Mission & Objectives
College Student Affairs Administration MEd
General Information
Advisement and Registration
Annual Program Review
APA Writing Style
Computers
E-Mail
Ethical Standards
Expenses
Facilities
Financial Assistance
Final Comprehensive Exams
Library
Mail Boxes
Practica & Internship Experiences
Professional Liability Insurance
Professional Organizations and Conference Dates
Rights & Responsibilities
Each student is assigned a faculty advisor from the CSAA faculty (see faculty page).
The advisor-student relationship is not limited to advisement and registration activities. Ideally, students will seek consultation frequently with their advisor about program plans, personal and developmental issues, and career planning. All faculty are available for consultation with students, and attention is given to providing an appropriate amount of individual challenge and support as students progress through the program. It is students’ responsibility to request assistance from their advisor when they have questions, desire guidance, or are experiencing problems. All faculty are available by appointment.
Each year the academic progress of all students enrolled in the program for two or more semesters is evaluated. [See policy on “academic progress.”] The CSAA Faculty will communicate the results of the evaluation to each student. Second year students will also receive feedback from practicum and internship supervisors. Policies and Procedures for Evaluation and Dismissal of Students are provided in the appendices of the student affairs handbook.
The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5th Edition) is the required resource manual for preparing papers for the CSAA Program. APA style manuscript preparation is taught during the first semester of study (ECHD 7400). It is recommended that students purchase a manual at campus bookstores prior to beginning their program of study.
Students are expected to type papers for graduate courses. Many students have found the computers on campus (both PC and Macintosh) to be the easiest way to accomplish this task. Computer labs are provided throughout campus in various locations, such as residence halls, libraries, and academic buildings. New students can participate in an orientation program which provides instruction for using the computers in the College of Education labs (OIT) on the second floor of Aderhold.
All students will be provided with an e-mail account. E-mail is an important vehicle for communication among students, faculty, practicum/internship site supervisors and professional colleagues throughout the United States. Students will receive important information via e-mail only. The faculty assumes that students check their e-mail regularly, that is, at least several times per week. If you are not given your e-mail address from your assistantship site, go to the Office of Information Technology (OIT - 2nd floor of Aderhold) after you register for classes and request an e-mail account.
Students are expected to adhere to the Ethical Principles and Standards published by the American College Personnel Association. Serious breaches of ethical standards can lead to termination of enrollment. A copy of these standards is provided in the appendices of the student affairs handbook.
Students should be aware that during graduate study they will incur additional expenses beyond tuition, room and board. Expenses such as: textbook purchases, parking, professional dues, copying of course materials and resources needed for class assignments, conference attendance costs, research instruments and liability insurance for practicum experiences are additional expenses that students can expect during their two year program. First year students in the CSAA program are required to attend the annual conference of the Southern Association of College Student Affairs held each fall in early November. Students unable to attend should see the CSAA program coordinator.
Aderhold Hall
The CSAA program is housed in the College of Education, located in Aderhold Hall on the east part of campus. The majority of courses in the program are offered on the fourth floor of Aderhold. Faculty and student offices and mailboxes, and the Center for Counseling and Personal Evaluation are all located on the fourth floor. The fourth floor of Aderhold also houses a technology classroom for use by the Department of Counseling & Human Development Services. A snack bar is located on the first floor.
