Much of the student development theory we draw on in student affairs practice is presented from a trauma-neutral perspective. In this article, I bring a trauma-informed and power-conscious lens to student development theory and encourage us to think about the possibilities and complexities that arise through this framing. I offer some big…

In this article, we discuss the developmental aspects of students' experiencing and making meaning of racism and propose that such processes parallel how trauma has been shown to impact development. More specifically, we name racism as a form of trauma with developmental consequences.

Small institutions are in a unique and perhaps necessary position to innovate as the field changes, resources falter, and the needs of the next generation of students and families become apparent and quite different from those supported by our historical structures and service modalities. This article examines the literature surrounding historical…

The authors situate critical perspectives in the larger context of the evolution of theory and discuss a "third wave" of theory development.

This chapter reviews paradigms in which student development theory is situated, encouraging the use of critical and poststructural paradigms.

This chapter addresses the applicability of student development theories in light of empirical research on Asian American college students through a twofold approach: (a) revisiting the relevance of Kodama, McEwen, Liang, and Lee's (2001, 2002) theoretical work on Asian American student development; and (b) using Jones' and Stewart's (2016)…

The author discusses how Museus' (2014) Culturally Engaging Campus Environment Model (CECE) can be used to re-envision campus multicultural centers, and programs and services that traditionally employ single-axis identity interventions when striving to support student growth and success.

This chapter explores how digital and social technologies may be impacting the developmental journeys of traditionally aged college students. It provides important conceptual distinctions and explores the application of college student development theory in digital spaces along with implications for practice and inquiry.

This afterword offers challenges and considerations as the assessment movement continues to develop. The author offers some simple considerations for readers to ponder as they advance their evidence-based decision making processes, and encourages others to use these methods within the context of recent neuroscientific evidence that learning and…

Historically, those responsible for administration of student conduct resolution in U.S. higher education have sought some manner of moral development for students, whether labeled as such or not. It is clear that contemporary conduct officers are more deeply concerned with such student development as an extension of their practice. Many such…

The skill development of equanimity and empathy gained through spiritual growth equips students to examine solutions to complex problems in a diverse, global society. This chapter explores intentional multicultural initiatives designed to foster spiritual development and interfaith engagement as means to navigate difference and social good.

Theories of student learning and development are particularly important in leadership education because they make prescriptions about how people can adopt increasingly complex ways of being, knowing, and doing--essential forms of development for leadership learning. Increasingly, there is a call for leadership educators to adopt interdisciplinary…

A democratic system of government needs--and the United States relies on colleges to produce--ethical and engaged citizens. A society will be able to sustain and flourish by cultivating civic engagement while equally developing a moral compass along with the ability and will to act. Historically colleges have and can continue to maximize students'…

A greater number of campuses have broadened concepts related to student development connecting traditional student affairs and campus auxiliary services. This connection is increasingly evident in the evolution of sustainability concerns and activities. This chapter explores the role of campus auxiliaries in the promotion of campus environmental…

Student affairs professionals traditionally struggle with how to bring the proper balance to their work. Their work takes place in a variety of settings--some informal, some structured. In each of these settings, they may find opportunity to serve as moral mentors. The authors describe the moral mentor as a professional practicing in the field of…