Statement of Philosophy
Western Illinois University, College Student Personnel

The College Student Personnel program at Western Illinois University is based on the premise that competent practitioners must be committed to the growth and development of all students and must possess the skills to create environments in which such growth and development can occur.  As such, the program has established a number of cognitive, affective, and behavioral goals which are addressed through classes, practical experience and individual and group interactions between faculty and students.

Cognitive Goals
1.  Students will understand existing models and philosophies of student affairs practice.
2.  Students will have an understanding of the historical and philosophical roots of the student affairs profession.
3.  Students will undersand the goals and activities involved in the various student affairs functional areas.
4.  Students will become familiar with the characteristics, needs, and values of college students from diverse backgrounds.
5.  Students will understand the outcomes of college for students.
6.  Students will understand factors involved in the growth and development of students.
7.  Students will become familiar with principles of organizational development and administrative practice as they apply to higher education and student affairs.
8.  Students will understand basic counseling theories and techniques as they apply in student affairs settings.
9.  Students will understand principles of group dynamics as they apply to student affairs.
10. Students will understand the historical development of higher education as well as the current role, functions, and structure, and issues facing higher education.
11. Students will be familiar with aspects of the college environment and their impact on students.
12. Students will understand legal and ethical issues facing the student affairs profession.
13. Students will understand basic research principles.
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Affective Goals
1.  Students will respect the worth and dignity of all people and value difference.
2.  Students will be sensitive to their impact on others.
3.  Students will be sensitive to their professional and ethical responsibilities as student affairs practicitioners.
4.  Students will see learning as a continual process throughout their careers.
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Behavioral Goals
1.  Students will be able to apply principles of organizational development and administrative practice in their work settings.
2.  Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with students in one-on-one situations and in groups.
3.  Students will demonstrate the ability to use and integrate various theoretical approaches in analyzing current problems and issues in student affairs.
4.  Students will be able to design effective programs and interventions which draw upon and integrate various student affairs theory bases.
5.  Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze, synthesize and integrate student affairs literature.
6.  Students will demonstrate effective writing skills.
7.  Students will demonstrate effective skills in oral presentation.
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