Book Review: Handbook for student affairs in community colleges by Tull, A., Kuk, L., & Dalpes, P. (Eds.)

Abstract

Tull, A., Kuk, L, & Dalpes, P. (Eds.). (2015). Handbook for student affairs in community colleges. Sterling, VA: Stylus. 376 pp. US$95 (cloth). ISBN 978-1-62036-203-7 US$45 (paper). ISBN 978-1-62036-204-4 US$35.99 (eBook). ISBN 978-1-62036-206-8.The Handbook for Affairs in Community Colleges describes the role of student affairs administrators in the community college setting. Editors Tull, Kuk, and Dalpes collaborated with an array of 28 authors to identify the nuances of student affairs in community colleges using historical context, theoretical frameworks, contemporary issues, and current best practices. Each contributor is an accomplished community college administrator or university faculty member whose research is based on the community college setting.From inception to today, community colleges have filled in the gaps providing access to students with wide-ranging academic backgrounds and aspirations. To this end, student affairs professionals address student needs that vary greatly. This book details the organizational, financial, and population differences for administrators in community college student affairs.The text begins with a dedication from the editors and foreword by Arthur Cohen on behalf of the late Florence Brawer. Following this, the preface addresses the intended audience, statement of need, contribution to literature, and chapter authors. This 17-chapter volume is arranged in four parts: and Contemporary Developments, and Leading Affairs in Community College Settings, Student Affairs Programs and Services, and Future of Affairs in the Community College.Part One: Historical and Contemporary Developments is comprised of two chapters providing an overview of student affairs in the community college. The chapters link demographics to social movements creating a vivid picture of the changing climate within the student affairs profession. Comparative data for 4-year public and private colleges provide a glimpse of the unique and highly diverse nature of the community college. The section begins with an introduction to the seminal texts and theories guiding student affairs work, linking them to the attributes of today's community college students. Later, the discussion goes beyond demographic information to capture what students hope to achieve and the factors affecting these goals. This section provides current examples of best practices, including the role the community college has in the evolving landscape of student development theory with particular attention to millennial students.Part Two: Organizing and Leading Affairs in Community College Settings is composed of eight chapters, which highlight leadership from a variety of perspectives. The text uses organizational theory to frame how differences in organizational structure and leadership affect student affairs and the community college as a whole. Strategies to improve the functionality and impact of student affairs offices are identified. The suggestions provide effective, real world possibilities in an era of limited budgets and high accountability. The perspective of the senior student affairs officer (SSAO) is captured from the viewpoints of president and practitioner. Part Two uses case studies to illustrate effective institutional change and highlights the financial challenges present for student affairs. A recurring theme in Part Two is the importance of collaboration to fulfill both academic and student affairs needs of the community college. Emergent themes include relationship building, mission support, and advocacy as an expert in student development. The authors look beyond financial challenges to identify evolving methods of funding, including development and the rise of the auxiliary enterprise on community college campuses. A comprehensive review of legal issues using community college litigation highlights areas in which the community college may be at risk. …