This document contains the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) statement, A Perspective on Student Affairs, issued in 1987 on the 50th anniversary of The Student Personnel Point of View. The document also provides the Student Personnel Point of View statements from 1949 and from 1937. The 1987 publication provides a review of the development of student affairs as an integral part of American higher education, presenting a perspective on higher education which emphasizes the changes in students and institutions. A historical overview is provided, as well as a description of the current context of higher education, a list of 12 assumptions and beliefs, a discussion of the role of student affairs, and a conclusion. The 1949 publication asserts that the central purpose of higher education is the preservation, transmittal, and enrichment of culture by means of instruction, scholarly work, and scientific research. Following a brief overview of student affairs work, it presents present-day objectives for 1949 and outlines the essential parts of a plan and program to help colleges assist students to achieve optimum development of powers and usefulness. The elements of a student personnel program are described, the administration of student personnel work is considered, and the importance of the research emphasis is discussed. The 1937 publication presents the philosophy of higher education and the role of student personnel services. The issues of coordination and future development are addressed. (NB)