How Staff Matter to Students: Examining the Nature of Students' Experiences Within Student Affairs Contexts

• In Event: Highlighting the Value of Faculty and Staff Interactions for College Students

Abstract

Extensive literature exists on students’ experiences within student affairs offices, programs, functional areas, while less attention has been given to students’ interactions with student affairs staff members. In this qualitative study, we include staff interactions in an exploration of students’ experiences within student affairs contexts. Findings reveal two sets of themes, one that was derived from students’ direct interactions with staff members and one from students’ use of the services offered through their offices or programs. Each theme shows how students experienced interpersonal validation (Rendón, 1994) from their experiences in student affairs contexts.

Authors

• Jarett D. Haley, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

• Patricia M. King, University of Michigan