CSPA Mission Statement

The mission of the College Student Personnel Administration program at James Madison University is to develop students' personal and professional potential, and to advance the profession of student personnel administration.

This mission is accomplished by offering students the opportunity to develop broad skills, in-depth knowledge, and the ability to address the needs of a changing student body. Students are prepared for positions in student services and development programs in post-secondary education through graduate and in-service education and through research and consultation efforts.

CSPA Goals:

1. Acquire an understanding of the form and substance of American Higher Education including its history, legal foundations and major areas and their influence on contemporary trends and practices by demonstrating.

• Knowledge of American Higher Education including the major historical periods, purposes of American Higher Education, significant institutions and individuals, the types of students educated, the curriculum, the roles of the faculty and administration, characteristics of student life and the role of the government for each period
• Knowledge of the United States Constitutional Amendments and Federal State legislation that have had a major impact on American Higher Education including major provisions, areas of American Higher Education most affect, varying perspectives of at least one related major issue, and ways in which the risk of criminal or civil liability can be reduced
• Knowledge of the major constituent areas of American Higher Education (i.e., governance, faculty, instructional methods, administration an students) including the area's history or evolution, how the area manifests itself in different types of institutions, trends and issues, and future implications
• Ability to apply knowledge learned in the three previous objectives in the development of a program or service

2. Understand student affairs as a profession and the influence student affairs has on contemporary higher education.

• Knowledge of the historic and contemporary roles of student affairs professionals working at institutions of higher education
• Knowledge of current public and institutional policy issues and their impact on the practices of student affairs
• Knowledge of the influence of student affairs' philosophy and programs on an institution's culture
• Knowledge of the interrelationship of student affairs and other campus divisions
• Knowledge of standards, ethics, and preparations for the student affairs profession

3. Knowledge of selected student development theories, career development theories, counseling theories, and organizational theories and their application to student affairs practice.

• Describe selected career development theories and their relevance to the life planning process
• Describe environmental theories and their application
• Explain the philosophical assumptions and student affairs of selected developmental models
• Compare and contrast multiple organizational theories
• Describe the consultation process
• Describe the process of planning and the role of leadership in its accomplishment
• Explain the relationship between student development theories and learning outcomes
• Describe the application of selected counseling theories to student personnel practice
• Demonstrate knowledge of key trends in student behavior, attitudes, and interests as identified in current professional literature

4. Demonstrate an understanding of student development, counseling and organizational theories through purposeful application in practicum/assistantship, case studies, written papers, examinations.

• Apply management skills through practicum, assistantship, and class assignments
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of active listening skills such as reflection, immediacy, and empathy in communication with students, peers, and employees
• Demonstrate effective group facilitation skills in practicum, assistantship, and class settings
• Demonstrate the ability to respond to a critical incident from a variety of perspectives such as developmental, organizational, pragmatic, and political
• Demonstrate ability to apply the consultation process to student affairs practice
• Develop a program designed to meet the developmental needs of diverse student groups, for example, students of color, international students, or students with disabilities
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills in presentation and persuasion

5. Develop analytical skills through knowledge acquisition and application via a vis research methods, problem solving techniques, evaluation techniques, case studies, computer technology, and assessment methods; by demonstrating the following:

• Knowledge of various research designs and their appropriate use
• Knowledge of statistics necessary to read, understand, and critically evaluate research studies
• Comprehension and application of basic statistical procedures in analyzing and interpreting research results
• Knowledge of both outcome assessment and program evaluation, including how data are collected and utilized for each of these different types of research endeavors
• Knowledge of, and the ability to apply, ethical and legal considerations to evaluation and assessment programs
• Ability to analyze, critique and apply knowledge in case study and critical incident applications
• Ability to develop both an assessment plan and an evaluation plan for a student affairs program. Both procedures should include construction of appropriate research method, development of research design, selection/design of the appropriate measurement instrument, and proper analytical technique
• Knowledge and competency in using computer software applications in classroom assignments, practicum and assistantship settings (applications should include: word processing, spreadsheet, database, internet-based research, computer-based presentations, and statistical analysis
• Ability to critique software applications and select the best tool for the job
• Understanding of ethical and legal considerations associated with such software applications

6. Demonstrate insight into one's own personal dynamics, exhibit values and ethics that reflect the highest professional standards, and show effective interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrate an awareness of one's own personal characteristics and a commitment to personal development in order to enhance professional effectiveness
• Articulate a personal philosophy of professional practice
• Understand, act in accordance with, and promote legal and ethical principles of the profession
• Demonstrate effective listening and communication skills particularly among diverse people and in uncommon situations
• Demonstrate the ability to develop personal and professional relationships that are characterized by mutual acceptance, openness, and authenticity
• Acquire leadership, management and supervisory skills applicable and effective In higher education settings
• Initiate a life-long commitment to engaging in professional development activities
• Apply ACPA's Statement of Ethical and Professional Standards to an ethical issue common to a student service

Revised: Spring 2000