National Association of Student Personnel Administrators
Encyclopedia
NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (formerly the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) is the leading voice for student affairs
administration, policy, and practice, and affirms the commitment of the student affairs profession to educating the whole student and integrating student life and learning. Founded in 1919 at the University of Wisconsin
, NASPA has more than 11,000 members at 1,400 campuses, and 29 countries. NASPA members are committed to serving college students by embracing the core values of diversity, learning, integrity, collaboration, access, service, fellowship, and the spirit of inquiry.
desired to create a meeting that would bring together various deans of men in the midwest. He, with the dean of men at the University of Illinois, facilitated the founding meeting held at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
in January 1919. The first meeting was quite small - three deans of men and three professors having campus interests were in attendance.
Professor Louis A. Strauss of the University of Michigan
referred to the first meeting as the "Conference of Deans and Advisers of Men." This label was used in prevalence until 1929 when it was changed to the National Association of Deans and Advisers of Men (NADAM). The new name was more fitting because many American universities did not have the "Dean of Men" title. Thomas Arkle Clark was the first person to claim the title in 1909, although he assumed the responsibilities in 1901. Scott Goodnight, dean of men at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
, served as host for this historic first meeting. Retroactively, he is referred to as the first president of NADAM.
As early as the 1920s, NADAM played a valuable placement role for its members; a function that continues today as "The Placement Exchange".
In 1925, the first piece of "research" - presented by John Bennett of Teachers College, Columbia University
- was offered at a NADAM meeting. It dealt with the prevalence of the office of dean of men in American colleges and universities. The last meeting of the '20s was the first to be conducted away from the college campus; there were 76 participants, each paying dues of $10.
In the 1930s, there were continued requests for publications to be submitted to the conferences. The NASPA Journal, as a result, was first introduced in 1963. Before that time, newsletters were the primary way of communicating regarding published material.
One of the Association's major preoccupations in the 1940s was World War II
and its aftermath. The adaptation of campuses to the war effort are reflected in the conference minutes, and the problems relating to veterans once the war was over took the rest of the decade. The decade was noted by the presence of Armour Blackburn of Howard University
, the first African-American administrator to participate and serve on an executive committee.
As student affairs offices began to change and administrators no longer used "Dean of Men" and "Advisor of Men" as their titles, the organization followed suit. Mary Ethel Ball, acting dean of students at the University of Colorado
, became the first female "institutional representative," although women had participated in meetings since the 20s. Dean Wesley P. Lloyd at Brigham Young University
recommended a name change in 1951 to the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). This gave a new breadth to the organization, which stated its purpose: "to discuss and study the most effective methods of aiding students in their intellectual, social, moral, and personal development".
Five commissions were established at the 1951 conference to deal with substantive, ongoing issues (e.g., professional relationships, ethics
, professional preparation
). A secondary benefit of the commissions was in making more members able to participate in the association's activities.
The 1960s marked many changes in NASPA. For the first time, outside funding was secured for a NASPA activity, making the association an early leader in educating members concerning drug abuse
. NASPA was an active participant in the development of the Joint Statement on Rights
and Freedoms of Students. From 1966 until the end of the decade and beyond, crisis was the most prominent campus
issue and the most prominent association concern. Some deans were enormously successful in protecting both their campuses and the rights of students, but disruption of campuses became more prevalent.
During the 1970s, increased regionalization heightened opportunities for involvement across the whole spectrum of NASPA's membership. Alice Manicur of Frostbug State College became the first female president, and community colleges began to make their presence felt. George Young at Broward Community College
was the first community college
person to serve as president of NASPA.
It was during this decade that NASPA first established a national office under the leadereship of Channing Briggs at Portland State University
. Upon Briggs' retirement in 1981, Richard F. Stevens became the second executive director
, and the national office was moved to Ohio State University
. In 1985, the association voted to move its headquarters to Washington, D.C.
, and in 1987 Elizabeth M. Nuss of Indiana University
, succeeded Stevens. In 1995, Gwendolyn Dungy succeeded Nuss.
With an awards luncheon taking place at the first meeting in 1919, national awards are one of NASPA's longest traditions. In the last decade, two significant award changes have been made—the establishment of a new national award for mid-level student affairs professional and the development of the NASPA Excellence Awards. Initiated in 2005, the NASPA Excellence Awards recognize "outstanding programs, innovative services and effective administration" by NASPA members.
