About Student Affairs

Student affairs is a critical component of the higher education experience. The work done by student affairs professionals helps students begin a lifetime journey of growth and self-exploration.

WHO WE ARE

Student learning doesn’t only happen in a classroom. Opportunities for teaching and development exist everywhere on campus, and it is the responsibility of student affairs professionals to seize these moments and promote positive interactions. Encouraging an understanding of and respect for diversity, believing in the worth of individuals, and supporting students in their development are just some of the core concepts of the student affairs profession. NASPA understands the importance of student affairs work and provides opportunities for our members to continue to expand their knowledge and skills.

THE STUDENT AFFAIRS PROFESSION: FOUNDATIONAL AND GUIDING DOCUMENTS

To understand the field of student affairs and the role of the profession in promoting student learning and development, it is important to examine the historical roots of the field - once known as student personnel administration and now referred to as student affairs - and reflect on the mutual influence exercised between institutions of higher education and the broader society. The documents included here provide an excellent reading list for those interested in tracing the development of the student affairs profession and seeking to identify both foundational themes that have stood the test of time (for example, the value placed on developing the whole student articulated in the 1937 Student Personnel Point of View) as well as more recent professional developments that reflect emergent priorities (e.g., the 2015 ACPA/NASPA Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Educators). The foundational and guiding documents compiled on this webpage do not simply serve to remind us of our history; they are also intended to be living documents that can be used in our current institutions and associations to teach the principles and values of the student affairs profession.

Here are a few suggestions for incorporating these documents into individual and organizational professional development efforts:

• Facilitate a discussion on one or more of the documents with undergraduates considering a career in student affairs.
• Include the documents in a reading list for those interested in the field, such as interns or mentees in the NASPA Undergraduate Fellow Program (NUFP) or student affairs paraprofessionals such as resident assistants and peer mentors.
• Assign the documents as readings in student affairs graduate courses and encourage students to critically reflect on the continued relevance of the texts.
• Include the reading and discussion of foundational documents in new employee orientation. This may be particularly helpful for employees who do not have an educational background in student affairs/higher education.
• Utilize the documents as a framework for a student affairs professional development curriculum, staff meetings, retreats or programs.
• Draw upon the documents (e.g., CAS Standards ACPA/NASPA Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Educators) for the development of position descriptions as well as individual and organizational evaluation processes.

Explore the Resources Below to Learn More