Introduction to Student Affairs

Catalog description

Introduction to Student Affairs provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of college student affairs and its role in higher education in the United States. This course focuses on the history, nature and purpose of student affairs, its functions, and how they can be effectively managed, coordinated, and integrated as part of the broad educational purposes of the institution. It also examines institutional strategies for organizing, staffing, and funding the extensive array of programs, services, and facilities designed to facilitate the learning and development of students. Students participating fully in the course will develop an understanding of the: Historical and philosophical influences and organizational structures that have guided the evolution of higher education and the student affairs profession; Purpose, organization, roles, and functions of student affairs and its relationship to the academic community; Changing nature of higher education in the United States and the role higher education should play in a diverse and multicultural society; Roles of the student affairs professional, issues of concern to the contemporary practitioner, and the initiation of a professional identity within the field; Role of the professional literature and various professional associations as contributors to continuous professional development; and Skills of analysis, synthesis, and communication (verbal and written) concerning issues and ideas relevant to the student affairs profession.