Issue 26(2)
Rentz's
Student Affairs in Higher Education
(Third Edition). (2004). Fiona J.
D. MacKinnon & Associates (Eds.). Springfield:
Charles C. Thomas Publisher 444 pp., $95.95, ISBN # 0-398-07468-2.
Review
by: Brandi L. Ellis
Academic
Advisor, Structural Engineering
University of California,
San Diego
This
3rd edition of Rentz's Student Affairs Practice in Higher
Education presents an overview of student affairs development
and practices that will assist graduate students as well as new
and experienced professionals. The first two chapters present
philosophical and historical developments of student affairs which
give a framework to the functional areas covered throughout the
book. A sampling of topics addressed in the subsequent chapters
range from admissions and enrollment management, academic advising,
career services and counseling centers to multicultural affairs,
residence halls and student health. While it was somewhat disappointing
that most subtopics were given only a page of coverage, the chapters
are supplemented with references and/or technology resources.
The table of contents dissected each chapter thoroughly to provide
a quick reference.
While
academic advisors can use this book as a guide to institutional
areas that can help students, I would suggest that this text is
more suited to new graduate students or novice professionals looking
for a specialty area. The chapter on advising presents little
new information; instead it provides a history lesson on theory
and practices most applicable to those who know little about the
subject. NA CADA
and other professional organizations related to student life are
highlighted as well. There is a sizable reference list that can
guide readers interested in more specialized readings and the
editors have included a select listing of approaches to the use
of technology. While this book is not necessarily something an
advisor would choose to read page by page, it is an easy reference
guide to have on hand.
The closing
chapter lightly touches on social justice and the educator's role
in student affairs. The book ends with a couple of paragraphs
that read more like a mission statement than a conclusion. As
a reader, I would have preferred a more substantial conclusion;
however, the broad spectrum covered in the text cannot be easily
summarized. Still, this is an informative book that will provide
a foundation for those who desire to do further research in specific
student affairs areas.
