My Personal Philosophy Of The Student Affairs Field

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Personal Philosophy of the Student Affairs Field Reflecting on my personal college experience and those of my peers, I believe that the field of Student Affairs provides a unique and even essential opportunity to help shape the experience that student’s receive within the university setting. I strongly believe that students gain more from their college experience learning and growing outside of the classroom rather than inside. Self-discovery and personal exploration through extra-curricular activities and interpersonal interactions guide students through their academic careers and develop who they wish to become as an adult facing the “real world.” Student Affairs professionals help to ensure that each student begins their track to self-discovery …show more content…
In Student Affairs we can challenge students to think creatively, speak boldly, and lead fiercely in their college careers. Students attend college to gain knowledge and learn at a higher level of thinking, to me that means we must challenge them to adapt and learn more about themselves, the world they live in, and how they would like to fit into the world around them. This concept is greatly encouraged by the Social Change Model of Leadership Development, a framework that encourages students to learn about integrity, authenticity, inclusion, meaning making and collaboration (Komives, 2011). As Student Affairs professionals, we can provide students with leadership experience and challenge their developmental growth through leadership, teaching students that leadership is not only about holding a position but rather the behaviors of working towards shared goals and ideals (Komives, …show more content…
My approach for students to gain these opportunities is reflected in the model I have established following support tools for student services by challenging students growth and development by challenging their educational and leadership opportunities. Also by guiding students to commit to their own educational experience, develop their own set of morals and beliefs and establish goals for their future career. Lastly, it is important provide students with community to establish their identity as emerging adults, provide a safe living and learning environment, and a supportive community for growth, development, and self-exploration. I believe that my personal philosophy will continue to adjust and develop as I continuously work with students but it is important to be willing to adjust my approach to Student Affairs as both the field and the students are continuously changing and evolving. So long as the approach practitioners take within Student Affairs provides opportunities for students to be challenges, commit to their future and build strong community while rooted in success strategies and theory our approach will be

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