Student Services: A Handbook for the Profession

by Susan R. Komives, Dudley B. Woodard Jr.

Since it was first published in 1980, Student Services: A Handbook for the Profession has become a classic reference in the field. In the fourth edition of this important resource the contributors'—a stellar panel of student affairs scholars—examine the changing context of the student experience in higher education, the evolution of the role of student affairs professionals, and the philosophies, ethics, and theories that guide the practice of student affairs work. Comprehensive in scope, this book covers a broad range of relevant topics including the development of student affairs, legal and ethical foundations of student affairs practice, student development, learning and retention theories, organizational theory, dynamics of campus environments, strategic planning and finance, information technology in student affairs, managing human resources, multiculturalism, teaching, counseling and helping skills, assessment and evaluation, and new lessons from research on student outcomes.

Genres: Grad School, Nonfiction

768 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Kraincubine · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was the textbook used in my student services course for my masters in higher education degree program. it's an excellent reference book because there really is a wealth of information about student affairs and the important role it plays within higher education. with no real background in sociology or psychology, the theories and their descriptions took some time to really grasp and understand. i decided not to sell this book back to the bookstore because i truly believe that it has the potential to be a useful tool and resource for other courses as well as in my day to day professional career.

[Richelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everything you could ever want to know about the basics of Student Affairs. Probably full of great information, but so dry, dull, and boring that it's next to impossible to get through more than a couple of pages at a time. Would be great as a reference book.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of what has been happening in the field of higher education. However, if this book is not accompanied with good facilitation of it into today's context it is kind of a bore. The parts on ethics are still helpful and necessary.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the textbooks for my graduate program. There is so much insight in this book. I really enjoyed it!

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to the field, although can be a little hard to read at times because it is so full of information.