STUDENT AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION (SAA)

Course Descriptions

SAA  700  Cr.1

Professional Practice in Student Affairs

This course provides an overview of professional standards and competencies used in the Student Affairs Administration profession and explores the wide range of Student Affairs disciplines and professional organizations. Current events in student affairs are also a primary focus of the course. Prerequisite: admission to Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education program.  Offered Fall.

SAA  701  Cr.3

Student Affairs and Technology

This course will include an overview of the impact of technology on higher education, the developing market of distance education and student affairs in higher education, and developing student affairs professionals for careers related to technology and distance education. Prerequisite: admission to Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education program.  Offered Summer.

SAA  702  Cr.3

Student Development Theory

This course provides an introduction to theoretical approaches to student affairs with application to creating proactive responses to student needs and environments. A review of historical and current college student developmental theories is included with a concentration on the application of developmental theories constructs. Prerequisite: admission to Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education program.  Offered Fall.

SAA  704  Cr.3

Leadership in Higher Education

This course is designed to explore leadership theories emphasizing those with practical application for meeting the challenges confronting student affairs professionals in higher education. Students will differentiate specific types of leadership including authentic leadership, team leadership, ethical leadership, the role of women and leadership, and cultural considerations pertaining to leadership. Course participants will compare leadership styles, explore their own leadership style, and critique leadership strategies in the higher education settings offered by scholars in the field. Prerequisite: admission to Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education program.  Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.

SAA  705  Cr.3

History of Higher Education

An overview of higher education and student affairs in the United States. Four major emphases: (1) history, development, and mission of higher education, (2) organization and structure of institutions of higher education, (3) organization and structure of student development and student affairs, and (4) significant issues and concerns in higher education. Prerequisite: admission to Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education program.  Offered Fall, Spring.

SAA  706  Cr.1

Helping Relationships and Crisis Management

This course provides a theoretical foundation to helping and crisis management skills. Students will examine helper characteristics, ethical issues in helping and will apply theoretical knowledge to practice. Prerequisite: admission to Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education program.  Offered Fall.

SAA  708  Cr.3

Diversity in Higher Education

A review of demographic groups including age, gender, ethnic, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. The course will also focus on special populations including: physically challenged, traditional, non-traditional, international, student athletes, part-time and full-time students. A review of current literature and research will complement these groups including: the effects of college, satisfaction with the college experience, retention, and identity development. Prerequisite: admission to Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education program.  Offered Fall, Spring.

SAA  710  Cr.3

Administration in Higher Education

An introduction to the study of administration in higher education, study of governance, legal aspects of administration, personnel evaluation and supervision, budgeting, and management information systems. Prerequisite: admission to Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education program.  Offered Fall, Summer.

SAA  715  Cr.3

Student Development Theory II

Serves as an advanced student development course. This course will look at new/current developmental theories. In addition, there will be concentration on application of developmental theories, including tools used to assess student development based on the theories studied. Prerequisite: SAA 702.  Offered Spring.

SAA  720  Cr.1

Special Topics in Student Affairs Administration

Special topics in Student Affairs Administration not covered by present SAA courses. The particular topic selected will be determined by the SAA faculty according to current need and interest. Repeatable for credit – maximum 6. Prerequisite: admission to Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education program.  Offered Fall, Spring.

SAA  730  Cr.3

Legal Aspects of Student Affairs

This course will include an overview of legal issues in student affairs. The application of educational law, legal risks and the responsibilities of student affairs professionals in higher education will be addressed. Prerequisite: admission to Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education program.  Offered Spring, Summer.

SAA  740  Cr.3

Organization Theory & Behavior

Areas to be studied include: group dynamics, behavioral organization, leadership, formal organizational theory, applied qualitative and quantitative research, organizational diagnosis, organizational design, organizational change, decision making and conflict resolution. Prerequisite: admission to Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education program.  Offered Fall, Spring.

SAA  745  Cr.3

University Finance and Governance

This course provides an overview of university finance and governance processes from both an historical and current perspective. Internal and external influences on the university budget are a key component of the course. This course will examine issues involving resource management and principles of policy-making in higher education and student affairs. Shared governance process and the institutional relationships between governing boards, executive leadership, faculty senate, staff councils, and student associations are also included. Admission to Student Affairs Administration Graduate program. Prerequisite: admission to Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education program.  Offered Fall, Spring.

SAA  750  Cr.3

Current Theories & Applications of Career Dev

Emphasis is upon an understanding of current theories of career development and their implications for practice in a college setting. The course provides the opportunity to explore both professional and personal applications of career development theory.   Offered Occasionally.

SAA  761  Cr.3

Applied Research in Student Affairs

Principles of applied research, evaluation, and assessment in student affairs. Content includes an overview of research methods, statistical analysis, evaluation, assessment, and technology applications for research in higher education. Prerequisite: admission to Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education program.  Offered Fall.

SAA  775  Cr.1 - 3

Student Affairs Practicum

Practical experience in and understanding of administrative or programming functions within student affairs under professional supervision. The training may be received on campus or at another university or agency. Emphasis is on the administrative/management or programming functions of the university. Specific competencies in budget management, facilities management, personnel management, or educational programming may be addressed. The student will spend a minimum of 70 hours per credit at the site. Repeatable for credit – maximum 6. Prerequisite: admission to SAA and SAA 705. Pass/Fail grading. Offered Fall, Spring.

SAA  780  Cr.1 - 3

Applied Research Project

This course will involve students in the development of a research, assessment or evaluation project that has practical application for student affairs in a higher education setting. Students will be expected to apply the knowledge gained in the coursework to a specific issue in student affairs. Prerequisite: admission to Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education program. Pass/Fail grading. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.

SAA  781  Cr.3

Student Affairs Administration  Internship

Practical experience and training within student affairs under professional supervision. The training may be received on campus or at another university or agency. The intern will spend a minimum of 210 hours in the department or internship. Repeatable for credit – maximum 6. Prerequisite: admission to SAA and SAA 705.  Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.

SAA  790  Cr.3

Capstone Seminar

This course is offered in a seminar format that provides an avenue for culminating and integrating the graduate program experience through case studies and the exploration and analysis of contemporary concerns in higher education and student affairs. To be taken during the student's final semester. Prerequisite: admission to Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education program.  Offered Spring.

SAA  795  Cr.1 - 2

Independent Study in Student Affairs Administration

Independent study and completion of a paper on a topic approved and directed by a SAA faculty member. Repeatable for credit – maximum 4. Prerequisite: admission to Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education program.  Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.

SAA  799  Cr.1 - 6

Research: Master's Thesis

Independent study and completion of a thesis on a topic approved and directed by a SAA faculty member. Must complete a total of 6 credits. Prerequisite: admission to SAA and SAA 761. Pass/Fail grading. Offered Fall, Spring.