There are numerous areas within the general field of Student Affairs Administration. Each college or university may have a different combination of student affairs offices depending on the mission of the institution and the needs of the student population attending the institution.

Enrollment Management-  The management of the size and characteristics of the student population. Enrollment management typically includes Admissions, Orientation/New Student Services, Student Financial Aid, and Registration.*

Student Life- The larger department which oversees areas such as Student Activities, Multicultural Affairs, Student                 Government, Service Learning/Community Service Office and the Student Union or Student Center.


Academic Advising- The activity of helping students identify and develop suitable programs of study.*

Admissions- The coordination of student recruitment efforts.

Career Services- On some campuses Career Services may be located in the Career Center where students can receive assistance with cooperative education and internship programs, student employment, testing coordination, career exploration, and post-graduation job placement. Some colleges and universities have decentralized Career Services where academic colleges within the universities have services based on the majors within the college.*

Counseling Services- The coordination of counseling for students who deal with stress, personal or relationship problems, decision making, or conflicts. Typically counseling services deal with common student issues as well as respond to crisis situations where students may need clinical counseling. Most staff working in counseling services have degrees in counseling rather than student affairs.*

Dean of Students Office- Central location which deals with a variety of student concerns. The office is typically staffed by a Dean of Students as well as one or two Assistant Deans.

Discipline and Judicial Affairs- The practice of working with students who break university policies in order to assist the student in changing their negative behavior.*

Multicultural Affairs- An office on campus which provides support for underrepresented groups, educates the general campus population on multicultural issues, and promotes systematic change which fosters a multicultural perspective                 across the campus.*

Orientation/New Student Services- The coordination of programs which aid students with their academic, social, and personal adjustment as well as family members with understanding the collegiate experience. Typically, orientation efforts occur during the months or weeks before the academic year begins.*

Housing and Residence Life- The management of student campus living. Most campuses have residence halls and/or university apartments for students to live in while in classes. The housing function focuses more on the administrative and facility management aspect. The residence life function focuses more on student life, development, and learning within the residence halls.*

Service Learning/Community Service Office- A centralized location where students can participate in service programs on campus or within the surrounding community.

Student Activities- Offices of student activities vary greatly from campus to campus, however the most consistent function of such offices is coordinating and advising student organizations. Many times Greek letter organizations are located within the student activities office. Student Government may also be housed within student activities.*

Students with Disabilities Services- Office on campus which serves students on campus who have a disability. They offer services with transportation, testing, note taking, as well as other student specific needs.

Student Financial Aid- Office where universities or colleges manage scholarship, loan, and grant programs.*

Student Health Services- University or college related services for students who become ill or injured on campus. Student     Health Services are staffed by nurses, doctors, and pharmacists.*

Student Union or Student Center- A facility where students can receive services, attend programs and events, and meet with other students. Typically student affairs professional would work with the programmatic efforts within the facility.


*The information listed was adapted from the following publication:

Rentz, A. L. & Associates. (1996). Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher,             LTD.

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