Student Affairs and Services in Higher Education: Global Foundations, Issues and Best Practices - Third Edition

Abstract

The 3rd edition, Student Affairs and Services in Higher Education: Global Foundations, Issues, and Best Practices, presented by the International Association of Student Affairs and Services (IASAS) in cooperation with Deutsches Studentenwerk (DSW – publisher), will make the case for inclusion of a student services/student affairs presence in HEIs and how that effort is directly related to major documents produced at world gatherings of nations for the purpose of improving higher education. First, this publication has been developed based on assumptions coming from the WDHE, the Communiqué and the Incheon Declaration, especially those that call for SAS functions in higher education. Second, it will outline the principles and values upon which pertinent and effective SAS are based. Third, with increasing evidence that globalisation has spurred a corresponding increase in the internationalisation of HE (UNESCO, 2004), it is imperative that all aspects of the academy, including SAS, respond to and support these new efforts. The 3rd edition focuses on ways to build an effective SAS operation that puts students at the centre of all efforts by supporting them in their academic endeavours and enhancing their personal, social, cultural, and cognitive development. The desired outcomes are the same as those for HE in general and include:▪ a high quality, well-rounded, higher learning experience;▪ improved HE access regardless of ability/background;▪ better retention and progress toward graduation; higher graduation rates;▪ enhanced career/employment prospects and lifelong learning interests; and life as a responsible, contributing community member and citizen.