Student Affairs in Urban-Serving Institutions; Voices from Senior Leaders; First Edition

__Student A____ff____airs in Urban-Serving Institutions: Voices from Senior Leaders__ addresses a critical gap in literature concerning the unique structure, students, and missions of urban-serving institutions (USIs). Examining the challenges and contributions of student affairs professionals in serving and meeting the needs of urban students, this volume discusses how services and interventions must reflect the reality of students, understand the sociopolitical forces that affect students’ lives, and bring together a network that includes family and community. Each chapter in this volume captures the voices of student affairs leaders who not only share a range of important professional experiences, insights, and lessons learned but also unpack research and literature on competencies, knowledge bases, and experiences needed to work in urban universities and community colleges. This important book will help graduate students as well as new and continuing professionals, faculty, and scholars impact practice and policy and become agents of change in their communities. Cover 1 Half Title 2 Title Page 4 Copyright Page 5 Table of Contents 6 Preface 8 1. Introduction 12 Overview 12 Conceptual Foundation 13 The Case for Reconsidering the Urban-Serving Institution 16 Mind the Gap: A Review of Existing Literature about USIs 18 Description of the Project 21 Conclusion 25 References 26 2. Understanding the Urban-Serving Institution 30 What Is the Urban-Serving Institution? 31 The Influence of the Urban Context 34 A Resource for the City 36 Institutional Leadership and Governance 39 Institutional Sustainability and Health 42 Networking Between Urban-Serving Institutions 44 Words of Advice 45 Discussion Questions 47 References 47 3. The Urban College Student 49 The Diversity of Our Students 50 Complexity of the Urban Commuter Student 58 Serving Urban College Students 60 Words of Advice for The Urban Student Affairs Professionals 61 Discussion Questions 65 References 66 4. Promoting Student Success 69 Structural Challenges in Promoting Student Success 70 Financial Aid Programs, Policies, and Initiatives 73 Wrap-Around Support and Advising 76 Wellness and Mental Health Programs and Initiatives 78 Career Development and Life Skills 81 Culturally Relevant/Responsive Student Services 84 Advice for University Leaders 90 Discussion Questions 91 Note 92 References 92 5. Promoting Engagement and Belonging 95 Engagement and Belonging Must Have Intentionality 98 Transforming the Concept of Engagement 100 Engagement Through Academic Affairs 102 Community Involvement Programs 104 Family Engagement 106 Campus Climate and Its Relationship to Belonging 109 Strategies to Develop a Sense of Belonging 112 Discussion Questions 114 References 114 6. Leading in an Urban Institution 116 Establishing and Maintaining a Dynamic Team 118 Staff Orientation, Training, and Professional Development 121 Staff Morale 123 Executive Leadership 127 The SSAO as Change Agent 128 Using Data Driven Decision-Making 130 Crisis Management 131 Working Across the Institution—Developing Partnerships 134 Discussion Questions 137 References 138 7. Preparing Student Affairs Professionals to Serve in Urban Institutions 139 The Usefulness of Student Development Theory Applied to the Urban Context 140 Needs and Gaps in Preparation Programs 148 Concluding Considerations 159 Discussion Questions 160 References 160 8. The Vice President Experience 162 The Effect of Personal Heritage on Passion for Student Success 163 A Rich Professional Journey 168 The Experience of Leading 172 Critical Skills for the Senior Student Affairs Officer 174 Sharpening the Saw . . . and Other Tools 179 Reading 181 Turning to Peers 182 Advice for Current and Future VPs 184 Discussion Questions 185 References 186 9. Student Affairs in Urban-Serving Institutions: Reflections and Looking Forward 187 Embracing Multidisciplinary Approaches to Student Services 188 Changing the Way We Think and the Way We Do: Culturally Responsive Student Services 190 Partnering With Academic Affairs 192 Leadership Beyond the Institution 193 Involvement in Promise and Career Pathway Initiatives 194 Preserving the Urban-Serving Institution 195 Choosing to Lead a USI 197 References 199 Contributor Bios 200 Index 205 Student A ff airs in Urban-Serving Institutions: Voices from Senior Leaders addresses a critical gap in literature concerning the unique structure, students, and missions of urban-serving institutions (USIs). Examining the challenges and contributions of student affairs professionals in serving and meeting the needs of urban students, this volume discusses how services and interventions must reflect the reality of students, understand the sociopolitical forces that affect students’ lives, and bring together a network that includes family and community. Each chapter in this volume captures the voices of student affairs leaders who not only share a range of important professional experiences, insights, and lessons learned but also unpack research and literature on competencies, knowledge bases, and experiences needed to work in urban universities and community colleges. This important book will help graduate students as well as new and continuing professionals, faculty, and scholars impact practice and policy and become agents of change in their communities. "Student Affairs in Urban-Serving Institutions addresses a critical gap in literature concerning the unique structure, students, and missions of Urban-Serving Institutions (USIs). Examining the challenges and contributions of student affairs professionals in serving and meeting the needs of urban students, this volume discusses how services and interventions must reflect the reality of students, understand the sociopolitical forces that affect students' lives, and bring together a network that includes family and community. Each chapter in this volume captures the voices of student affairs leaders who not only share a range of important professional experiences, insights, and lessons learned but also unpack research and literature on competencies, knowledge bases, and experiences needed to work in urban universities and community colleges. This important book will help graduate students as well as new and continuing professionals, faculty, and scholars impact practice and policy and become agents of change in their communities" -- Provided by publisher