Looks at the historical roots of the student affairs profession for insight about the value of community. Examines different conceptualizations, institutional evidence, and artifacts of community. Describes ways in which community can be fostered within the college environment through the use of diversity, faculty, and professional work. (RJM)

Describes the evolution of a model, developed by student affairs officials, which outlines a planning process for implementing Total Quality Management. Presents step-by-step instructions for the model's deployment and discusses such issues as transitions, planning forms, goals, and professional and personal growth needs. (RJM)

A different way of conceptualizing the practice of student affairs is described. Benefits of a critical cultural perspective for student affairs practitioners are considered. The work of educators who seek to transform institutional cultures and establish an ethic of care and democratic principles as central organizing concepts is examined.…

Only recently have competencies related to legal issues been viewed as important for those entering the field of student affairs. Explores what preparation programs should teach about law and ethics, strategies that can be used to teach these topics, and how faculty can enhance the ethical growth of students in the program. (Author)

Electronic surveys are a fast and low-cost research option which is just beginning to be used in student affairs. Researchers considering electronic surveys should be aware of ethical issues concerning representativeness, data analysis, confidentiality, and quotations. Describes issues that are different from similar problems with mail-out…

Because many student affairs practitioners serve in counseling roles to students, this article examines Pedersen's 10 frequent assumptions of cultural bias in counseling. Also provides appropriate applications and recommendations for increasing the cultural sensitivity of student affairs professionals. Hopes to initiate an impetus for further…

Minnesota and Wisconsin technical college personnel (25 presidents, 63 counselors, 23 placement officers, and 34 alternates) considered training-related labor market information most important in program maintenance decisions; advisory committee input for program modification decisions; employer input for adding programs; and cost for dropping…

Examined satisfaction and improvement among university counseling center clients (n=98) who received short-term, individual counseling. Clients expressed satisfaction with services and demonstrated a reduction in distress. Perceptions of the therapeutic working alliance significantly contributed to their satisfaction. (JBJ)

Gathered information about the severity and frequency of community college student problems, through a survey of 65 public community college counselors. Most reported an increase in severity of personal problems (family, alcohol, self-worth), career (goals, job market), and educational problems (lack of skills, time management). Reports other…

Examines marginality issues facing transfer commuter students attending a mid-Atlantic university and what student characteristics relate to their sense of marginality. Results showed that transfer students have few sources of on-campus support, which may lead to their feelings of marginality. Results were particularly true for woman and Asian…

In this article, the authors describe their personal experiences and offer student affairs professionals suggestions for balancing their personal and professional lives. They also share the lessons they have learned from their experiences.

To serve their campuses well, senior level student affairs administrators need to be involved as full partners in institutional decision-making. To do that effectively requires a variety of skills, including an understanding of higher education finance. The role of student affairs personnel in institutional financial decision-making has not been…

Books, music, films and other media sources are identified in terms of their unique value in teaching career development.

This chapter reflects on the simultaneous journeys of two women, one a lesbian and one an ally. One woman is a midlevel manager in student affairs while the other is the executive director of a national association.

Providing high-quality student services to students enrolled in distance education programs is a critical link to the academic success of this growing student population. (Contains 7 figures.)