Student Affairs Administration and Leadership Graduate Certificate

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Student Affairs Administration & Leadership (SAAL) equips students with the knowledge and skills to pursue entry-level positions in student affairs administration and leadership. The 12-hour curriculum covers topics such as student development theory, leadership, ethics, and assessment. Graduates are prepared for careers as student affairs officers, residence life directors, career counselors, and other roles in higher education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Graduate Certificate in Student Affairs Administration & Leadership (SAAL) is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to pursue entry-level staff and administrative positions in student affairs administration and leadership.
• Objectives: Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of student affairs administration and leadership.
• Critically analyze and evaluate the ethical dimensions of student affairs work.
• Effectively manage and lead student affairs programs and services.
• Collaborate with other professionals to create a positive and supportive learning environment for students.
• Program Description: The SAAL program is a 12-hour curriculum that covers a range of topics essential to student affairs administration and leadership, including:
• The history and evolution of student affairs
• The role of student affairs in higher education
• Student development theory and practice
• Leadership and management in student affairs
• Legal and ethical issues in student affairs
• Financial management in student affairs
• Marketing and communications in student affairs
• Assessment and evaluation in student affairs

Outline:

• Course Schedule: The SAAL program is typically completed in one academic year, with courses offered in both fall and spring semesters.
The following is a typical course schedule:
• Fall Semester:
• HIGHERED 5402: Student Affairs Administration (Introductory course)
• HIGHERED 6409: Critical Issues in Student Affairs
• Spring Semester:
• HIGHERED 6410: Ethics in Higher Education Administration
• HIGHERED 6476: Organization and Administration of Higher Education (Exit course)
• Individual Modules: Each course in the SAAL program is divided into modules, which cover specific topics within the broader subject area.
The following is a brief description of each module:
• HIGHERED 5402: Student Affairs Administration:
• Module 1: Introduction to Student Affairs
• Module 2: The Role of Student Affairs in Higher Education
• Module 3: Student Development Theory and Practice
• Module 4: Leadership and Management in Student Affairs
• HIGHERED 6409: Critical Issues in Student Affairs:
• Module 1: Legal and Ethical Issues in Student Affairs
• Module 2: Financial Management in Student Affairs
• Module 3: Marketing and Communications in Student Affairs
• Module 4: Assessment and Evaluation in Student Affairs
• HIGHERED 6410: Ethics in Higher Education Administration:
• Module 1: Ethical Theories and Principles
• Module 2: Ethical Decision-Making in Higher Education
• Module 3: Ethical Issues in Student Affairs
• Module 4: Ethical Leadership in Higher Education
• HIGHERED 6476: Organization and Administration of Higher Education:
• Module 1: The Organization and Governance of Higher Education
• Module 2: The Role of the Student Affairs Division
• Module 3: Managing Student Affairs Programs and Services
• Module 4: The Future of Student Affairs

Assessment:

• Students in the SAAL program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Exams:
Exams are used to assess students' knowledge of the course material.
• Assignments:
Students are required to complete a variety of assignments, such as papers, presentations, and case studies, which demonstrate their understanding of the course material and their ability to apply it to real-world situations.
• Participation:
Students are expected to participate actively in class discussions and other learning activities.
• The grading criteria for the SAAL program are as follows:
• A:
90-100%
• B:
80-89%
• C:
70-79%
• D:
60-69%
• F:
Below 60%

Teaching:

• The SAAL program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are actively involved in student affairs administration and leadership.
The faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures:
Lectures are used to provide students with the basic knowledge and concepts of student affairs administration and leadership.
• Discussions:
Discussions are used to encourage students to share their own ideas and experiences and to critically analyze the course material.
• Case studies:
Case studies are used to provide students with the opportunity to apply the course material to real-world situations.
• Experiential learning:
Experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and practicums, are incorporated into the program to provide students with hands-on experience in student affairs administration and leadership.

Careers:

• Graduates of the SAAL program are prepared for a variety of careers in student affairs administration and leadership, including:
• Student affairs officer
• Residence life director
• Career counselor
• Academic advisor
• Student activities coordinator
• Dean of students
• Vice president for student affairs