Putting Students First : How Colleges Develop Students Purposefully

In Putting Students First, the authors argue that colleges can and should invest in holistic student development by recognizing and building on the students’ search for purpose in life, intellectually, spiritually, and morally. Based on a study conducted at ten religiously-affiliated schools, the book urges all colleges to rethink their approach to teaching and advising the increasingly diverse students of today; their critical mission should be to prepare students to become ethically responsible and active contributors to society, as well as critical thinkers and skilled professionals.

Putting Students First offers perspectives and recommendations in areas of holistic student development such as

• Understanding millennial college students
• The role of faculty in defining culture
• The design and implementation of curriculum
• The impact of cocurricular involvement
• Fostering relationships with on-campus and off-campus communities

By organizing the campus environment into “4Cs”—culture, curriculum, cocurriculum, and community—the authors create a conceptual framework for faculty, student affairs staff, and administrators to discuss, plan, and create college environments that effectively support the learning and development of students. Each chapter includes an introduction, evidence and analysis, a summary, and questions to help readers consider how to develop students holistically on their own campuses.

Larry A. Braskamp is professor emeritus of education at Loyola University Chicago, where he served as senior vice president for academic affairs.

Lois Calian Trautvetter is associate director of the Higher Education Administration and Policy Program and lecturer in the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University.

Kelly Ward is associate professor of educational leadership and counseling psychology at Washington State University.