History, Philosophy, and Values

My coursework in the CSP program has provided me with a depth of knowledge that allows me to rate my history, philosophy, and values competency at an acceptable level.  Particularly, my coursework in CSP 6010: Foundations and Functions of Student Affairs and CSP 6040: Educational Outcomes of American Colleges and Universities has enabled me to have a firm understanding of the historical precedent and philosophical values that underpin the student affairs profession.

In CSP 6010, I read many of the seminal documents that have defined and refined (ACE, 1949; ACPA, 1997; NASPA & ACPA, 2004) the student affairs profession since the original Student Personnel Point of View (ACE, 1937) was released in 1937.  These documents provided a firm understanding of how the profession developed over the 20th century as early professionals attempted to balance a delivery of student services with student learning and development.  This knowledge is invaluable to me as I seek to become a legal advocate for higher education as my knowledge of the development of student affairs will inform and aid my practice.

I further developed my understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of higher education during CSP 6040, a class focused on the outcomes of higher education.  Throughout the course I engaged in class discussions focusing on the debate regarding the intended educational outcomes of college attendance.  At their core, these conversations were rooted in our philosophical outlook on education as each student’s thoughts on the most appropriate outcomes were linked to their fundamental beliefs about higher education.  Throughout the course I was able to refine my own beliefs regarding the proper purpose of higher education and reaffirm my belief in the power of a liberal arts education as a positive developmental force.