Becoming Socialized in Student Affairs Administration

Reviews / Votes

"WIth the stated intent of improving practice, enhancing work life quality, and stemming the attrition of new professionals from student affairs, the authors of this edited text apply socialization theory as an overarching framework and articulate a multifaceted approach to the preparation and transition of new professionals across multiple venues... In Summary, Becoming Socialized in Student Affairs Administration, articulates a common framework that holds significant promise for both improving student affairs practice and enhancing the quality of new professionals work life. When taken as a whole the text achieves its stated goal of illuminating "student affairs administrators of all ranks on the importance of socialization and the role they can play in socializing their new employees."(p. x)"

Journal of College Student Development

"The focus on professional socialization and, in particular, its influence on the retention of new professionals, differentiates this book from the many texts targeted at new professionals in student affairs and their supervisors. This book has a strong empirical grounding, and chapter authors generally are the experts on the topics of their chapters, frequently having conducted research on the topic and drawing on their findings in framing their suggestions... this book offers insights useful to several audiences, and is likely to contribute to the successful integration and retention of new student affairs professionals."

The Review of Higher Education

"The authors use socialization theory as an overarching framework to examine the changing contexts of student affairs across institution types, the students we serve, and key transition issues facing new professionals in the field. The authors describe factors affecting many aspects of socialization including orientation, mentoring, staff-peer relationships, and professional associations. Individual and institutional strategies are provided to assist those entering student affairs, and for graduate preparation program faculty and student affairs practitioners invested in the success of new professionals. An important resource for new professionals."

Marilyn J. Amey, Professor and Chairperson, Department of Educational Administration, Michigan State University

"Becoming Socialized in Student Affairs Administration is a valuable addition to the profession. In this volume, Tull, Hirt, and Saunders have brought together experts on the socialization experiences of new professionals. Graduate students can anticipate their first years on the job, and new professionals will find accurate descriptions of their circumstances and useful insights for adjusting to full-time work. Supervisors and mentors can use Becoming Socialized to construct environments where individual responsibility for professional development can meet workplace expectations and commitments to high quality job performance in service of students."

Kristen A. Renn, Associate Professor of Higher, Adult, & Lifelong Education, Michigan State University