A Comparison of Senior Student Affairs Officer and Student Affairs Preparatory Program Faculty Expectations of Entry-Level Professionals' Competencies

Experiences of supervision skill development among new professionals in student affairs

“…How do entry-level student affairs professionals learn to be supervisors? (Dickerson et al, 2011;Kretovics, 2002;McGraw, 2011;Renn & Jessup-Anger, 2008;Stock-Ward & Javorek, 2003;White & Nonnamaker, 2011;Young & Janosik, 2007). The findings of this study reveal that some programs offer a course on supervision skill development whereas others do not.…”

“…Thus, further investigation of preparation programs is necessary to identify gaps where supervision training can be developed As mentioned earlier, typically a student who pursues an advanced degree in student affairs completes a two-year master's program that includes a graduate assistantship (Dickerson et al, 2011). These graduate programs offer courses such as the history of higher education, college student teaching, research methods, diversity/multiculturalism in higher education, environments of higher education, and student development theory.…”

“…Professional preparation programs in the field of student affairs are where the foundation is laid in the area of theory development, skills development, and competencies development for a new professional's career in higher education (Dickerson et al, 2011;Kretovics, 2002;McGraw, 2011;Renn & Jessup-Anger, 2008;Stock-Ward & Javorek, 2003;White & Nonnamaker, 2011;Young & Janosik, 2007). Student affairs preparation programs have been examined recently in the area of successful preparation for new professionals (Cuyjet, Longwell-Grice, & Molina, 2009;Dickerson et al, 2011;Herdlein et al, 2013;Hoffman & Bresciani, 2013;White & Nonnamaker, 2011). Bridging the gap between student affairs preparation programs and the experiences of new professionals will contribute to curriculum development and enhance competency development in graduate preparation programs.…”

“…Research by Dickerson et al (2011) compared and contrasted faculty's and senior student affairs officers' expectations of new professional competencies. Advancing in student affairs to become a senior student affairs officer is a possible career path for professionals in the field of student affairs.…”

“…Understanding the needs of new professionals is a growing concern in higher education research and curriculum design (Dickerson et al, 2011;Kretovics, 2002;McGraw, 2011;Renn & Jessup-Anger, 2008;Stock-Ward & Javorek, 2003;White & Nonnamaker, 2011;Young & Janosik, 2007). It will enable educators and professionals in student affairs to better prepare new professionals in the student affairs field and ensure that qualified professionals are placed in these positions.…”