Linking Theory to Practice: Case Studies for Working with College Students

Summary (from the publisher): Framed by an overview of theories that guide student affairs practice, the cases in this book present a challenging array of problems that student affairs and higher education personnel face, such as racial diversity, alcohol abuse, and student activism. The revised edition has thirty new cases, with content on issues that reflect the complexity of today's environment at colleges and universities, including the expanded use of social networking, the rise in mental health issues, bullying, study abroad, and athletics. The fully updated edition includes new references, expanded theory with an increased emphasis on race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation, and three entirely new chapters on admissions, student identity, and campus life.

 

An excellent teaching tool, this book challenges students to consider multiple overlapping issues within a single case study. Features include: A two-part structure that sets the stage for case study methods and links student affairs theory with practical applications Cases written by well-known and respected contributors set in a wide variety of institution types and locations Over 35 complex case studies reflecting the multifaceted issues student affairs professionals face in today's college environment.

 

Review: I read this book for a class on special topics in higher education that dealt specifically with sexuality and gender for my master's degree program. This book begins with an introduction to various sociological theories that can assist student affairs professionals with dealing with issues that arise every day when working within higher education. The book then provides an overview for steps to take when analyzing cases and brainstorming possible solutions. The remainder of the book is composed of several dozen complex case studies of issues or crises that have arisen within higher education institutions.

 

My class used these case studies to launch class discussions and analyze the many complex issues that can arise on diverse college campuses with multiple competing interests. Just a disclaimer that we did not read or discuss every case study in this book, but enough for me to give a fair review. There is no discussion within the text of possible solutions or how the colleges actually handled the cases presented, which gives students an open-ended way to brainstorm the best approach to handling these scenarios. For example, case studies include a gay student who is facing public negativity from her roommate, a college that is facing a hazing incident within a fraternity, and a college facing harassment accusations against an otherwise beloved student tutor. All of the cases I read were relevant and have/could easily arise for anyone working within higher education.

 

Although at times I wished the case studies presented had included some indication of how the actual colleges had handled the issues, I did value the way the presentation allowed for open discussion with my classmates. I found this to be an excellent resource and certainly emphasized the complexity of working within American colleges and universities.

 

Stars: 4