How Staff Matter to Students: Examining Students’ Experiences in Student Affairs Contexts

Abstract

Although the literature is extensive on students’ experiences within student affairs offices, programs, and functional areas, less attention has been given to students’ interactions with student affairs staff members. In this qualitative study, staff interactions are assessed in an exploration of students’ experiences within the student affairs contexts. Findings reveal that students attribute different benefits to their interactions with staff (e.g., staff availability) compared with their experiences with offices, programs, and functional areas (e.g., skill and professional development).