What is Student Affairs?

Student affairs is an organizational division within institutions of higher education whose function is to improve and focus the college experience for the individual student according to his or her needs.1 Student affairs is a challenging and dynamic field where professionals assist students in their development and learning.

NASPA includes the following as responsibilities of student affairs professionals:2
 
        improve the quality of campus life
        enhance student learning
        attract and retain qualified students
        provide students with satisfactory housing, health services, and recreational facilities
        coordinate student activities
        manage financial aid programs
        help students make career decisions
        meet the needs of commuter and nontraditional students

For a more detailed history and description of student affairs work, check out Dr. Patrick Love's essay on the ACPA web site.

1. http://www.bsu.edu/sa/saahe/purpose/
2. http://www.naspa.org/gradprep/index.cfm?show=why

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