Abstract This chapter sets a context for the use of student development theory in student affairs work, summarizes several prominent theories, and offers examples of how the entertainment media can be used to facilitate understanding of these theories by both graduate and undergraduate students.
Personal issues and career development processes of individuals working in student affairs who have recently completed a doctorate were explored in this study. Results indicated that almost 70% were employed at the completion of their doctorate either by accepting a new position or remaining in their current position. New doctoral graduates obtained a position at a significantly lower level than they expected; however, a significant positive correlation between expected and actual starting salary range indicates graduates were able to accurately predict their starting salary range. Over 75% of respondents were still employed in their first post-doctoral position at the time they completed the survey. Implications for student affairs graduate programs are discussed.
Historically, some educators and counselors have perceived that behavioral contingencies are antithetical to a humanistic approach to education. Negative side effects and limitations of dependent and independent group reward programs are described and examined from a humanistic perspective. Interdependent group rewards are discussed as a humanistic alternative and specific recommendations for applying these programs are provided.
The relationship between gay identity development and cognitive development, as outlined by Ivey's Developmental Counseling Therapy Model, was explored. The Gay Identity Questionnaire and the Standard Developmental Counseling Interview were administered to 78 gay men. Results suggested that there is a relationship between gay identity development and cognitive development. In addition, the findings provide evidence that gay identity development can be categorized by concrete and abstract frames of reference.
The purpose of this study was to provide more insight into the skills and support systems needed to encourage scholarship among student affairs practitioners. We used topical life history to examine the scholarly lives of eight student affairs practitioners. To guide that examination, we leveraged the questions posed by Jablonski et al. (2006) as our research questions: “What skills and knowledge [did] practitioners need to develop a scholarship agenda?" and "What support, coaching, and job modifications create[d] environments for practitioners to be successful” (p. 197). Participant life histories revealed a variety of direct and indirect influences, such as institutional context, mentorship, personal characteristics, and significant others on the participants' work as student affairs practitioners. The findings highlighted the following as major influences on the professionals’ decision to engage and sustain scholarship: community, intrinsic motivation, and cultural change. What these findings also suggest is practitioners are willing and desirous to make an impact on the broader field through scholarly engagement; they just need support and compelling reasons to do so.
Abstract In this chapter, the authors examine considerations necessary for seeking a terminal degree. Information on program types, pros/cons of full‐time and part‐time enrollment, and funding opportunities are explored.
Although an ample amount of research on college students' moral reasoning exists, little has been written about the degree to which participation in community service and alternative break programs results in growth of moral reasoning. This study investigated the extent to which participation in alternative break programs resulted in the development of college students' moral reasoning. Results of pre- and post-Defining Issues Tests showed statistically significant differences between males and females and between White and non-White students. Implications regarding the influence of gender and ethnicity on alternative break programs outcomes and further research are discussed.
Abstract Independent and interdependent group contingencies have many applied advantages for influencing behaviors in school settings, However, there are negative side effects associated with these group oriented contingencies. A scenario is presented that illustrates some negative side effects of independent and interdependent group oriented contingencies. Specific recommendations for altering group oriented contingencies to reduce these negative side effects and increase the probability that teachers will use these contingencies to increase students' academic performance and prosocial behaviors follows the scenario.
