Senior Student Affairs Officers’ Perspectives on Professional Preparation in Student Affairs Programs

Abstract

Attention to key skills has long guided the field of student affairs, prompting exploration into the preparation of new professionals; yet, Senior Student Affairs Officers’ (SSAO) insights on this topic remain relatively unknown. Because these individuals influence early-career success, this qualitative study explores SSAOs’ perspectives on professional preparation in student affairs. We overview SSAOs’ observations regarding strengths and gaps of graduate preparation programs, as well as implications for practice.