An overview is provided of issues influencing student affairs practice, designed to assist practitioners in applying legal principles in their daily work. The following chapters are presented in three sections (legal foundations and student affairs practice; key areas of legal responsibility and liability; and strengthening the legal basis of student affairs policy and practice): "Sources of Laws Influencing Administrative Decisions in Student Affairs" (Margaret J. Barr); "Legal Organization and Control of Higher Education" (Margaret J. Barr); "How Public and Private Institutions Differ under the Law" (Richard J. Correnti); "Constitutional Issues: Protecting the Rights and Interests of Campuses and Students" (E. T. "Joe" Buchanan, III); "Contractual Agreements: Defining Relationships between Students and Institutions" (George M. Shur); "Civil Rights and Equal Access: When Laws Apply--and When They Do Not" (Gwen Seaquist); "Administrative Practice: A Day-to-Day Guide to Legal Requirements" (Stephen S. Janes); "Student Conduct, Discipline, and Control: Understanding Institutional Options and Limits" (Shari R. Rhode, Melissa Gasser Math); "Institutional Liability: What Are the Risks and Obligations of Student Services?" (Margaret J. Barr); "Admissions Policies and Procedures" (Edward G. Boehm, Jr.); "Residence Life Programs" (Donald R. Buckner); "Facility Management" (Margaret J. Barr); "Counseling and Health Centers" (David A. Emmerling); "Student Discipline" (William R. Bracewell); "Student Organizations and Student Activities" (Glenn W. Maloney); "The Student Press" (John H. Schuh); "Management and Use of Student Records" (Larry H. Ebbers); "Employment and Supervision of Student Affairs Personnel" (Jon C. Dalton); and "Conclusion: The Evolving Legal Environment of Student Affairs Administration" (Margaret J. Barr). Sources of additional information, a glossary of legal terms, a list of cases cited, a case index and a subject index are also provided. (KM)