Learning Resources

Abstract: College campuses across the United States are increasingly challenged to educate psychologically distressed students and to recognize that college student mental health is not only a counseling center issue, but also a campus issue. As such, many colleges and universities are moving toward campuswide prevention efforts designed to help identify and support students who need to manage their distress. Prior research has highlighted these issues and described ways to involve campus units in initiating campuswide prevention efforts. This article focuses on the key elements necessary to successfully foster prevention efforts and includes practical suggestions to improve prevention protocols on campus.

Abstract: When it comes to building student housing, the stakes for universities and colleges have never been higher. From competing for prospective students and environmental bragging rights to contesting for space on the typical campus, institutions face a fundamentally different landscape than they did when housing previous generations of students. A national sampling of student residential projects and housing data provide some indication of emerging trends. Universities and colleges will increasingly look to the campus edge (even in difficult environments), will challenge themselves to build sustainably (even where budgets are tight), and will partner or compete with private developers in a variety of contexts. These emerging trends are set against the already-established trend that finds students enjoying—and expecting—more luxurious accommodations than were once typical.

Abstract: A Guide to Planning for Change summarizes the new and emerging challenges facing leaders of colleges and universities; discusses new techniques and tools (most notably, analytics) to create an enhanced model for planning in higher education; takes the reader back through the history of planning and strategy execution in higher education by outlining its many eras and stages of development, and highlights the latest thinking and writing on the topic on integrated planning. The enhanced planning model in this book recognizes the many internal, external, up, down, and sideways forces, challenges, and opportunities facing higher education. In the end, it is the successful execution of strategy that will have a lasting impact on the institution.

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to frame—and reframe—the work of student affairs. Evolving paradigms have defined and advanced this work, which is dedicated to total student development and the betterment of society. The article promotes integrative learning as a new framework for student affairs. This paradigm, grounded in theory, research, and practice, crosses all boundaries of what, where, how, and with whom learning occurs to advance cohesive and synergistic student-centered learning. To live into this seamless model, student affairs professionals must go beyond the “what” to living into the “so what” of their work as educators and reflective practitioners.

Abstract: Rather than focus primarily on the next generation of learners, the authors argue we are best served to focus on building out our on-ground and online infrastructures for a new generation of learning—blending multiple learning modes, technologies, and techniques over the course of the next 15–20 years to serve the diverse array of students from multiple generations that will be coming our way. They offer seven catalytic conversations to start this process on the topics of blended learning, mobility, gaming, social networking, holographics, analytics, and a renewed focus on the human touch.

Abstract: College students have changed dramatically, and the skills needed for productive employment have changed as well. But colleges and universities have been slow to respond, often innovating in only small ways while leaving the core practices of undergraduate education the same. This article examines the barriers to transformational change in higher education in five categories: structure, information, incentives, finance, and culture. It suggests that the initial approach to overcoming these barriers involves generating better information in the form of feedback concerning student learning processes and outcomes.

Abstract: This article presents a compilation of data regarding the role of online social networks within campus communities, specifically for nonacademic purposes. Both qualitative and quantitative data methodologies are used to provide a unique perspective on a constantly evolving topic. Interviews of students and administrators allow for candid discussion, while primary and secondary data offer an understanding of current use and trends within the realm of online social networking. Theories of self-esteem and interpersonal communication are integrated throughout the article.

Abstract: This special two-part series on student life would not be complete without a student perspective. What do real, live, individual students from the Net generation think, experience, dream, and plan? Are they as “wired in” as Mark Milliron describes in his article? Is communication strongly linked to technology as outlined by Tamara Wandel? How do student characteristics affect teaching and student learning (John Tagg), student services (Simone Himbeault Taylor), and a student’s overall college experience (Freda Pagani)?