Basic Principles, Values, and Beliefs that Support an Effective Student Affairs and Services Programme in Higher Education

Higher learning is enhanced by diversity and creative conflict; in particular, as people of varying backgrounds encounter different histories, experiences and points of view in one another. It is necessary to first identify and understand the needs and concerns of the students. Student services and support must be available to all students to enhance their integration into HE and to support their academic success. Higher education must address the personal and developmental needs of students as whole human beings, and prioritize academic and career counselling programmes to assist students in preparing for their life work, employment, and subsequent careers beyond tertiary education. Worthy citizenship and service to the community and global responsibility are important values to promote during the postsecondary experience. SAS practitioners, professionals, and scholars, along with the teaching faculty, bring to the academy a particular expertise on students, their development and the impact of the teaching and learning environments.