This book is as a primer on the business-related aspects of student affairs that practitioners should understand. The author discusses a variety of skill sets to equip student affairs practitioners-educators with the means to analyze circumstances, alter environments, invest in structures and programs, and lead campus progress.

"Advising and Supporting in Student Affairs is a practical guide that will help student affairs professionals do the perpetual reflection needed to sustain themselves in a career that requires they bring their whole self to work in order to be good company for students and in community. It brings into focus essential aspects of professional development, such as how to raise your self-awareness, how to reflect on your personal and professional identity, and how to do so in the context of the standards and competencies of the profession. It is a unique offering to the profession that extends beyond reviewing the literature or reporting the competencies. It assumes that to be competent in advising and supporting students, student affairs professionals must not only possess the skills, knowledges, and dispositions to complete the basic tasks, but also, they need to build the stamina to situate themselves in relation to the challenges they are facing in their professional lives. This type of reflection asks that student affairs professionals strive to make meaning of their identity, background, historical context, cultural norms, and institutional dynamics as they work with students. Through a specific focus from each of the chapter authors, the editors provide specific guidance on professional competencies that goes beyond surface-level understanding of the 'what' (specific policies, ethical guidelines) and into inviting a more thoughtful connection between those and the all-important 'why and how' (reflective action, traversing conflict, and controversy). That is, it offers content along with the processes of how to engage these professional ideals in real life by providing relevant examples through case studies and practice scenarios. Also, essential guidance is given on how to reflect and to learn and absorb lessons that will help the student affairs professional embody a whole life in the profession"--

Prepares readers to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse college student population This is a timely and comprehensive overview of key theories of student development that illustrates their application across a range of student services with diverse student populations. It is distinguished by its focus on nontraditional student populations including adults changing careers, parents, veterans, and international students. The book examines relevant theories of cognitive, ethical, moral, and personality development and theories of identity development in terms of ethnicity, gender, and ability. Also covered are theories relevant to disability issues, LGBT identity issues, and to choice of career and major/degree. Unique to the text is information on how theories can be applied, beyond understanding individual students, to student groups and to guide the coordination of student affairs services across the campus. Engaging case vignettes immerse readers in diverse perspectives and demonstrate the application of theory to a wide range of student types and issues. The book covers the history and development of each theory along with its strengths and limitations. Also included are useful suggestions on how to best assist students with current challenges. Reflective questions concluding each chapter help students to reinforce information. An insightful text for courses in college student development in relevant graduate programs and for student affairs professionals who wish to enhance their abilities, this book reflects the realities of contemporary college student life and student affairs practices. Key Features: Applies student development theories primarily to non-traditional college students Presents chapter-opening/closing examples reflecting student diversity Explores the strengths and limitations of each theory Describes how theories can be applied in varied student affairs settings and in broader contexts of student affairs Includes instructor’s resources

There is a need for a book that fully examines the specific and unique awareness, knowledge, and skills that are necessary for student affairs and other practitioners to be effective and ethical in their helping, counseling, and advising roles. This book addresses the core assumptions and underlying beliefs that impact the helping, counseling, and advising roles and skills that are central to higher education. It synthesizes and integrates information from traditional counseling therapy texts and offers examples of how to utilize such skills within student affairs. Written for faculty members and professionals.