scholarly journals Entry-Level Competencies of New Student Affairs Professionals: A Delphi Study

NASPA Journal ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan W. Burkard ◽  
Darnell C. Cole ◽  
Molly Ott ◽  
Tara Stoflet
Keyword(s):  
Student Affairs ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Student Affairs Professionals ◽  
New Professionals ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
Graduate Preparation ◽  
Professional Development Training ◽  
New Student

The study examines the perceptions of 104 mid- and senior-level student affairs administrators of positions, responsibilities, competencies, and theories important for professional practice for new student affairs professionals. In regard to competencies, the results of this study provide important information about preprofessional abilities that are integral to professional practice, and participants also identified several competencies not identified in prior research that may be important to positions involving high contact with students. These results, then, provide vital information for curriculum development in graduate preparation programs and for professional development training for new professionals.

Moving from Theory to Practice

2014 ◽  
pp. 165-177
Author(s):  
Melissa L. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Student Affairs ◽  
Student Development ◽  
Student Affairs Professionals ◽  
Development Theory ◽  
Degree Programs ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
Graduate Preparation ◽  
Student Development Theory ◽  
Graduate Preparation Programs

While higher education grapples with new and emerging technologies that are changing the way courses and degree programs are delivered, as well as how students and faculty communicate with each other, the field of student affairs has been relatively slow to adapt to this changing landscape. The purpose of this case study is to describe the integration of technological skills and competencies into a graduate-level education course for future student affairs professionals, a relatively new phenomenon for graduate preparation courses. A brief overview of the field student affairs and student development theory is followed by an in-depth description of the adapted course, course assignments using technology, and the results of those activities. Recommendations for graduate preparation programs are provided at the conclusion of the case.

The First Year on the Job: Experiences of New Professionals in Student Affairs

NASPA Journal ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen A Renn ◽  
Jennifer Hodges
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Student Affairs ◽  
Student Affairs Professionals ◽  
Future Research ◽  
First Year ◽  
New Professionals ◽  
Online Data ◽  
Online Data Collection ◽  
New Student

Ten new student affairs professionals participated in this longitudinal study of their first year on the job. This qualitative study used online data collection. Participants submitted monthly responses to open-ended prompts inquiring about their experiences, challenges, and surprises. Over three time phases (Pre-Employment and Orientation, Transition, and Settled In), three themes emerged: the importance of relationships, institutional and professional fit, and issues of competence and confidence. Findings suggest several implications for practice, including preparing new professionals, being a new professional, and supervising new professionals. The authors suggest areas for future research.

Survey of Chief Student Affairs Officers Regarding Relevance of Graduate Preparation of New Professionals

NASPA Journal ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard J. Herdlein
Keyword(s):  
Student Affairs ◽  
Chief Student Affairs Officers ◽  
Student Affairs Officers ◽  
New Professionals ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
Personal Traits ◽  
Graduate Preparation ◽  
Faculty Teaching ◽  
Course Work ◽  
Source Of Information

The study examines the perceptions of chief student affairs officers at 50 colleges/universities in order to provide insights into the extent to which preparation programs are effectively preparing new professionals for the field. The results of the study will assist faculty teaching in these programs in future decisions regarding curricula; provide a rich source of information to practitioners interested in the preparation of new professionals entering the field; and delineate specific areas of skill development, knowledge, and personal traits important for advancement in the field. Results indicate that there may be a need to consider additional course work in several content areas.

Perceptions of Competencies of Entry-level Practitioners in Student Affairs

NASPA Journal ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Kuk ◽  
Brian Cobb ◽  
Cynthia S Forrest
Keyword(s):  
Student Affairs ◽  
Student Affairs Administrators ◽  
Preparation Program ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
Student Affairs Practitioners ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
Graduate Preparation ◽  
Graduate Preparation Programs ◽  
Academic Content

The academic content of graduate preparation programs and the competencies they instill in their graduates is central to the quality and competence of student affairs practitioners within colleges and universities. The focus of this study was to gain additional understanding of what professional competencies were considered important for entry level practitioners by student affairs administrators and preparation program faculty, and whether these competencies were expected to be attained in either preparation programs or on the job. Significant differences were found between the three surveyed groups related to both importance and where the competencies were expected to be attained. These findings have implications for both preparation programs and the mentoring role of supervising administrators.

Book Review: A Guide to Decision Making in Student Affairs: A Case Study Approach

NASPA Journal ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracy Davis
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Student Affairs ◽  
Student Affairs Professionals ◽  
Expert Advice ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
New Professionals ◽  
Study Approach

Stanley Levy and Charles Kozoll capture much of the complexity of decisionmaking and offer an important contribution to our understanding of this perplexing topic. The publication of A Guide to Decision Making in Student Affairs: A Case Study Approach, furthermore, is timely due to what Stage (1993) recognizes as an increasing expectation that "new professionals, even at the lowest levels, have the ability to work independently and solve complex issues knowledgeably and with skill and integrity" (p. iii). The case study approach combined with the expert advice of 15 seasoned student affairs deans (called informants) provides a valuable resource for learning about a central task in our profession. The book offers students as well as experienced professionals background information critical to decisionmaking in higher education, exploration of fundamental issues that influence the process, carefully constructed and relevant case studies, and a reservoir of advice from some of the most well respected senior-level practitioners in our field. This book is particularly valuable to faculty members facilitating learning with new professionals, but it is a resource most student affairs professionals would find well worth owning.

Experiences with Diversity in the Curriculum: Implications for Graduate Programs and Student Affairs Practice

NASPA Journal ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joy Gaston Gayles ◽  
Bridget T Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Student Affairs ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Diversity Courses ◽  
Preparation Programs ◽  
Student Affairs Practitioners ◽  
Graduate Preparation ◽  
Theory To Practice ◽  
Diversity Issues ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Graduate Preparation Programs

The purpose of this study was to assess individuals’ perceptions of and experiences with diversity in the curriculum of graduate preparation programs in student affairs. We were particularly interested in how diversity is incorporated into the curriculum and how individuals have been able to apply what they learned about diversity issues to student affairs practice. Using focus group interviews, data were collected from graduate students and student affairs practitioners. Three major themes that focus on requiring diversity in the curriculum, what should be included in diversity courses, and effective ways of linking theory to practice are discussed.

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