Student Learning Outcomes

Mission statement

The goal of the Student Affairs in Higher Education M.S. program is to develop self-authored, reflective scholar-practitioners who are equipped to successfully enter and demonstrate leadership in the field of student affairs administration and are prepared for long-term career success in higher education. Students in our program:

1. integrate a theoretical understanding of student affairs history, values, and traditions into their emerging practice as professionals in higher education
2. participate actively in and and contribute meaningfully to a variety of supervised practice experiences (i.e., graduate assistantships and practicums), and
3. develop proficiency with regard to the Assessment, Evaluation, and Research (AER) professional competency area.

Learning outcomes for the student affairs in higher education program

In accordance with standards established by the Council for Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS), students will demonstrate competence in the areas below, which will be assessed through their successful completion of the Student Affairs in Higher Education curriculum, including curricular and co-curricular supervised practice experiences and a culminating assessment that exhibits these proficiencies defined by College Student Educators International (ACPA) and Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA).

1. Personal and Ethical Foundations (PPF)
   Students will be able to critically reflect on and evaluate their personal values and ethical principles, applying them to complex decision-making processes within the context of student affairs.
2. Values, Philosophy, and History (VPH)
   Students will be able to analyze and synthesize historical, philosophical, and value-based frameworks of higher education and student affairs, integrating these into innovative solutions for contemporary professional challenges.
3. Assessment, Evaluation, and Research (AER)
   Students will be able to design, conduct, and interpret assessment and research studies, utilizing data to generate insights and propose evidence-based improvements to policies and practices in higher education.
4. Law, Policy, and Governance (LPG)
   Students will be able to critically evaluate and apply legal standards, institutional policies, and governance structures to develop strategies that ensure ethical compliance and promote institutional effectiveness.
5. Organizational and Human Resource (OHR)
   Students will be able to formulate and implement strategic plans for organizational development and human resource management, demonstrating leadership in areas such as staff development, budgeting, and operational efficiency.
6. Leadership (LEAD)
   Students will be able to assess leadership theories and practices, applying them to effectively lead diverse teams and manage change within higher education institutions, while fostering collaboration and organizational success.
7. Social Justice and Inclusion (SJI)
   Students will be able to create, implement, and assess initiatives that promote social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, addressing systemic barriers and fostering inclusive campus environments.
8. Student Learning and Development (SLD)
   Students will be able to apply and evaluate student development theories to design programs and interventions that support holistic student growth, enhance learning outcomes, and contribute to academic success.
9. Technology (TECH)
   Students will be able to critically assess and implement emerging technologies to enhance student engagement, streamline institutional processes, and support the professional growth of both students and staff in student affairs.
10. Advising and Supporting (A/S)
    Students will be able to apply advanced advising and counseling techniques to support individual and group student needs, facilitating problem-solving and personal development in alignment with students’ educational goals.