College Student Affairs
Professional Associations
Why join a professional association?
Membership in professional associations develops and enhances the administrative and professional skills necessary for effective student affairs practice. They provide opportunities to:
- Build networks with colleagues
- Gain new perspectives and insights on student affairs work and college students
- Engage in professional development activities
- Stay current with research and knowledge in the field
- Contribute to the health and growth of student affairs as a profession
- Identify and respond to emerging issues in postsecondary education.
Similar, but with some distinct difference, scholarly associations in postsecondary education focus specifically on the publication and dissemination of research and scholarship to inform and improve educational theory, models, policies, and practices. The link between effective student affairs work and research is an important focus of graduate preparation programs and we encourage students to join and contribute to both kinds of associations.
Most professional and scholarly associations offer journals, newsletters, regional or state-level workshops, webinars, and annual conferences to members. We encourage students to present papers and program sessions — alone, with student affairs colleagues, and/or with faculty as part of the scholarly practitioner journey.
Below is a list of Student Affairs related professional and scholarly organizations.
| Acronym | Full Name |
|---|---|
| ACPA | |
| ACUHO-I | |
| ACUI | |
| AERA | |
| AFA | |
| ASCA | |
| ASHE | |
| FLACE | |
| NACADA | |
| NACA | |
| NACE | |
| NASPA | |
| NIRSA | |
| NODA | |
| SACSA | |
| SoACE |