Student Affairs Program Mission and Objectives
Counselor Education Program Mission Statement
The mission of the Counselor Education Program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney is to graduate knowledgeable and clinically
skilled professional counselors who are competent to work with and advocate for diverse clients in a variety of settings, with special
emphasis in rural mental health. The program helps students develop a strong counselor professional identity through ethical and
competent practice as well as expanding self-awareness. Thus, graduate students are expected to demonstrate a commitment to professional
and personal development.
The general objective of the Master of Science in Education Degree in Student Affairs is to prepare professional
student affairs practitioners to deliver services in a wide variety of college and university settings. The Student Affairs major
will:
- Be aware of significant events and relationships in the development of higher education and student
affairs.
- Understand the role of student affairs in higher education and be aware of the Student Personnel Point of View.
- Develop a personal position and rationale for student affairs practice and be able to justify the student services field to
other university personnel and the public.
- Know the major professional associations in Student Affairs Counseling and their role in the development of the profession.
- Possess an understanding of the current issues and problems in higher education and student affairs.
- Be familiar with the major student affairs services and should develop a rationale for each of these services.
- Be familiar with the current literature and research in student affairs practice.
- Understand legal and ethical practice in higher education and student affairs.
- Be able to conceptualize, administer, and evaluate a student affairs program.
- Be familiar with several student development theories.
- Be familiar with the characteristics of college students and the diversity of the college population and higher education
environments.
- Be familiar with procedures for assessing the needs of college students and the atmosphere of the college environment.
- Develop skills in working with the special problems of specific college populations.
- Possess specialized knowledge of problems and issues impacting on college students.