Division of Student Affairs
The Division of Student Affairs at the University of Georgia is responsible for student services, educational support services and programs, and learning experiences gained through out-of-classroom activities. The CSAA program has a long and beneficial relationship with the Division. They provide assistantships, adjunct faculty, practicum and internship sites as well as significant support through their on-going work with our students and professional role modeling. Student Affairs interacts with students through organized services and programs to create a campus responsive to individual student needs. Its mission is to enhance students' academic, physical and social well-being at the University. Twelve departments report to the Vice President for Student Affairs, including:
- Judicial Programs
The Office of Judicial Programs provides the basis of support for the University Judicial System, strives to inspire trust and confidence in the University's rules and regulations and judicial system, and encourages the incorporation of standards of acceptable behavior in a lasting, individualized value system. The Office of Judicial Programs receives all complaints regarding possible infractions of conduct regulations, schedules all University judicial hearings, coordinates and monitors all appeals, and advises the Student Judiciary and Defender-Advocate Society. In addition, staff members may serve on hearing panels or as mediators. - Minority Programs and Services
The Minority Services Program Office sponsors activities featuring prominent scholars, speakers, and programs to enhance cultural diversity at the University of Georgia. MSP supports ten student organizations and has a cultural library, magazine collection, and sponsors an annual minority student graduation celebration. MSP houses the African American Cultural Center that is an active facility featuring programs, artwork by local African American faculty and student artists, large performing auditorium, video viewing area with a video tape library, and a small computer workstation for student organizations. - Recreational Sports
The mission of Recreational Sports is to serve the University community by enhancing the lives of its members through recreational activities and learning opportunities that promote healthy lifestyles and personal development. The department is responsible for coordinating aquatic programs, club sports, facilities, fitness programs, intramural sports, and outdoor recreation. - Student Activities
The department is responsible for reserving facilities for student activities, Greek life, international student life, leadership programs, national student exchange, university-wide student organizations, student programs and activities, and student volunteerism. The department of Student Activities is located in the Tate Student Center. - Counseling and Psychological Services
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), a unit of the University Health Center (UHC), provides a wide range of services designed to promote the academic, personal, social and psychological growth of students at The University of Georgia. Areas of service include individual, couples, and group counseling, psychiatric assessment, medication evaluation and monitoring, outreach, consultation, crisis intervention and an after hours call service. - Testing Services
University Testing Services (UTS), serves as the secure testing facility for the university community. UTS is comprised of the Testing Information and Registration Service and 6 divisions: Computer-based Testing Services, Individual Testing Services, Group Testing Services, Saturday National Testing, Scoring and Analysis Services and a Testing Program Consultation division. - Student Financial Aid
The Office of Student Financial Aid is located on the second floor of the Holmes/Hunter Academic Building beside The Arch on North Campus. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, except for Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, July 4th holiday, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. You can also reach the office by telephone (706) 542-6147, fax (706) 542-8217, or e-mail osfa@arches.uga.edu. - Student Information Systems
Student Information Systems (SIS) provides computer-based information system services to the Offices of the Vice Presidents for Student Affairs and Instruction as well as other related departments of the University of Georgia. These services include: maintenance and expansion of existing application systems; assisting and training client departments in satisfying various ad hoc reporting requirements; development of new application systems on enterprise server, micro, or other distributed computer platforms, and database planning, coordination and consultation. - Student Life Studies
The SLS Office was established to support the assessment, research, and evaluation activities of the Division of Student Affairs and its many departments and units. - Disability Services
Disability Services at the University of Georgia is dedicated to enriching the lives of students with disabilities who seek the goal of higher education. An individual approach is adopted to accommodate the needs of these students. - University Health Service
The University Health Center is recognized as one of the top college health facilities in the nation, earning the highest recognition, Accreditation with Commendation, from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The center provides clinical services to the university community. Facilities include an acute care clinic, triage center, allergy clinic, travel clinic, dental clinic, laboratory, medical clinic, mental health clinic, pharmacy, physical therapy department, sports medicine clinic, radiology clinic, and women's clinic. The University Health Center is located at the intersection of East Campus and College Station Roads. - University Housing
The Department of University Housing provides comfortable, affordable and secure on-campus housing options in residential communities where the academic success and personal growth of residents are encouraged and supported.
A variety of financial assistance programs are available. These include:
- Assistantships in University agencies such as University Housing and Student Activities
- Out-of-State fee waivers (awarded competitively University-wide)
- The T.K. Miller Research fund is available to students in the program to support projects related to college student affairs. Details about how to apply for these funds will be provided to you in August.
Loans and similar forms of financial aid are available from the Financial Aid Office, 220 Academic Building, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.
The comprehensive exam is designed to give students an opportunity to organize and synthesize their learning (both from classes and as a result of independent study and research) while in the program. Content is not limited to what has been presented in classes or in texts assigned for classes. Students are expected to cite sources or authorities to support their answers. The exam consists of two long essay questions and three short essay questions. A study guide will be provided to second year students early in the fall semester to use for review purposes. Evaluation is based in three criteria: a) evidence of knowledge of the literature and ability to bring it into focus, b) organization and clarity of your written response, and c) integration of theory and practice. Content of the exam will include (1) administration and leadership, (2) counseling theory/interventions, (3) developmental theory/interventions, (4) group procedures, (5) research and evaluation, (6) cultural and environmental considerations, and (7) professional issues.
