College Student Development: New Insights & Practical Applications for Student Affairs

EDU H205 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

There is no one-size-fits-all college experience and the idea of the “traditional college” student is woefully out of date. In this course, we will unpack what it means to navigate the path to and through higher education today. We will also consider how individuals and institutions can foster student success and promote retention using theoretically-grounded practices.

During the semester, we will develop a robust toolkit of theories and frameworks from the fields of developmental psychology, sociology, and student affairs. This collection of ideas from across disciplines will allow us to center contemporary research on the student experience and to consider how to build policies and practices that genuinely meet their needs. To do this, we will test and apply our course ideas to a range of institutional contexts while we work to modernize and adapt them to fit the changing landscape of higher education. We will also hear directly from leading student affairs professionals who will share insights into their institutions and the students they serve along with current puzzles of practice for us to explore. 

Students will leave this class with a solid foundation of theory, a nuanced understanding of today's college students, and a toolkit of research-based approaches to offer developmentally-grounded supports that help students thrive. 

Enrollment Details: This course is open enrollment for all Ed.M. students. 
Employees of Harvard University/TAP students welcome. Reach out to the instructor for approval. 
Permission from the instructor is required for cross-enrollment (incl. Ph.D. students).