Student Affairs Division's Integration of Student Learning Principles

Abstract

This quantitative study was based on the survey results of216 chief student affairs officers' (CSAOs) at United States' colleges and universities whose enrollments werebetween 500 and 3,000 students. In the spring of 2001, 58% of the CSAOs returned the 42-item Survey of Student Learning Principles, based on the seven Principles of Good Practice for Student Affairs (ACPA & NASPA,1997). Comparison of means and factor analysis revealed thatstudent affairs divisions were most successful at incorporating principles of learning based on direct interaction with students, including (1) engaging students in active learning, (2) helping students develop coherent values, and (3) building supportive and inclusive communities. Principles of learning having to do with improving management practices within student development, such asusing resources effectively, using systematic inquiry, andf orging educational partnerships, were least incorporated within student affairs divisions. These results indicate that although student affairs divisions are successful in building relationships with students that enhance learning, in order to maintain this interaction they may need to focus more efforts on improving management practices.