Addressing the changing needs of new college student clientele and meeting campus demands of the upcoming decades calls for an interactive teaching approach, one that meshes theory and research with practicality and relevance, and addresses environmental press, the student socialization process, and problem-solving through the diverse techniques of field-based exercises, speaker-practitioners, simulation, role play, case study, computer application, personal reflection, critique, and discussion. Therefore, student affairs professionals need a conceptual framework; a theoretical base; an historical perspective; a knowledge of the jargon; and skill in technology, needs assessment, group dynamics, and program evaluation. Students can interact with proper role models, observe undergraduate behavior in its natural setting, and hone skills needed to fulfill professional roles. This paper chronicles the events and exercises of an interactive masters and doctoral level student personnel administration course that attempts to mesh theory, research, and practicality. Various sections of the paper examine course goals, course objectives, the course content, and observations about the course. (33 references) (Author/NB)