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  • Making Change Happen in Student Affairs: Challenges and Strategies for Professionals by Margaret J. Barr, George S. McClellan, and Arthur Sandeen
  • Linda Clement
Making Change Happen in Student Affairs: Challenges and Strategies for Professionals Margaret J. Barr, George S. McClellan, and Arthur Sandeen San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2013, 240 pages, $37.97

One expects a book by Barr, McClellan, and Sandeen to be good. Making Change Happen in Student Affairs exceeds this expectation; and it is a great book. Their text addresses the salient issues for today’s professionals in the field of student affairs. The authors emphasize concrete strategies and employ case studies in very useful ways. The result is a book that is a valuable resource for practitioners of any age or stage.

Chapter 1, “Using Foundational Documents and Ethics in Our Work,” focuses on foundational documents of Student Affairs (e.g., The Student Personnel Point of View, published in 1937 and 1949) and is compelling. Employing case studies to illustrate how philosophical foundations and ethical standards apply to day to day challenges is illuminating. The case studies utilized in this chapter include those addressing inconsiderate students in a residence hall setting, acceptance of peers from organizations with whom you conduct business, and responses to emerging populations. They are solidly grounded in practice and the discussion section related to each case effectively ties practice to our guiding principles.

In chapter 2, “Applying Theory, Literature, and Data to Practice,” the authors make the case for using foundational documents, ethics and data for four purposes: understanding observed behaviors; informing our responses to opportunities and challenges; developing, implementing and assessing programs; and responding to the dominant culture. The authors advise that we both look internally at our student affairs literature, and also to draw upon other disciplines. They call upon us to read widely and contribute to the literature. They emphasize that a cornerstone of our work is understanding and using data effectively. Case studies in this chapter include: using theory and data to assess community; using theory to inform students about behavior; and the recognition that sometimes theory needs to be adjusted in light of underrepresented populations (e.g., Native American students).

Chapter 3, “Using Resources to Effect Change,” addresses the importance of moving beyond managing services, to using resources to improve programs and services. Although the authors acknowledge the challenges of maintaining resources and securing new ones, they believe we can draw upon organizational change literature for strategies. Case studies include: creation of a new bus system; overhaul of our academic advising system; meeting demands for mental health service; changing the social culture through a recreation/union facility; and, the creation of a student affairs development function.

In chapter 4, “Utilizing Technology in Search of Success,” a case is clearly made for employing technology to shape evolutionary and revolutionary changes in our programs and services. The authors emphasize that today’s college students have been born into a generation that has incorporated technology into their lives at very early stages. This presents a challenge for student affairs leaders who are often not as technologically savvy. The [End Page 413] authors admonish those of us who fit into this latter category to “catch up,” but also to be careful that we continue building community in other ways with our students. Case studies include: the use of videos, Facebook, travel blogs, and other social media, and culture change related to technology.

Chapter 5, “Advocating for Some While Serving All Students,” is provocative, and addresses an important role for student affairs leaders in representing students well. The authors acknowledge the heightened complexity of this role given the diversity of our student bodies. This chapter traces the societal imperatives, movements, laws, and court decisions that have impacted the composition of students on our campus, and then identifies strategies to build community among our diverse constituents. Case studies include: fairness in student fees, class disruptions from students with disabilities, and racial insensitivity.

Chapter 6, “Fulfilling Our Responsibilities as Educators,” focuses attention on the nature of teaching, learning, and human development. This chapter draws from the literature, provides a definition of teaching and learning within the context of our professional practices, and...

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