Middle states chief student affairs officer roles and succession planning considerations

This study examined chief student affairs officers (CSAOs) within the four-year colleges and universities accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The objectives were to: (a) determine the profile of the CSAO; (b) provide a better understanding as to the role of the CSAO; (c) identify the most common career paths taken to reach the CSAO position; (d) determine CSAO career aspirations beyond their current roles; and (e) ascertain what colleges and universities are doing to attract, develop and retain talented individuals to assume the CSAO role. The study confirms that CSAOs are seasoned professionals who have worked their way up the administrative ranks. Succession planning is essential both because of the critical nature of the position and because 62% plan to retire or leave their jobs within the next nine years. Although responsibilities have always been diverse and challenging, CSAOs are increasingly being asked to take on additional responsibilities, and they do not feel as though they are adequately prepared to handle some of them. Therefore, succession planning should include a selection of people who are capable of handling these broader responsibilities and extensive training.