A Study On American University Student Affairs Managements:Student Development Theory

The management of student affairs as an important part of managerial routines in higher education plays an implacable role in all universities. Student affairs work as part of higher education in the creation of knowledge, personnel training, social services, has made an indelible contribution. The USA is one of the developed countries in the world on the level of higher education. Higher education has made remarkable achievement. Based on case method and comparison method, from the perspective of student development theory, the thesis takes American college student affairs management as its research object and studies the development of American higher education and its student affairs management philosophy over the past few hundred years. In view of pattern and content of student affairs management, the thesis shares the successful experience of American student affairs management by combing with the cases from well-known colleges and universities in the United States.Firstly, the thesis makes a brief introduction to the backgrounds, significances, research methods and ideas, research values and inadequate innovations. Then combed the development course of students’ affairs administration in the United States:"in loco parentis","student services"," student personnel work" and "student development". Summarize the modern American college student affairs management theory was student development theory. Analysis the connotation and types of student development theory, pointed out that the value of the theory and practice of student development theory.The thesis focuses on case study about college student affairs management in America with many well-known colleges and universities, which bases on its management philosophy, management system and management content. By the analysis of the University of Minnesota and the University Michigan, it shows American student affairs management focuses on students’ development. By the analysis of the University of California Berkeley and Biola University’s system and mode of student affairs administration, it shows the flat American student affairs management system and efficient and convenient management mode. By the analysis of accommodation life, career development, student organizations, student funding and student learning in Harvard, Yale, university of California, the university of California Berkeley, university of California San Diego, Biola University and others, it shows American student affairs management’s student-centered management aims. At last, the article summed up the experience and enlightenment of the American college student affairs management and put forward some suggestions on university student affairs management in China:The student work in colleges and universities should be established student-oriented service concept. Establish and improve the laws and regulations in colleges. Provide outstanding environment and cooperation platform for student affairs and academic affairs, stimulate college academic vitality. Constructing flattening management mechanism in colleges and universities, tries to build up the students management staff of professional team.