Personal issues and career development processes of individuals working in student affairs who have recently completed a doctorate were explored in this study. Results indicated that almost 70% were employed at the completion of their doctorate either by accepting a new position or remaining in their current position. New doctoral graduates…

Investigated titles of chief student affairs officers (CSAOs) in 1,451 four-year public and private institutions listed in the 1984 Higher Education Directory. Results indicate the majority of CSAOs hold the dean of students title and that titles differ significantly by gender and size of institution. (Author)

Explored initiation of mentor-protege relationships in a survey of 222 student affairs professionals and interviews with 26 subjects who reported a mentoring relationship. Results showed mentoring is quite common in student affairs, and most are mutually initiated, although a proactive approach on the part of the protege is realistic. (JAC)

Student personnel professionals (n=244) rated impact of nine situational, institutional, or dispositional barriers on their current participation in development activities. Findings suggest that situational barriers (cost of activities, time needed to participate, and home/job responsibilities) seem most important. Subjects had varying perceptions…

Surveyed 142 student affairs professionals to examine their perceptions of staff development needs. Results suggested little perceived need for staff development. Greatest relative needs were for improvement in milieu management, consultation, and instruction. Items related to positive personal and working relationships were concerns with regard…

Examined attitudes among leaders in the field about student affairs preparation programs and their accreditation. Findings from 257 administrators revealed significant differences among chief student affairs officers (CSAOs), deans of education, and program chairs in their attitudes toward preparation programs at their institutions. CSAOs were…

Interviews with 12 student affairs administrators revealed that respondents were applied theorists and reflective practitioners; action phase of reflective process was integral to decision making; respondents believed their thinking patterns remained constant throughout life; formal education played minimal role in helping administrators become…

Examined extent to which university system offices centrally coordinate and administer student affairs functions. Findings from 50 university system heads revealed that responsibility for coordinating selected student affairs functions was becoming commonplace for most university system offices. Findings also provided descriptive profile of U.S.…

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)

Focus of article is to develop a framework for understanding the change process related to collaboration between academic and student affairs. Findings of a national survey indicate that combined models are best able to guide student and academic affairs collaboration. Study results suggest that universities and comprehensive institutions need to…

Student affairs professionals in the United States were surveyed to determine the predictive value of overall job satisfaction, organizational support, organizational politics, and work/nonwork interaction on affective organizational commitment. Results indicate that a supportive work environment leads to increased affective attachment to the…

Ten new student affairs professionals participated in this longitudinal study of their first year on the job. This qualitative study used online data collection. Participants submitted monthly responses to open-ended prompts inquiring about their experiences, challenges, and surprises. Over three time phases (Pre-Employment and Orientation,…

Examines the development of professional identity and commitment in young student affairs administrators. (Author)