Is Student Affairs Relevant for the 21st Century? Tony W. Cawthon ...

More documents

Recommendations

Info

colleges and universities cannot afford to lose students through attrition due to dissatisfaction with their out-of-class experiences. This situation may cause some administrators to compromise the learning and developmental approaches to their work, but finding ways to support the academic mission of the institution through retention efforts increases the perceived value for student affairs work within the academy. Student Affairs in 2020 The next ten years will reflect as much change for student affairs administrators as the previous ten years have. Growth in the economy will not yield instant restoration of lost funding, and as such, leaders will continue to make decisions related to the viability of programs and services. The federal government’s call to increase the number of students in the post- secondary system, the proliferation of for-profit institutions and distance education, and the expected influx of military veterans seeking further education will cause an even more heightened focus on the academic mission of the institution. To retain its value in the academy and in the eyes of institutional leaders and faculty, student affairs will be required to redefine its mission to more fully embrace a recommitment to its historical roots that involve the provision of services to students throughout the institution. Student affairs units will experience continued organizational change. In some cases, with continued focus on retention efforts, chief student affairs officer positions will be eliminated or combined with enrollment management executives. Other institutions may reduce the scope of non-essential student affairs programs and services, especially in the community and technical college system where the lines between student affairs and enrollment management are already blurred. Student affairs units that can demonstrate alignment with the institution’s academic mission or serve an essential function (e.g. disability services, academic advising, etc.) will 16
continue to thrive. However, consolidation of the other units within student affairs is likely to occur at institutions that cannot find alternative ways to fund these programs and services. The reorganization of student affairs is predicated on student affairs administrators, in conjunction with key constituents such as students, faculty, and other administrative units, developing a clearer definition of its priorities. As a profession, student affairs cannot be concerned with trying to gain the respect of faculty members and campus leaders. Worrying about where or whether “we sit at the table” or fit organizationally both distracts us from doing all we can to provide the best possible experience for students and undermines any legitimacy we have on our individual campuses. We should be focused on contributing to student success and engagement on our campuses through our work to enhance the academic and non-academic experience of students. Over the next ten years, student affairs as a field must begin to recognize that making significant contributions to student success involves providing services and programs that both eliminate barriers to their persistence and achievement and enhance the quality of the college experience. Student affairs has a vital role to play in higher education over the next decade if it recommits itself to the services that served as the foundation of the field while also evolving to meet the realities of today’s students and institutions. Students expect a high quality educational experience; students need advocates who encourage policies and practices that support their success; students want experiences outside of the classroom that will prepare them for life post- graduation. Regardless of institutional context related to size and mission, student affairs administrators often are primary links to these key functions of colleges and universities. In the next ten years, student affairs must become even more committed to these important elements of 17
Page 1 and 2: Is Student Affairs Relevant for the
Page 3 and 4: -Which current priorities are susta
Page 5 and 6: under attack in recent years. Recen
Page 7 and 8: There is widespread agreement that
Page 9 and 10: student experience and disrupted th
Page 11 and 12: education requirements, and more so
Page 13 and 14: Robert “Beau” Seagraves’ Jr,
Page 15: administrators often play an active
Page 19 and 20: provide our institutions with evide
Page 21 and 22: References ACPA & NASPA, Task Force
Page 23 and 24: Association of College and Universi

Is Student Affairs Relevant for the 21st Century? Tony W. Cawthon ...

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?