Critical Issues for Student Affairs: Challenges and Opportunities

Student affairs is now part of the management and administrative structure of almost every college and university in the United States. Professional staff working under the banner of student affairs are engaged in a wide variety of educational, support, and service functions. Measured by almost any standard, today’s student affairs profession has never been stronger. There are still, however, a number of critical issues that must be debated and discussed if the student affairs profession is to move forward in the years ahead.

Critical Issues for Student Affairs identifies the most vital issues currently confronting the student affairs profession. Each chapter in this important volume focuses on a specific issue and presents a background, a summary of related research and writing, an examination of the issue, related references, and a list of suggestions for further discussion.

Arthur Sandeen is professor of higher education at the University of Florida. He was elected president of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) in 1977. Sandeen is the author of numerous articles and book chapters.

Margaret Barr is professor emerita in the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University. She is the author or editor of numerous books and monographs including The Handbook of Student Affairs Administration, Second Edition, with Mary K. Desler from Jossey-Bass.
Together Sandeen and Barr have over forty-five years combined experience as university vice-presidents prior to their retirement.