| Learning Statement A: Knowledge Base
We believe that a body of knowledge forms the basis for effective practice in the field of student affairs. Graduates of this program will demonstrate this content knowledge in the following areas: student development theory, organization and governance of postsecondary education, history and philosophy of higher education, ethics, law, leadership functional areas and language of the student affairs profession, and the college effects literature.
Competency 1: College Student Development
Students will be able to describe and apply student development theories and related research to student learning and personal development. This will include major theoretical works in psychosocial, cognitive-structural, typological, and racial, cultural, ethnic and sexual identity, as well as work on collegiate environments and the effects of college on students.
Competency 2: Organizational Theory and Leadership
Students will understand basic organizational theory and behavior, and leadership issues as they relate to postsecondary educational institutions.
Competency 3: History of Higher Education
Students will understand significant trends, events, and people shaping American higher education.
Competency 4: Philosophy of Higher Education
Students will be able to identify and evaluate philosophical issues that guide the practice of higher education.
Competency 5: The Student Affairs Profession
Students will become acquainted with the major sub-fields and issues of student affairs practice.
Learning Statement B: Skills
Student affairs practitioners need the intellectual skills required of most other professionals including conceptualizing, analyzing, and problem solving. Additionally, selected skills are required. Graduates of this program will demonstrate skills in the following areas: programming, oral and written communication, computing, group facilitation, and assessment.
Competency 6: Programming
Students will be able to conceptualize, develop, implement, and evaluate programming for one or more student affairs sub-fields (e.g., student activities, academic advising, residence life).
Competency 7: Communication
Students will be able to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
Competency 8: Computing
Students will be able to work with basic functions of word processing, desktop publishing, electronic spreadsheets and graphics, and email and the world-wide web.
Competency 9: Group Facilitation
Students will understand group organization and development and be able to effectively participate in and lead groups.
Competency 10: Assessment
Students will understand and apply appropriate assessment methods for one’s self, students, and programs in order to determine current conditions, developmental progress or goal attainment.
Learning Statement C: Qualities
Effectiveness in the applied field of student affairs is a product of the context in which practitioners work and the personal and professional qualities and skills they possess. We support the values of the student affairs profession as formally articulated in such documents produced by the Council on Academic Standards (CAS), A Statement for Ethical Principles and Standards by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA), and Ethical Standards of Professional Practice by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). Graduates of the University of Northern Iowa Master’s program in Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs should demonstrate commitment to: self in relationship to others, community, and the profession.
Aspiration/Competency 11: Commitment to Self
Students will assess their assumptions, values, and beliefs toward the end of cultivating behaviors and attitudes that are in constructive relationship with others, both within the work setting and larger society.
Aspiration/Competency 12: Commitment to Community
Students will assess their understanding of and commitment to the common good, recognizing our interdependence and affirming the strength that can come from diversity among people with whom one lives and works.
Aspiration/Competency 13: Commitment to the Profession
Students will examine their personal commitment to the profession and to a work ethic characterized by integrity, lived out in the responsible exercise of justice and care, and enhanced by continual attention to one’s learning and development.
Assessment
Assessments will be conducted throughout the students program using the following techniques:
Examinations
Portfolio
Writing
Journal writing
Self assessment measures (e.g. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator)
Practicum/Internship Evaluations
Class presentations
Simulations/games
Case Studies
Site visits and debriefings
Updated September 2000
|
