September 15, 2007

Student Affairs Leader - September 15, 2007 - Full Issue PDF
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“But I Hate Asking for Money…”: Development Tips for Administrators
By Jeffrey L. Buller
Despite the widespread expectation that administrators participate in fundraising at their institutions, many of us feel poorly prepared for development work. In candid conversations, many rank “asking a donor for money” second only to “firing someone” as a least favorite task. Is there any way, then, to make this activity less unpalatable for people who don’t enjoy development activities? What do you need to know about fundraising if the idea of asking people for money makes you nervous or uncomfortable?

On-Campus Report Capsules
ACE student loan report:According to a new report by the American Council on Education, about one of five undergraduate private loan borrowers did not take advantage of federal student loans that offer lower interest rates and more flexible payment options, even though they appeared to be eligible for this aid. This information is consistent with findings in other studies conducted this year. There is no consensus on why the students did not act in their own best interests or on the set of steps campuses should take to better educate student borrowers.

The Growing Strategic Importance of Student Affairs
By Brent R. Keltner
Today’s universities do much more than impart knowledge. The best higher education institutions are diverse learning communities that guide young people through a formative phase of intellectual and personal growth to become healthy, productive, and fulfilled citizens as well as leaders in a variety of contexts. Universities aim to prepare well-rounded individuals with the knowledge, qualities, and skills to make a positive difference in the world. Clearly, this requires learning beyond the academic curriculum, and it is student affairs professionals who design, promote, and facilitate a large part of that cocurricular learning.

Introducing: Student Association for Voter Empowerment
By Matthew Segal
The Student Association for Voter Empowerment (SAVE) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded to increase voter turnout among college students by removing access barriers and promoting stronger civic education. It is built on the realization that partisan voter registration drives and “get out the vote” slogans only attract certain segments of the eligible population and do not promote a true ethic or understanding of why a vote is important, why a vote is necessary, and why a vote is empowering.

What Is the Role of Student Affairs in Assessment?
By Arthur Sandeen and Margaret J. Barr
Assessment is at center stage on our campuses, and may now be the dominant issue in American higher education. We believe that this is not a passing fad but a reality, and that it will continue to have a major impact on how colleges and universities are funded, how they teach, and what students learn. Good assessment data gives us a better understanding of students, which can result in better policies and programs.