National workshops were introduced in 1996, with initial offerings including programs on assessment, fund raising, and technology. Other programs identified on-going needs of constituent groups that influenced the incorporation of these concerns on the 'Board of Directors level, such as the small college programs that evolved into the biennial Small Colleges and Universities Institute. Another example is the International Assessment and Retention Conference, which focuses on the two preeminent higher education issues of the last few years.
and power; and understanding the power and implications of technology
.
Laurence Smith, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Eastern Michigan University
, initiated the concept of the Centers for Innovation in February 2000, proposing centers for leadership
, public policy
, research
, and technology
to guide professional development for the association. By 2005, these centers had formally evolved to: The Center for Public Policy; The Center for Scholarship, Research, and Professional Development for Women; The Center for Student Life Studies and Demographics; The Center for Technology and E-Learning in Student Affairs; and the previously discussed Center for the James E. Scott National Academy for Leadership and Executive Effectiveness.
, Germany
, Mexico
, and the United Kingdom
with reciprocal visits from France and Mexico. In 2000, NASPA signed new agreements with Australia
, France, Germany, Mexico, Spain
, and the United Kingdom and had the first exchange with Australia. Agreements with Canada
, Iceland
, and Italy
were added in 2003. Over 100 NASPA members have participated in international exchanges since the inception of the program in 1995.
The 1997 publication of Principles of Good Practice in Student Affairs in cooperation with the American College Personnel Association
(ACPA) provided another means for institutions and student affairs professionals to assess their programs and development. Building on the 1994 Student Learning Imperative that focused the student affairs profession on student learning and learning environments, good practice in student affairs:
NASPA's longest research project has been the Salary Survey, which is now done every two years. The survey was initiated in the early 1970s and was preceded by national surveys on the functions of student affairs administrators that NASPA started in 1932.
At the 2000 NASPA Annual Conference, NASPA Networks, initiated in 1989, were transformed into Knowledge Communities. Knowledge Communities extend professional development by identifying emerging knowledge and critical professional practice issues, using technology to expand communication, and undertaking collaborative efforts. Consequently, the range and type of Knowledge Communities has grown in the past decade, as have the means to communicate. KCs are expected to expand knowledge available to NASPA members through online discussions, providing articles for NASPA publications, or providing professional development opportunities at national or regional conference events.
NetResults is an online magazine dedicated to current issues in student affairs
The NASPA Forum, originally a quarterly print newsletter, expanded in 1997-98 to allow for more submissions. In 1999, significant changes resulted in the Forum featuring more in-depth articles, a continued focus on legal issues, and more information on technology issues. In March 2003, the Forum went online, and is sent to members monthly.
Published quarterly online, the NASPA Journal is the publication outlet for contemporary scholarship in student affairs administration, research, and practice.
The Journal of College and Character publishes scholarly articles and applied research on issues related to ethics, values, and character development in the higher education setting. The journal focuses specifically on how colleges and universities influence, both intentionally and unintentionally, the moral and civic learning and behaviors of college students.
Journal About Women in Higher Education is a scholarly journal published annually in March. The journal focuses on issues affecting all women in higher education: students; student affairs staff; faculty, and other administrative groups.
NASPA also publishes several new books each year, maintains a backlist of more than 40 titles, and has e-books available online.
to provide funds for ongoing research and programs. One of the most significant Foundation programs is "Pillars of the Profession," which recognizes distinguished student affairs leaders of "professional distinction" who have served in NASPA leadership roles and are recognized for "extraordinary service."
Student Affairs
Student affairs staff provide services and support for students at institutions of higher education to enhance student growth and development in the United States and abroad....
administration, policy, and practice, and affirms the commitment of the student affairs profession to educating the whole student and integrating student life and learning. Founded in 1919 at the University of Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1848, UW–Madison is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It became a land-grant institution in 1866...
, NASPA has more than 11,000 members at 1,400 campuses, and 29 countries. NASPA members are committed to serving college students by embracing the core values of diversity, learning, integrity, collaboration, access, service, fellowship, and the spirit of inquiry.
Mission
To provide professional development and advocacy for student affairs educators and administrators who share the responsibility for a campus-wide focus on the student experience.Vision
NASPA, as the leading voice for student affairs administration, policy, and practice, affirms the commitment of student affairs to educating the whole student and integrating student life and learning.Core Values
As an association of members committed to students, NASPA seeks excellence by embracing the following core values...- Diversity
- Learning
- Integrity
- Service
- Fellowship
- Spirit of Inquiry
- Collaboration
- Access
History
In December 1918, Robert Rienow, the dean of men at the University of IowaUniversity of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a public state-supported research university located in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. It is the oldest public university in the state. The university is organized into eleven colleges granting undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees...
desired to create a meeting that would bring together various deans of men in the midwest. He, with the dean of men at the University of Illinois, facilitated the founding meeting held at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
University of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1848, UW–Madison is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It became a land-grant institution in 1866...
in January 1919. The first meeting was quite small - three deans of men and three professors having campus interests were in attendance.
