PROGRAM STATEMENT
IUP's SAHE program is designed to give students in-depth exposure to theories and models of human and student development, to enhance their interpersonal and communication skills, and to teach them to think critically and act ethically. In addition, our students gain "hands on" working experience in the field of student affairs through practicums, assistantships, and/or work-study. Our program blends theory and practice into a unified whole. This combination of learning theory and work experience has been, and continues to be, our greatest strength.

Students are encouraged to understand the historical relationship between developmental theory and the American higher education system and the increasingly significant role that student affairs professionals play in the college and university structure. Finally, the program stresses the acquisition of leadership, interpersonal, and management skills and encourages students to become dynamic, proactive participants in the growth and development of their students, their university, and their chosen field -- student affairs in higher education.

PROGRAM MISSION
The Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) program at IUP is designed to prepare graduate students for employment in higher education in entry-level or mid-management student affairs positions, dependent upon their previous experiences.  Under the guidance of student affairs faculty and practitioners, requisite knowledge will be acquired through a balance of academic and practical experiences which stress critical thinking and which model professional behavior.

Working among a community of learners, students will develop a broad range of skills, in-depth knowledge, an appreciation for life-long learning, and the ability to apply concepts and skills to become effective practitioners and colleagues.  Students will understand the history, literature and theory base of our profession as well as the significant role of student affairs within higher education.   They will apply that knowledge to address the needs of changing student populations and to effect developmental changes for individuals and groups through creating and managing educational environments.

PROGRAM UNIQUENESS

• Four full-time faculty with extensive practitioner and teaching experience
• An independent department of Student Affairs in Higher Education
• Ample assistantships either on campus or at area colleges
• A curriculum which exceeds standards established by the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher education (CAS)
• A diverse student body
• An active and supportive network of program alumni

NATIONAL STANDARDS
Meets ACPA Professional Preparation Commission Standards: YES
Meets CAS Standards:
Other/Comments:

APPLICATION AND ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Master's Application 2.8 min. required / 3.0  GPA preferred Interview Career Statement 2 letters of recommendation ( 1 Academic/1 Professional) Work experience preferred (not required) Deadline - Rolling Admission; January 15 recommended

CURRICULUM INFORMATION

Program Required Hours: Master's -  42 credit hours

 

Master's Curriculum Elements of Research History of Higher Education in the U.S. Student Affairs Functions in Higher Education Theories of Personality & Human Development Student Development in Higher Education Assessment & Evaluation in Student Affairs Management of Organizational Behavior Is a thesis required? No.

Individual & Group Interventions The American College Student Contemporary Issues in Higher Education Practicum in Student Affairs (two) Cultural Pluralism in Higher Education (elective) Topical Areas in Student Affairs (elective) Interpersonal Sensitivity (elective)

STUDENT DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - Students in student affairs or higher education administration programs  (2002-2003):

	Total Number	# of Males	# of Females	# of Whites	# of Persons of Color
Master's	67	26	41	58	9
	% of part-time students	% of full-time students	% of students enrolled in the program who also hold some form of financial assistance (graduate assistantship, fellowship, tuition waiver, scholarship)
Master's	2	98	95

PROGRAM FACULTY - Faculty members with areas of specialization and percentage of time devoted to the program.

Holley Belch, Ph.D. -- students with disabilities, freshmen persistence, retention; 100%
Linda M. Hall, D.Ed. -- leadership in organizations, residence hall communities, administration and finance; 100%
Ronald Lunardini, D.Ed. -- student involvement, assessment and evaluation, student cultures, cultural pluralism; 100%
John Mueller, D.Ed. -- student development, multicultural competence theory and measurement, racial identity development, gay/lesbian issues; 100%
Dave DeCoster, D.Ed., Professor -- Retired
Ronald W. Thomas, Ph.D., Professor -- Retired

Last modified 10/23/2006
Information submitted by: Ronald Lunardini

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