Student Affairs: Refining our Purpose Since 1937

From The Student Personnel Points of View to We're Losing Our Minds, the student affairs profession has been defining, considering and reconsidering it’s purpose in higher education. Student affairs professionals are continually striving to better serve their students and create meaningful learning opportunities. 

Our class Pinterest board houses articles, research and graphics that connect with the idea of figuring out what students need and want out of their higher education experience. One of my favorite Pins, details why "the first year is a big deal". This infographic noted that understanding expectations, adjusting to a new environment and being involved in course work are key to student success. The Student Personnel Points of View from 1949, described the importance of a student being a participant in their educational process and that students must feel comfortable in their environment to effectively learn. Sixty-five years later, we are still researching and stressing the importance of students feeling a sense of belonging to campus, discussing course work outside of class and developing effective study skills. Technology and society continue to change over time, however the fundamental issues that students face remain constant. Therefore, the early student personnel documents are still relevant and explain the core concepts of working with students.

Today, student affairs professionals have implemented these core concepts and adapted their application for the 21^st century. Social media is a new platform educators are using to engage students and create a learning environment outside of the classroom and co-curricular activities. Our class found multiple Pins that relate to social media use in higher education. One infographic showed that since the 2010-2011 school year, 100% of schools are using some platform of social media. Higher education institutions and student affairs professionals realize that social media reaches students.

Used effectively, social media integrates three of the Principles of Good Practice for Student Affairs, which NASPA created in 1997. First, social media engages students in active learning, by creating discussion and learning activities on various platforms. Professors can use blogs and Twitter to develop conversations and encourage students to share knowledge. We’re Losing Our Minds describes the significance of learning as meaning making. No two students understand material in the same way; therefore, using a variety of techniques is important. Social media interaction can be a learning tool that allows students to make meaning by idea collaboration and knowledge sharing. Second, social media platforms can also foster educational partnerships between departments, faculty and students. Twitter, Facebook and Instagram can be used to promote student activities, service learning opportunities, workshops and events on campus. Collaboration and supporting other departments is encouraged through social media platforms. This leads to the last good practice of building supportive and inclusive communities. University departments sharing and supporting each other’s events and activities on social media displays school pride and spirit. Facebook groups can also be used for residence hall communities, student clubs and class pages. These pages create an instant connection to other students and camaraderie between classmates. Student affairs professionals recognize the significance of social media and tailor their usage to integrate principles and core concepts they abide by.

We live in a global and social world. Staying in contact with colleagues and students is important. Connecting with colleagues and sharing information is vital for professional progress, collaboration and sharing practices. Working together we are stronger and more effective for our students. Engaging students and intentionally providing learning opportunities is our goal in student affairs. Social media is one resource we can utilize to implement our learning outcomes. Our core student affairs principles still encompass the Student Personnel Points of View. However, we have to use those principles in ways that make sense for engaging students in the 21^st century.

- Katie McInnis


Relevant Pins detailed in the Blog

The First Year is a Big Deal

Technology Usage in Student Affairs

Pros and Cons of Social Media in Education

Social Media Adoption in Higher Education

Goals Behind Social Media Use