Full Description
In Putting Students First, the authors argue that colleges can and should invest in holistic student development by recognizing and building on the students' search for purpose in life, intellectually, spiritually, and morally. Based on a study conducted at ten religiously-affiliated schools, the book urges all colleges to rethink their approach to teaching and advising the increasingly diverse students of today; their critical mission should be to prepare students to become ethically responsible and active contributors to society, as well as critical thinkers and skilled professionals. Putting Students First offers perspectives and recommendations in areas of holistic student development such as
Understanding millennial college students
The role of faculty in defining culture
The design and implementation of curriculum
The impact of cocurricular involvement
Fostering relationships with on-campus and off-campus communities
By organizing the campus environment into "4Cs"—culture, curriculum, cocurriculum, and community—the authors create a conceptual framework for faculty, student affairs staff, and administrators to discuss, plan, and create college environments that effectively support the learning and development of students. Each chapter includes an introduction, evidence and analysis, a summary, and questions to help readers consider how to develop students holistically on their own campuses.
Contents
About the Authors ix Foreword xi
Acknowledgements xiii
Introduction xvii
Putting Students First 1
Introduction
Why Is It Important to Put Students and Their Development First?
Who Are Today's College Students?
Who Develops These Students?
In What Context Is Holistic Development Occurring?
Why Study Church-Related Colleges and Universities?
Summary
Conceptual Framework and Design of the Project 19
Introduction
Theoretical Bases for Holistic Student Development
Faith, Spirituality, and Student Development
Student Development and the Church-Related Context
Conceptual Framework: Personal Investment Theory
Project Design
Summary
Culture 43
Introduction
Discerning and Acting on Institutional Mission
Building on a Legacy
Communicating Institutional Mission and Identity
Leadership
College Location
Campus Facilities
Expectations and Contributions of Faculty
Faculty as Role Models
Using a Career Perspective on Faculty Development
Faculty Evaluation as a Reflection of Culture
Support and Challenge
Summary
Questions for Campus Conversations
Curriculum 87
Introduction
Philosophical Foundations of the Curriculum
Centrality of a Liberal Arts Education
Integrating Faith and Learning
Worldviews
Pedagogy
Developmentally Tailored Experiences for Students
Pedagogy of Engagement: Field-Based and Community-Based Learning
Summary
Questions for CampusConversations
Cocurriculum 129
Introduction
Mutual Reinforcement of Learning
Campus Rituals
Residence Life
Student Leadership
Relationships With Coaches, Professional Staff, and Campus Ministry
Faculty Interactions
Immersion Experiences
Summary
Questions for Campus Conversations
Community 159
Introduction
Shared Governance
Defining Community
Maintaining Community Amidst Change
Diversity Within Community
Communities Beyond the Campus
Dealing With Difference and External Communities
Summary
Questions for Campus Conversations
Creating Communities That Put Students First 191
Introduction
Chapter Overview
Mission Is Reality, Not Rhetoric
Learning and Development Are Integrated
The Campus Community Fosters Support and Challenge
Summary
Bibliography 219
Index 241
