The new normal: Senior student affairs officers speak out about budget cutting

Abstract

This chapter reports on a qualitative study conducted in 2005 and 2009, describing the experiences of twelve senior student affairs officers at public universities as they managed significant budget reductions.

An Analysis Of Program Evaluation In Community College Learning Assistance Centers

“…What is, and is not, a core operating function beyond instruction provided by faculty is certainly a difficult question to answer, and one that will likely provoke some disagreement. One area that is often a primary target in budget reductions is student affairs (Romano, Hanish, Phillips, & Waggoner, 2010). Student affairs is a broad term that encompasses many functions including recruitment, advising, student life, and learning assistance centers, among other functions.…”

An Examination of the Role of Fundraising in Divisions of Student Affairs at Seven Four-Year Public Universities in the Midwest

“…However, the literature reveals that diminishing resources are leading to increased collaboration across campus to share expenses and reduce costs (Gordon et al, 1993;Rissmeyer, 2010;Speck, 2010;Woodward et al, 2000). One successful strategy for cutting budgets, documented in a qualitative study conducted by Romano et al (2010) included the collaborative partnerships created by student affairs with academic affairs and institutional advancement. When alignment is apparent, it is not uncommon for student affairs to gain support from central development offices and academic affairs for their own fundraising efforts (Arminio et al, 2010;Jackson, 2000).…”

“…Against the backdrop of decreasing state support for public higher education, institutional leaders are considering new and innovative approaches to budget management and planning. In a 2010 study, public higher education institutions were used as case studies to increase our understanding of strategies used by leaders in student affairs to reduce expenses as a result of budget cuts (Romano et al, 2010). Twelve public colleges and universities that endured at least 3% to 4% annual reductions for 3 or more years were identified and selected to participate.…”

“…There has been an increase in the number of student affairs divisions engaging in fundraising initiatives and development efforts (Crowe, 2011;Fygetakis & Dalton, 1993;Gold et al, 1993;Gordon et al, 1993;Hillman, 2002;Hodson, 2010;Jackson, 2000;Kroll, 1991;Miller, 2010;Morgan & Policello, 2010;NASPA, 1997;Penney & Rose, 2001;Rissmeyer, 2010;Romano et al, 2010;Rovig, 2008;Schoenecke, 2005;Schuh, 2003;Shay, 1993;Sonn, 2008;Terrell & Gold, 1993). Involvement requires that staff in student affairs, primarily the senior student affairs officer, clearly articulate the impact of student affairs programs and services to students on the quality of the lived experience on campus and their contributions to persistence.…”

“…Although there has been an increase in participation by divisions of student affairs, a limited amount of research has been conducted on the topic regarding their involvement prior to the 21 st century Gordon et al, 1993;Fygetakis & Dalton, 1993;Kroll, 1991;NASPA, 1997;Shay, 1993;Terrell & Gold, 1993). However, in the past decade, quite a few new studies and practitioner-related literature have shed light on development support characteristics, role expansion for student affairs officers, current strategies and practices, differing perceptions regarding involvement, and financial implications (Crowe, 2011;Hillman, 2002;Hodson, 2010;Jackson, 2000;Miller, 2010;Morgan & Policello, 2010;Penney & Rose, 2001;Rissmeyer, 2010;Romano et al, 2010;Rovig, 2008;Schoenecke, 2005;Schuh, 2003;Sonn, 2008).…”