The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore (a) how student affairs professionals define the concept of balance in the context of balancing their personal and professional lives and (b) how student affairs professionals identified as "balanced" describe their experience of achieving and maintaining balance in their lives.

This study investigated strategies used by college and university presidents in balancing their professional and personal lives. The conceptual framework for this study comes from the work of Schein (1985, 1992). Lessons learned and words of wisdom from these presidents can enhance leadership effectiveness at all levels in higher education.

This study examined the approaches and expectations about personal and professional balance among senior student affairs officers. Demographic variables were also examined to determine how they affected the relationships between the main variables. (Contains 1 figure.)

This manuscript explores the concept of balance for master's students enrolled in student affairs preparation programs in the Southeast and Midwest. It provides research on the ways balance is restricted for master's students who are employed in a student affairs setting while also enrolled in preparation programs, and it investigates themes which…

The concept of dual-career couples in student affairs and higher education, while not new, continues to be a growing phenomenon. These dual-career relationships present both professional and personal challenges and require regular adjustments. The authors discuss these challenges and adjustments from both a theoretical and an experiential…

This study examined the perception of skill level among new professionals, mid-managers and senior student affairs officers in NASPA Region III. The instrument contained 72 skill statements in 10 categories. Findings indicate there are differences between the groups for all categories except for technology. (Contains 1 table.)

This pilot study examined the approaches and expectations regarding personal and professional balance among nine student affairs officers. The focus of the exercise was to determine lessons about balance obtained from professionals who have been mentored or are mentoring younger staff. Demographic variables were also examined to determine how they…

In this article, the authors describe their personal experiences and offer student affairs professionals suggestions for balancing their personal and professional lives. They also share the lessons they have learned from their experiences.

The career arc for many in student affairs involves an uncertain journey. Finding balance between the professional and personal life can be challenging. For some, changing careers in mid-stream, an emerging trend in some facets of the American working landscape, offers possibilities. For others, retiring after a full career and working part-time…

Being from a typical African-American descent, the author's family struggled through a history tarnished by the legacy of slavery and racism in America. Many of these personal family stories of struggle she received through an oral tradition. She learned early in life the importance of discipline, hierarchy, and hard work. She was expected to…

The author's career path can best be described as "unconventional" or "non-traditional" for a senior student affairs administrator. Being a first-generation college graduate, the author's focus was on what he characterizes as a "clear cut career path" for a Myers Briggs Extraverted Sensing Thinking Judging (ESTJ): management and banking. In this…

After 18 years as a student affairs professional, the author is now headed in a different direction. The personal lessons that she has learned about work-life balance over the past two decades are very similar to others. Instead of focusing on personal lessons, the author offers some structural observations, and--with respect, as she leaves the…

This study examined the nature of relationships and rewards for student affairs administrators at liberal arts colleges (LACs). Forty-three student affairs administrators from LACs participated in five focus groups. Results indicate that administrators tend to spend most of their time with students, followed try other student affairs…

This qualitative study investigated contextual influences involved in college student identity development. It examined events, experiences, and relationships that alumni suggest either nourished or thwarted their perceptions of multiple dimensions of their identity during college. Findings suggest that self-perceptions of identity often change as…

The purpose of this national study was to profile mid-level student affairs managers and to determine the importance they placed on professional development skills. The need for further skill development was compared to perceived skill importance. Preferred methods of staff development were also ascertained. Most popular were conferences,…