Course Assignments
Weekly Reading Responses (10 points each)
Due: Weekly throughout the semester
Students will complete all assigned readings and respond to weekly prompts designed to identify key themes and concepts. Responses should demonstrate personal insights and connections between course material and your developing understanding of student affairs practice.
Weekly Discussions (10 points each)
Due: Weekly throughout the semester
Students will participate in online discussions based on assigned readings and related materials. Participation includes responding to instructor prompts and engaging thoughtfully with classmates' contributions to foster collaborative learning.
Professional Association Analysis (10 points)
Format: Minimum 2 double-spaced pages plus title page
Professional associations serve as vital communities within student affairs, connecting practitioners across functional areas and providing guidelines, ethics, professional development, and research opportunities.
Assignment Requirements:
- Select a professional association relevant to student affairs (examples: admissions, academic advising, housing, conduct, student leadership, student unions, Greek life)
- Research and analyze the organization's history, mission, and structure
- Identify which student affairs area(s) the organization serves
- Explain why this association appeals to you for professional development
Final Paper Topic Approval (5 points)
Due: October 31st
Submit a concise proposal outlining your chosen topic for the final paper. Early submission is encouraged to allow adequate time for research and writing.
Effective Partnerships Assignment (10 points)
Format: Minimum 2 double-spaced pages plus title page
Since the early 2000s, higher education has witnessed increased collaboration between student affairs and academic affairs, resulting in innovative programs that recognize student affairs as vital to institutional academic mission.
Choose one approach:
- Research and analyze an existing effective partnership between student affairs and academic affairs
- Propose an original idea that demonstrates effective, equitable partnership between these two areas
Final Paper (50 points)
Format: 10 double-spaced pages plus title and reference pages (APA Formatted)
Research Requirement: Minimum of five scholarly sources
Topic Approval Deadline: October 31st
Student affairs administrators must stay informed about contemporary issues affecting students, student development, administration, and higher education broadly. This capstone assignment requires you to develop expertise on a significant topic within student affairs.
Assignment Requirements:
- Select a salient issue affecting student affairs and higher education
- Take a clear position on your chosen topic
- Develop a well-reasoned argument supporting your viewpoint
- Use scholarly research to substantiate your analysis
- Topics may address student issues, administrative structures, budget concerns, campus challenges, or other relevant areas
This assignment provides an opportunity to become a knowledgeable advocate on an area of student affairs that interests you professionally.