Does Student Affairs Have an Enduring Mission?

Abstract

Student affairs is a relatively new profession and has changed in significant ways in response to new developments in higher education, innovations in practice, new conceptual paradigms, and changing economic and political conditions. As a result there is much debate about the core mission and purpose of student affairs and whether it is possible to identify and agree upon an enduring core mission and purpose. The author examines these issues and their implications for the work of student affairs in higher education today.

Leaders' Perceptions of the Professionalization of Academic Advising: A Phenomenography

“…If professionalization means that practitioners need the same backgrounds and credentials, can advising ever become a profession? The same issue, having practitioners from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, has plagued the professionalization of student affairs (Sandeen, 2011). Do student affairs and academic advising constitute new kinds of professions, which are not easily analyzed through traditional models of professionalization?…”

exploration of the perceptions and experience of students of color with white student affairs professionals

“…For instance, during the colonial years, student affairs professionals played an important role working for the colonial residential colleges because they worked with students on their behavioral issues while they were pursuing a college education (Mann, 2010;Schuh, Jones & Harper, 2011). Even though student affairs professionals existed during that time period, the student affairs profession was not formally created until the late 1800's (Mann, 2010;Sandeen, 2011;Schuh, Jones & Harper, 2011). The student affairs profession was created at Harvard College by LeBaron Russell Briggs in 1890.…”

“…The student affairs profession was created at Harvard College by LeBaron Russell Briggs in 1890. He was appointed as the Dean of Men to support men because the faculty was very focused on their academic responsibilities and they were not able to counsel and assist those male students at Harvard (Dalton & Crosby, 2011;NASPA, 1987;Sandeen, 2011;Schuh, Jones & Harper, 2011).…”

“…Later on, during the early 20th century, the student affairs profession expanded especially after the first World War as many more individuals gained employment in many different student services areas within a growing number of colleges and universities (Mann, 2010;NASPA, 1987;Sandeen, 2011;Schuh, Jones & Harper, 2011). As the expansion of the field of student affairs continued, student affairs leaders in the field wanted to seek greater appreciation and recognition for their work in student affairs (Sandeen, 2011).…”

“…As the expansion of the field of student affairs continued, student affairs leaders in the field wanted to seek greater appreciation and recognition for their work in student affairs (Sandeen, 2011). A group of student affairs leaders decided to form a committee in the year 1937.…”