importance of middle management and career to a group of mid-level student affairs administrators employed by midwestern colleges and universities. Participants rejected simplistic parameters of middle management, revealing that context, personal attributes, and other factors must be considered. Career aspirations and…

Examines four distinct but interrelated stages that first-year graduate students must resolve, and discusses needed research for the four-year level paradigm and its implications. Reminds college personnel of the importance of facilitating successful adjustment to graduate study. (ABL)

Explores limits of quantitative research methods and introduces qualitative approach, focus groups, as alternative information-collection tool for student personnel administrators. Presents two research projects where focus groups were used. Maintains that focus group approach has several advantages, including cost effectiveness, emphasis on…

Conducted study to examine how administrators at community and four-year public and private colleges assess their faculty, student, and institutional responses to academic dishonesty. Findings from 257 chief student affairs officers revealed that problem of student academic dishonesty persists across institutional types. Respondents appeared to…

Study examines the experience of five college students living with HIV and AIDS, paying particular attention to how the HIV/AIDS diagnosis affects the social and academic life of a student. Results indicate that an HIV diagnosis can influence the interpersonal growth and development of students and reveal the importance of access to knowledgeable…

The purpose of this study was to explore recreational prescription drug use among undergraduate students. Although anecdotal accounts on this subject abound, empirical research is extremely limited. Data from a survey of a random sample of 734 students at a large public research university in the Northeast were examined. Results indicate that a…

Previous literature has suggested that ascribed characteristics, such as gender and ethnicity, achieved characteristics such as highest degree earned; and institutional characteristics such as size and public or private affiliation of the college, may serve as determinants of salary among senior student affairs officers. This research, however,…

The purposes of this study were to explore the extent to which technology disrupts and occupies the time of a college student and to determine the degree to which these disruptions contribute to perceived stress. A 71-item survey to assess perceived stress, technology use and disruptions, and social support was administered to 299 undergraduate …

Collegiate student athletes are faced with the same developmental challenges and stressors as their nonathlete peers, but they are also expected to deal with the challenges of athletic involvement (e.g., time demands, physical demands, travel schedules). Such additional demands may put athletes at greater risk for experiencing physical and…

The student personnel worker offers areas of experimentation where students can test new concepts, values, and goals. In many respects it is a trial and error process to guarantee sound decision-making techniques and an ability to function in society. The student personnel worker fosters an attitude and atmosphere of freedom. (Author)