Guided Response: Select two of your classmates’ discussions and offer your agreement or counter perspectives on these recommendations. Do you agree with their perspectives on a direct service, or

 Guided Response: Select two of your classmates’ discussions and offer your agreement or counter perspectives on these recommendations. Do you agree with their perspectives on a direct service, or do you feel the service should be indirect and led by students or other groups outside of the university administration? Share your thoughts and reactions in your response posts. 

Anika Guidry

As Evans et al. (2010) described, in the real-world application of several of the identity development theories, great care is needed by higher education leadership in the development of programs or services that support a college student’s evolving individual identity. Choose one common, emergent identity that surfaces for traditional, undergraduate college students that need such support, and offer at least two recommendations for direct or indirect services that student affairs departments should be responsible for in upholding within both an online and traditional university setting.

One common, emergent identity issue that needs support are students with different sexual preferences. These students are usually being treated different by society and are sometimes disowned by their family so they need the support of student advisors. For example, a male student that identifies as a female may be look at differently by his peers on a traditional campus will need the student advisor to give him much need support. The student will need to feel a sense of comfort and belonging. The student affairs department should be responsible for assuring that students’ safety and assuring him that he if he has any problems to go to them and they actually address the issue.

Camille Nunez

One feeling that arouses from freshman students entering college is the feeling of not belonging or of feeling alone.  Many have left their known world and although they may be like Erickson suggested developing a sense of value and feel independent, they still seek to belong to something more.  It’s important for Student Affairs should continue to have microsystems where students can find groups they can become a part of.  This can help them develop a sense of self and identity.  Roommates, athletic teams, religious clubs and political groups can all help students transition into adulthood and become more independent while part of a bigger community.

Evans, N. J., Forney, D. S., Guido, F. M., Patton, L. D., & Renn, K. A. (2010). Student development in college: Theory, research, and practice  (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.(2nd ed.).