This study assessed the level of crisis preparedness in higher education from the perspective of chief student affairs administrators at residential universities post-September 11, 2001 to pre-Virginia Tech shootings in April 2007. Crisis preparedness was determined by compiling and comparing data results derived from an instrument implemented in…

Three hundred and twenty-seven senior student affairs officers (SSAOs) responded to a questionnaire about the effectiveness of the Clery Act and their views of campus safety. As a group, SSAO responses were very homogenous, resulting in few significant differences when institutional type (public v. private) and status (2-year v. 4-year) were…

First-generation college students comprise a substantial proportion of the entire college student population. Despite the increasing likelihood of college enrollment among students whose parents did not attend college, first-generation students are at higher risk of failure than are their nonfirst-generation peers. Also, residents of the…

Although students who live off-campus comprise over 85% of today's college enrollments (Horn & Nevill, 2006), the body of research on this group is far smaller than that on residential students. Researchers regularly treat commuter students as a homogenous group and largely ignore the significant within-group differences that characterize the…

In 1999, the American College Health Association (ACHA) adopted a position statement for the Association that addresses acts of violence, bias, and other violations of human rights that have been occurring all too often within or adjacent to college communities. The purpose of this ACHA White Paper is to confront this serious college health issue…

Describes Values Audit, collaborative process designed to bring about institutional sensitivity to mission of higher education by systematically assessing beliefs, goals, standards of choice, and manner in which these are enacted. Asserts that Values Audit can foster better understanding of moral climate, clarify needed changes, and develop…

Although previous research provides empirical support for the "Freshman Myth," qualitative inquiry is necessary to enhance our understanding of the content, complexities, and impact of students' expectations about college. The current study analyzes in-depth interview data from nine students at three key time points in their transition from high…

Describes how Division of Campus Life at Cornell University conducted long-range planning and the results of its 2-year effort. Explains 2 (strategic and organizational) by 3 (diagnosis, formulation, and execution) matrix providing systems view from describing and evaluating long-range planning. Presents 10-step process implemented at Cornell. (NB)

Examined values systems of first-year college students and the changes they undergo during the first semester, using two different campus environments. Findings from 104 university and 86 first-year students revealed that student experiences during the first semester and/or influence of campus environment did not significantly alter their values…

Surveyed National Association of Student Personnel Administrators member institutions (N=704) to determine existence and characteristics of student affairs mediation programs. Found 29 campuses had established formal mediation programs. Argues that establishing formal mediation programs provides many institutional benefits. (Author/CM)

Members of professional organization responded to questionnaire measuring the influence of "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act" on campus law enforcement practices. Most believe the Act has improved crime reporting practices; some believe programs and services have been improved; most think the Act…

This study examined the relevance of higher education institutions' existing student activity programming and its effectiveness in promoting students' multicultural learning. Employing path analysis, this study explored the level of undergraduates' participation in selected college organizations and activities and its linkage to multicultural…

Undergraduate students participated in a discussion on common secondhand consequences of alcohol use, including concerns about personal safety and impact on living environments. This easy-to implement and brief intervention may strengthen students resolve to be more proactively involved in prevention of alcohol abuse for their campus community.…

Discusses a research study that examined the perceived value of a residence hall space for students interested in gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender concerns at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Provides information for other campuses as they debate the need for and the value of special interest residential areas in college campuses.…

The freshman year of college is usually acknowledged as a stressful time of social and academic adjustment. During this period, first-year students face many social and intellectual challenges. For high school athletes, the combined impact of college transition plus disengagement from sport can further complicate first-semester adjustment and may…