CSAA masters students are expected to pass a comprehensive exam which is administered in February of the second year of study. The comprehensive exam is designed to give students an opportunity to organize and synthesize their learning while in the program. Students are expected to cite sources or authorities to support their answers. The exam consists of two long essay questions and three short essay questions. A study guide will be provided to second year students early in the fall semester to use for review purposes. Evaluation is based on three criteria: (a) evidence of knowledge of the literature and ability to bring it into focus, (b) organization and clarity of your written response, and (c) integration of theory and practice.
CONSEQUENCES FOR INADEQUATE COMPREHENSIVE EXAM PERFORMANCE
If a student fails to pass any of the following: 1 long question, or 2 short questions, or 1 long and 1 short question, or 1 short question, this will require remediation and the following consequences will apply:
The student will complete a remediation activity to be determined by the faculty advisor and approved by all program faculty members. This remediation needs to be completed by the first week in April.
If the student fails to complete the first remediation to the level of quality satisfactory to the program faculty,
The student must participate in a second remediation designed by the faculty. This remediation will take place during the Maymester and/or first summer session.
If the student fails the summer remediation, the student will be removed from the program and will not be awarded a master's degree from the college student affairs administration program.
If a student fails to pass 2 long essay questions or any combination of 3 questions, this will require a retake and the following consequences will apply:
The student will take an alternative version of the comprehensive exams with 2 long questions and 3 short questions. Questions will come from the study guide (not necessarily the same questions asked previously). The exam will be completed by the end of the first week in April.
If the student fails any part of the alternative version, the student must participate in a remediation designed by the faculty. This remediation will take place during the Maymester and/or first summer session.
If the student fails the summer remediation, the student will be removed for the program and will not be awarded a master's degree from the college student affairs administration program.
The University of Georgia Main Library is located on North Campus. It is the largest library in the State of Georgia and offers students extensive resources for completing their academic studies. The second floor (LB) of the library houses books and periodicals specific to the field of student affairs. The library provides over 200 computer databases for literature searches as well as an inter-library loan process, microfilm material, a copy center, and library carrels for study. On-line searching via GIL will allow you to do ERIC, PSYCH-LIT, and other related searches using your modem from home as well. GIL and GALILEO can be accessed through the UGA internet site at http://www.uga.edu.
Each student is assigned a mail box in 408 Aderhold Hall. Almost all communication from the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services with students is through these mail boxes or via e-mail. Students should check their boxes several times a week to assure that they do not miss important information.
Practica & Internship Experiences
The practica and internship program provides an opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience under supervision and guidance of qualified and dedicated professionals in the field of higher education. Material about the practica and internship experiences are included in the appendices of the student affairs handbook.
Professional Liability Insurance
All students must have professional liability insurance prior to participating in a practicum or internship. All students must have coverage by the mid-point of the first semester. Relatively low-cost coverage can be obtained through one of the professional associations that you are eligible to join at a reduced student rate. One must be a member of the professional association before he or she is eligible to obtain insurance. Students are encouraged to join one or both professional associations as soon as they enter the program. As members, students will receive copies of the journal and newsletters, as well as information about workshops andconferences. Membership applications can be obtained from Roger Winston. Information regarding liability insurance will be sent to new members of ACPA and NASPA.
ACPA
American College Personnel Association
One Dupont Circle, Suite 360A
Washington, DC 20036-1110
(202) 835-2272NASPA
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators
1700 18th St. NW, Suite 301
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 785-0453
Professional Organizations and Conference Dates
The purpose of this academic program is to prepare professionals for work in college or university student affairs or student services. Learning in this program is achieved not only through the classroom, but through actual practice in and exposure to the multitude of facets of the profession as well. One of the key elements of the profession is involvement in professional organizations.
