Larry D. Roper

Redefining Our Mission: What Does Higher Education Need From Student Affairs?

In this article, the authors argue that the relevance of student affairs depends on the will to redefine the mission, structures, and practices to provide the leadership that institutions require. They begin with an overview of challenges to higher education and student affairs, examine the implications of those challenges for student affairs, and conclude with specific ideas and examples for redefining student affairs work.

Is the Design for Our Cultural Programs Ethical

The designs for cultural programs on most campuses seem to imply that students possess mono-cultural identities. However, with the increase in bi-racial and multi-racial students on campus, it is time for student affairs leaders to question the design for these programs.

A Call to Humanize Relationships and Mediate Power Dynamics

As colleges and universities confront challenging times, there is a need ensure that we maintain humane treatment across power dynamics. This article considers some of the important relationship dynamics to which leaders must attend as they navigate the use of power and privilege.

A Conversation on Student Affairs Scholarship.

For the past 18 months the NASPA Journal Editorial Board has been engaged in an ongoing conversation about the future direction of the Journal. Among the issues we have discussed are: What should comprise the content of the Journal?, How do we decide when or if we will move the Journal to an electronic format?, What do our members want in the Journal?, and What type of scholarship should we be publishing? The last question — What type of scholarship should we be publishing? — led to an energetic conversation within the Editorial Board.

The Ethics of the Collegiate Locker Room

Abstract Locker rooms are a fixture in the athletic culture of colleges and universities. Given the important roles those spaces play in the learning, growth, and development of student-athletes, collegiate leaders should consider how to influence locker room environments in positive ways.

Claiming Voice on the Future of Higher Education.

Abstract Higher education reform is a prominent topic among state and federal governments. However, the discussions regarding higher education are narrowly focused and not always inclusive of the voices of postsecondary leaders. Higher education officials must find approaches to ensure their voices are appropriately represented in these crucial conversations.

Sexual Violence and the Call to Consciousness

Abstract Legislation and initiatives at the state and federal levels are challenging colleges and universities to review their approach to issues of sexual violence. This article addresses issues of compliance and beyond.

Responding to Community Injury and Insult

Abstract As campuses attempt to address issues of intolerance on campus, they are challenged to navigate between the desire to punish behavior and the responsibility to educate students. Campus leaders must navigate through ethical challenges as they determine the appropriate institutional response.

Modeling Community to Heal an Injured World

Our colleges and universities have the opportunity to play a role in transforming the tone of our current national discourse and model the core values of our democratic society as we prepare students to be civically responsible.

Strengthening the Connection between Community Service and Diversity.

Educators often treat community service and diversity as distinct areas. The author argues that educators should seize upon the intersection of these two areas in order to strengthen students’ capacity to engage with each.