Professor Louis A. Strauss of the University of Michigan
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
referred to the first meeting as the "Conference of Deans and Advisers of Men." This label was used in prevalence until 1929 when it was changed to the National Association of Deans and Advisers of Men (NADAM). The new name was more fitting because many American universities did not have the "Dean of Men" title. Thomas Arkle Clark was the first person to claim the title in 1909, although he assumed the responsibilities in 1901. Scott Goodnight, dean of men at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
University of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1848, UW–Madison is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It became a land-grant institution in 1866...
, served as host for this historic first meeting. Retroactively, he is referred to as the first president of NADAM.
As early as the 1920s, NADAM played a valuable placement role for its members; a function that continues today as "The Placement Exchange".
In 1925, the first piece of "research" - presented by John Bennett of Teachers College, Columbia University
Columbia University
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the...
- was offered at a NADAM meeting. It dealt with the prevalence of the office of dean of men in American colleges and universities. The last meeting of the '20s was the first to be conducted away from the college campus; there were 76 participants, each paying dues of $10.
In the 1930s, there were continued requests for publications to be submitted to the conferences. The NASPA Journal, as a result, was first introduced in 1963. Before that time, newsletters were the primary way of communicating regarding published material.
One of the Association's major preoccupations in the 1940s was World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and its aftermath. The adaptation of campuses to the war effort are reflected in the conference minutes, and the problems relating to veterans once the war was over took the rest of the decade. The decade was noted by the presence of Armour Blackburn of Howard University
Howard University
Howard University is a federally chartered, non-profit, private, coeducational, nonsectarian, historically black university located in Washington, D.C., United States...
, the first African-American administrator to participate and serve on an executive committee.
As student affairs offices began to change and administrators no longer used "Dean of Men" and "Advisor of Men" as their titles, the organization followed suit. Mary Ethel Ball, acting dean of students at the University of Colorado
University of Colorado at Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado...
, became the first female "institutional representative," although women had participated in meetings since the 20s. Dean Wesley P. Lloyd at Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University is a private university located in Provo, Utah. It is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , and is the United States' largest religious university and third-largest private university.Approximately 98% of the university's 34,000 students...
recommended a name change in 1951 to the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). This gave a new breadth to the organization, which stated its purpose: "to discuss and study the most effective methods of aiding students in their intellectual, social, moral, and personal development".
Five commissions were established at the 1951 conference to deal with substantive, ongoing issues (e.g., professional relationships, ethics
Ethics
Ethics, also known as moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy that addresses questions about morality—that is, concepts such as good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, justice and crime, etc.Major branches of ethics include:...
, professional preparation
Professional development
Professional development refers to skills and knowledge attained for both personal development and career advancement. Professional development encompasses all types of facilitated learning opportunities, ranging from college degrees to formal coursework, conferences and informal learning...
). A secondary benefit of the commissions was in making more members able to participate in the association's activities.
The 1960s marked many changes in NASPA. For the first time, outside funding was secured for a NASPA activity, making the association an early leader in educating members concerning drug abuse
Drug abuse
Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, refers to a maladaptive pattern of use of a substance that is not considered dependent. The term "drug abuse" does not exclude dependency, but is otherwise used in a similar manner in nonmedical contexts...
. NASPA was an active participant in the development of the Joint Statement on Rights
Rights
Rights are legal, social, or ethical principles of freedom or entitlement; that is, rights are the fundamental normative rules about what is allowed of people or owed to people, according to some legal system, social convention, or ethical theory...
and Freedoms of Students. From 1966 until the end of the decade and beyond, crisis was the most prominent campus
Campus
A campus is traditionally the land on which a college or university and related institutional buildings are situated. Usually a campus includes libraries, lecture halls, residence halls and park-like settings...
issue and the most prominent association concern. Some deans were enormously successful in protecting both their campuses and the rights of students, but disruption of campuses became more prevalent.
During the 1970s, increased regionalization heightened opportunities for involvement across the whole spectrum of NASPA's membership. Alice Manicur of Frostbug State College became the first female president, and community colleges began to make their presence felt. George Young at Broward Community College
Broward Community College
Broward College, previously known as "Broward Community College", is a state college in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S., and part of the Florida College System. It was established in 1959 as part of a move to broaden Florida's two-year community college system...
was the first community college
Community college
A community college is a type of educational institution. The term can have different meanings in different countries.-Australia:Community colleges carry on the tradition of adult education, which was established in Australia around mid 19th century when evening classes were held to help adults...
person to serve as president of NASPA.