Graduate students, faculty, and staff members alike will encourage you to become an active member of professional organizations. There are innumerable organizations available. Talk to professionals in your area of interest and ask them about the organizations to which they belong and their recommendations for new professionals. Membership in professional organizations will invariably enhance your development as a student affairs professional.
The following are several of the organizations that you should consider:
- The American College Personnel Association (ACPA) is a national professional organization. It fosters student development in higher education in areas of services, advocacy, and standards by offering professional programs for educators committed to the over-all development of post-secondary students. Annual dues for students is $45.00. The ACPA conference is usually held in the spring.
- The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) is a national professional organization which seeks to develop leadership and improve practices in student affairs administration. Annual dues for students is $34.00. The NASPA conference is usually held in the spring of every year.
- The Southern Association for College Student Affairs (SACSA) is a regional organization which focuses on current practices and research that have implications and applicability for practitioners. Annual dues for students is $25.00. The SACSA conference is usually held in the fall each year. Students within the graduate program will have the option of attending SACSA or writing a research paper.
- The Georgia College Personnel Association (GCPA) provides leadership in student personnel work within the framework of the goals of higher education. Each spring, GCPA holds its annual convention. Students are encouraged to join this organization to acquire an understanding of state-wide professional organizations. Annual dues for students are $10.00.
- GSFF - This acronym stands for Graduate Student and Faculty Forum. This is a three day conference, usually held in February, which brings together graduate students and faculty members from the student affairs and higher education programs in the Southeast. The location for the conference changes from year-to-year. The conference is usually held in late winter or early spring of every year. First year students are required to attend this conference or to write a research paper.
- UGASPA - The University of Georgia Student Personnel Association (UGASPA) is a student-led organization that serves as a social and educational group for students, staff, and faculty. This group will help facilitate the CSAA orientation program that is designed to assist with the adjustment process for new students entering the program. Throughout the year, additional social and educational events (such as brown bag lunches with speakers from the student affairs professional staff) will be promoted, sponsored, and coordinated by UGASPA. In addition, The Georgia Journal of College Student Affairs, a joint publication of GCPA and UGASPA provides an excellent opportunity for the possible publication of student papers.
Membership and active involvement in UGASPA carries with it the following benefits:
- Opportunity to acquire leadership and other professionally valuable experiences directly applicable to future careers
- Opportunity to help build and enrich the student-faculty community within the Program
- Demonstration of a commitment to the field and professional colleagues
- Opportunity to develop meaningful social and personal relationships with fellow students, especially those who do not share classes, and faculty
- Opportunity to network with student affairs practitioners
Responsibilities of Students and Faculty
The faculty in the CSAA and SAA programs has high expectations of ourselves and of our students. We aspire to be an outstanding professional preparation program. 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 be as clear as possible the following list is provided as guidance:
Students are expected to...
- Be dedicated to learning and 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.
- Be self-motivating and seek assistance when it is needed. To ask for help from classmates and faculty is not a sign of weakness but of intelligence.
- Attend all classes and be on time. Lateness is a sign of disrespect for the instructor and your classmates. It also disrupts the learning environment.
- Have read all assigned materials before the appointed class and to come to class prepared with questions and topics for discussion.
- Submit work by specified deadlines.
- Be cooperative and support others in their efforts to learn; unhealthy excessive competition among students is not valued and is destructive of morale and learning.
- Contribute to the learning community by 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 (ACPA) Statement of Ethical Principles and Standards and "A Culture of Honesty"- the University of Georgia's policy and procedures on academic honesty apply to all students in the program.
- Act professionally at all times.
- 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 all involved. Students are expected to confront persons with whom they have issues directly and in private.
Students can expect faculty to...
- Work hard and reflect credit on the programs.
- Be available to students. The best way to be certain you'll find faculty is to make an appointment. DO NOT apologize for seeking assistance or consultation. Email is generally the easiest way to contact faculty.
- Be prepared for class.
- Set high standards for academic performance, professional behavior and personal development and to provide support.
- Care about students as persons and as developing student affairs professionals. Faculty want students to succeed as students and as student affairs professionals while building constructive, healthy lives.
- To convey a professional image.
- Be involved in regional and national professional organizations, giving the programs and students national visibility
- Conduct research and publish the findings.
- Support students in initial job searches after graduation and throughout their careers.
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