A Day in the Life of a Student Affairs Educator

This book constitutes a collection of case studies that explore issues faced by new professionals in student affairs, with the scenarios designed to develop ACPA/NASPA Professional Competencies.

These cases provide opportunities to create meaningful learning experiences for courses, training programs, and the mentoring of new professionals, giving them exposure to the kinds of dilemmas they will encounter as they assume their leadership roles or start out on supervisory positions.

The cases are derived from interviews with current student affairs professionals, are based on real life dilemmas, reflect contemporary issues on our college campuses, and are designed to be easily used or adapted across all institutional types.

The cases cover the areas of advising and helping; assessment, evaluation and research; equity, diversity, and inclusion; ethical professional practice; history, values, and philosophy; human and organizational resources; law, policy, and governance; leadership; personal foundations; and student learning and development, and vary in length to allow for multiple uses. Shorter cases can be role-played and discussed in leadership training workshops, while longer cases can be used as take-home assignments or debated during longer training sessions.

The book begins with advice on how to use the cases and concludes with general advice provided by current professionals in the field.