It was during this decade that NASPA first established a national office under the leadereship of Channing Briggs at Portland State University
Portland State University
Portland State University is a public state urban university located in downtown Portland, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1946, it has the largest overall enrollment of any university in the state of Oregon, including undergraduate and graduate students. It is also the only public university in...
. Upon Briggs' retirement in 1981, Richard F. Stevens became the second executive director
Executive director
Executive director is a term sometimes applied to the chief executive officer or managing director of an organization, company, or corporation. It is widely used in North American non-profit organizations, though in recent decades many U.S. nonprofits have adopted the title "President/CEO"...
, and the national office was moved to Ohio State University
Ohio State University
The Ohio State University, commonly referred to as Ohio State, is a public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. It was originally founded in 1870 as a land-grant university and is currently the third largest university campus in the United States...
. In 1985, the association voted to move its headquarters to Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
, and in 1987 Elizabeth M. Nuss of Indiana University
Indiana University
Indiana University is a multi-campus public university system in the state of Indiana, United States. Indiana University has a combined student body of more than 100,000 students, including approximately 42,000 students enrolled at the Indiana University Bloomington campus and approximately 37,000...
, succeeded Stevens. In 1995, Gwendolyn Dungy succeeded Nuss.
Professional development opportunities
Since the association's inception, NASPA annual conferences continue to be the principal means of professional development for NASPA members. Since the first six met, these conferences have grown to over 5,000 participants. The exponential growth in conference attendance is mirrored by the expansion in complexity, breadth, and depth of conference programs. The desire for gathering remains the same, however: to connect with colleagues; to grow in understanding of higher education issues of the day; and to present research and programs to expand the field and enrich the nation's campuses.With an awards luncheon taking place at the first meeting in 1919, national awards are one of NASPA's longest traditions. In the last decade, two significant award changes have been made—the establishment of a new national award for mid-level student affairs professional and the development of the NASPA Excellence Awards. Initiated in 2005, the NASPA Excellence Awards recognize "outstanding programs, innovative services and effective administration" by NASPA members.
National workshops were introduced in 1996, with initial offerings including programs on assessment, fund raising, and technology. Other programs identified on-going needs of constituent groups that influenced the incorporation of these concerns on the 'Board of Directors level, such as the small college programs that evolved into the biennial Small Colleges and Universities Institute. Another example is the International Assessment and Retention Conference, which focuses on the two preeminent higher education issues of the last few years.
Divisions and centers
NASPA launched the National Academy for Leadership and Executive Effectiveness in 1997 based on the work of the Committee on Future Skills and Knowledge of Student Affairs Leaders, appointed by NASPA President James E. Scott in 1994. Very appropriately, the Academy was renamed for Dr. Scott in 2003, the year after he died. The original committee identified five curricular areas to improve leadership effectiveness for senior students affairs officers (SSAOs): executive effectiveness; educator effectiveness; personal effectiveness; understanding politicsPolitics
Politics is a process by which groups of people make collective decisions. The term is generally applied to the art or science of running governmental or state affairs, including behavior within civil governments, but also applies to institutions, fields, and special interest groups such as the...
and power; and understanding the power and implications of technology
Technology
Technology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures. The word technology comes ;...
.
Laurence Smith, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University is a comprehensive, co-educational public university located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Ypsilanti is west of Detroit and eight miles east of Ann Arbor. The university was founded in 1849 as Michigan State Normal School...
, initiated the concept of the Centers for Innovation in February 2000, proposing centers for leadership
Leadership
Leadership has been described as the “process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task". Other in-depth definitions of leadership have also emerged.-Theories:...
, public policy
Policy
A policy is typically described as a principle or rule to guide decisions and achieve rational outcome. The term is not normally used to denote what is actually done, this is normally referred to as either procedure or protocol...
, research
Research
Research can be defined as the scientific search for knowledge, or as any systematic investigation, to establish novel facts, solve new or existing problems, prove new ideas, or develop new theories, usually using a scientific method...
, and technology
Technology
Technology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures. The word technology comes ;...
to guide professional development for the association. By 2005, these centers had formally evolved to: The Center for Public Policy; The Center for Scholarship, Research, and Professional Development for Women; The Center for Student Life Studies and Demographics; The Center for Technology and E-Learning in Student Affairs; and the previously discussed Center for the James E. Scott National Academy for Leadership and Executive Effectiveness.
NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program
The NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP) has served as the foundation for NASPA's [diversity] efforts. By identifying and nurturing talented undergraduate students interested in student affairs, NASPA, through its participating institutions and the student affairs professionals committed to serving as mentors, built a base for the development of the profession. This selective undergraduate program's purpose is to increase ethnic minorities, GLBT students, and students with disabilities in student affairs and higher education.International Expansion
By 2005, 30 countries (with Canadian representation including nine provinces) had at least one institutional member. Efforts include the International Symposium, which celebrated its 10th anniversary at the 2005 annual conference, and a significant expansion in exchange programs. In 1998, NASPA groups visited FranceFrance
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, and the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
with reciprocal visits from France and Mexico. In 2000, NASPA signed new agreements with Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, France, Germany, Mexico, Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, and the United Kingdom and had the first exchange with Australia. Agreements with Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, Iceland
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
, and Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
were added in 2003. Over 100 NASPA members have participated in international exchanges since the inception of the program in 1995.
Assessment and Research
In the last decade, federal and state government officials, boards of trustees, parents, and the general public have demanded that higher education take [assessment] more seriously. The Student Affairs Benchmarking Project evolved from the Benchmarking Interest Group (BIG), which worked with the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) to revise original NACUBO benchmarks for student affairs.The 1997 publication of Principles of Good Practice in Student Affairs in cooperation with the American College Personnel Association
American College Personnel Association
American College Personnel Association - College Student Educators International is a major student affairs association headquartered in Washington, D.C. at the National Center for Higher Education....
(ACPA) provided another means for institutions and student affairs professionals to assess their programs and development. Building on the 1994 Student Learning Imperative that focused the student affairs profession on student learning and learning environments, good practice in student affairs:
- Engages students in active learning.
- Helps students develop coherent values and ethical standards.
- Sets and communicates high expectations for student learning.
- Uses systematic inquiry to improve student and institutional performance.
- Uses resources effectively to achieve institutional missions and goals.
- Forges educational partnerships that advance student learning.
- Builds supportive and inclusive communities.
NASPA's longest research project has been the Salary Survey, which is now done every two years. The survey was initiated in the early 1970s and was preceded by national surveys on the functions of student affairs administrators that NASPA started in 1932.
Regional and Knowledge Communities
Regional groups emerged in the early 1960s with the election of vice presidents of seven regions mirroring the six national accreditation regions, except that the large Region IV was divided into East and West divisions In addition, international institutional members are assigned to regions.At the 2000 NASPA Annual Conference, NASPA Networks, initiated in 1989, were transformed into Knowledge Communities. Knowledge Communities extend professional development by identifying emerging knowledge and critical professional practice issues, using technology to expand communication, and undertaking collaborative efforts. Consequently, the range and type of Knowledge Communities has grown in the past decade, as have the means to communicate. KCs are expected to expand knowledge available to NASPA members through online discussions, providing articles for NASPA publications, or providing professional development opportunities at national or regional conference events.
Publications
First published in 2003, Leadership Exchange is a quarterly magazine focusing on leadership and management for senior student affairs officers.NetResults is an online magazine dedicated to current issues in student affairs
The NASPA Forum, originally a quarterly print newsletter, expanded in 1997-98 to allow for more submissions. In 1999, significant changes resulted in the Forum featuring more in-depth articles, a continued focus on legal issues, and more information on technology issues. In March 2003, the Forum went online, and is sent to members monthly.
Published quarterly online, the NASPA Journal is the publication outlet for contemporary scholarship in student affairs administration, research, and practice.
The Journal of College and Character publishes scholarly articles and applied research on issues related to ethics, values, and character development in the higher education setting. The journal focuses specifically on how colleges and universities influence, both intentionally and unintentionally, the moral and civic learning and behaviors of college students.
Journal About Women in Higher Education is a scholarly journal published annually in March. The journal focuses on issues affecting all women in higher education: students; student affairs staff; faculty, and other administrative groups.
NASPA also publishes several new books each year, maintains a backlist of more than 40 titles, and has e-books available online.
NASPA Foundation
The NASPA Foundation was created in 1974-75 under the leadership of NASPA President John BlackburnJohn Blackburn (educator)
Dr. John L. Blackburn was a former administrator at the University of Alabama who is in many ways responsible for the peaceful racial integration of the school, despite efforts by then-governor George Wallace...
to provide funds for ongoing research and programs. One of the most significant Foundation programs is "Pillars of the Profession," which recognizes distinguished student affairs leaders of "professional distinction" who have served in NASPA leadership roles and are recognized for "extraordinary service."