Amy S. Hirschy

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Student Success in Community Colleges: A Conceptual Model.

Career and technical education (CTE) students pursuing occupational associate’s degrees or certificates differ from students seeking academic majors at 2-year institutions in several ways. This article examines several theoretical models of student persistence and offers a conceptual model of student success focused on CTE students in community colleges.

Development of Professional Identity Through Socialization in Graduate School

Abstract Professional identity is one outcome of successful socialization. The purpose of this study was to understand how socialization in graduate programs contributes to the development of professional identity for new professionals in student affairs. Via survey, we found significant relationships between program qualities, standards, activities, and experiences and measures of professional identity. Out-of-class experiences were perceived to have a stronger influence than in-class experiences. Implications for graduate preparation programs and supervisors are discussed.

Socialization to Student Affairs: Early Career Experiences Associated With Professional Identity Development

In this study, the authors propose and test a model of professional identity development among early career student affairs professionals. Using survey data from 173 new professionals (0–5 years of experience), factor analysis revealed 3 dimensions of professional identity: commitment, values congruence, and intellectual investment. Multivariate analyses found significant associations of age, master’s program characteristics, and influential people and experiences (e.g., interactions with professional colleagues and associations) with the dimensions of professional identity. Findings indicated key socialization experiences during and after graduate school were associated with the development of professional identity. The authors conclude with recommendations for practice and research.

Professional identity, career commitment, and career entrenchment of midlevel student affairs professionals

The purposes of this study were to identify factors of midlevel student affairs administrators’ professional identity and to examine the association of those factors to career commitment, career entrenchment, and demographic characteristics. Principal axis factor analysis derived 3 dimensions of professional identity: career contentment, community connection, and values congruence with the profession. Regression analyses conducted on 377 survey responses revealed that 3 of 4 demographic characteristics, all 3 career commitment subscales, and all 3 career entrenchment subscales were significantly associated with at least 1 of the professional identity subscales. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Identifying Inviolable Behavioral Norms of Campus Housing and Residence Life Professionals

Housing and residence life (HRL) administrators who lack knowledge about accepted professional behaviors risk violating normative boundaries, likely jeopardizing themselves or their clients (e.g., students, parents, colleagues). The purpose of this survey study was to understand if a normative structure exists for the administrative role performance of HRL professionals. Findings revealed six inviolable norms, some of which differ by personal and professional characteristics of HRL professionals. The authors offer recommendations to guide practice and research.