Student Affairs: One Hundred Years in the Making

Abstract

This chapter provides a concise history of the role and position of student affairs educators in higher education, with a partial focus on the US context. Part of this history is an evolving sense of values that form the foundation of student affairs in relation to the academic mission of higher education institutions. For example, it covers the importance of individual students’ worth and dignity and the importance of intolerance for any form of bigotry. The chapter then discusses the modern student affairs division, including the role of NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education) in the sector. The final part of the chapter focuses on the future of student affairs in the face of, for example, a mental health global crisis and equity gaps. Overall, the chapter traces the adaption of student affairs to a changing higher education landscape, and concludes that in many ways it has remained true to its historical origins.KeywordsStudent affairsHolistic student developmentMental healthStudent equityNASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education)Student engagementCivic learning