Expectations

The faculty members in the College Student Affairs Administration Masters and Doctoral programs have high expectations of ourselves and our students. We aspire to be an outstanding professional preparation program. And, to a large extent, the enthusiasm, commitment, and professionalism of students and faculty on and off campus determine how successful we will be. In order to remove some of the ambiguity about expectations, the following are provided as guidance to students.

Students are expected to…

• be dedicated to learning and be willing to put forth the effort necessary to excel. Students are expected to take advantage of as many professional learning experiences as they can. Further, students are expected to become active members of professional associations by joining, attending conferences, submitting program proposals, and volunteering for special projects.
• as senior members of the college student affairs administration program, doctoral students are expected to provide support and guidance to the less experienced students in the masters program. This presents an extraordinary opportunity to make significant contributions to the student affairs profession by assisting in the education of student affairs professionals in training.
• be self-motivating and seek assistance when it is needed. To ask for help from classmates or faculty is not a sign of weakness, but of intelligence.
• attend all classes and be prompt. Tardiness is a sign of disrespect for the instructor and fellow class members because it disrupts the learning environment. Tardiness in keeping appointments also shows disrespect and is wasteful of others’ valuable time.
• have read all assigned materials before the appointed class and to come to class prepared with questions and topics for discussion.
• submit work by the specified deadline.
• be cooperative and to support others in their efforts to learn; unhealthy excessive competition among students is not valued and is actually destructive of morale and learning.
• contribute to the learning community, which means going beyond class attendance and completion of class requirements. Students and faculty both have an obligation to contribute to the learning community of which we are members.
• adhere to high standards of academic integrity and professional ethics. The American College Personnel Association Statement of Ethical Principles and Standards, the NASPA Standards of Professional Practice, and The University of Georgia Conduct Code apply to all students in the programs.
• act professionally at all times and to dress appropriately in class and elsewhere. Each student is a representative of everyone (students and faculty both) associated with the programs. When involved in professional activities with student affairs staff, students should adopt the mode of dress of the practicing professionals.
• be loyal to the program and those associated with it. If a student has a problem or criticism of the program, other students, or faculty, it should be dealt with within the program and directly with the persons involved.
• refrain from gossiping about students and/or faculty associated with the program. Gossiping is unprofessional conduct and demeans both the transmitter and the whole program. Students are expected to confront persons with whom they have issues directly and in private.

Students can expect faculty to…

• work hard and to reflect credit on the programs.
• be available to students. The best way to assure availability is to make an appointment. DO NOT apologize for seeking assistance or consultation. Email is generally the most efficient way to make appointments.
• be prepared for class.
• set high standards for academic performance, professional behavior, and personal development and to provide support when requested.
• care about students as persons and especially as developing student affairs professionals. Faculty want students to be successful as students and to become exemplary student affairs professionals after graduation.
• convey a professional image through their dress and behavior.
• be involved in regional and national professional organizations, thereby giving the programs and their students national visibility.
• conduct research and publish their findings.
• support students in their quest for professional positions after completing the program and throughout their careers.