Course Description:

The class will be presented in a lecture-discussion format. The instructor will provide front-line accounts of the functioning of the complex, demanding and rewarding student affairs profession. The subject matter will be addressed in a very realistic and pragmatic manner. Selected guest speakers will bring to the class a myriad of views regarding the important role that student affairs assumes in the higher education enterprise. A primary goal of the class is to deepen each participating class members interest in the student affairs profession as a worthy educational and career pursuit.

Course Objectives:

• Learn about the primary purpose, mission and role of student affairs in contemporary American higher education.

• Exposed to the historical significance and a number of critical incidents that have shaped the student affairs profession.

• Gain an understanding of selected demographic data that portray a current view of higher education, i.e. institutional types and levels, enrollment, costs and ethnicity.

• Discuss the personal characteristics of todays college student.

• Gain an understanding of the unique needs of a highly diverse higher education student population.

• Become familiar with the various functional units that typically comprise a model student affairs organizational structure.

• Acquire an appreciation of the various issues, trends and problems confronting the student affairs profession.

• Gain an appreciation of the governance process and the political climate that manifests itself in the student affairs profession.

• Exposed to the duties and responsibilities normally assumed by student affairs professionals.

• Develop an appreciation of the role of student affairs professionals as student advocates, educators and professional colleagues.

• Gain an appreciation of the type of relationships which should exist between student affairs professionals and their colleagues in other divisional areas, i.e. academic affairs, business affairs, institutional advancement and the presidents office.

• Each class member is expected to attend all class meetings and be prepared to contribute meaningfully to class discussions.

• Prepare 200-300 word abstracts of selected readings and make oral presentations. The readings will be representative of the areas addressed by the student affairs guest speakers.

• A final examination comprised of objective and subjective questions will be administered.

• Prepare a term paper (individual or group) and make an oral presentation on a student affairs subject of topical interest (to be determined in consultation with the instructor).

• Classroom discussion and participation 20%

• Writing assignments 20%

• Oral presentations 20%

• Final examination 20%

• Term paper 20%

• There is no required text for the class. Participants will be expected to locate relevant materials and use supplemental readings.