the role of student affairs and services in higher education

SECTION I – ASSUMPTIONS
In the context of unprecedented demand, increasing diversification, and the vital
role it plays in the economic and socio-cultural development of nations, higher
education needs to address a number of challenges. These challenges include
financing, equality of access, widening participation, the improvement of support
and developmental services, effective use of technology including distance
learning, use of new and more flexible learning formats, ensuring student
attainment of new skills and increased employability, as well as the need for
international cooperation.
For higher education to play its role in promoting ideals and values associated
with a world culture of peace, it needs to become an agent of change, to
respond to social needs and to promote the principles of solidarity and equity.
One of the important ways to meet the challenges is to become more studentcentered
in all aspects of its activities, to encourage the development of a
citizenry fully able to take its place on the community, national, regional, and
international stages.
The following assumptions, derived from the WDHE, begin to make a strong case
for the development and implementation of a highly effective student affairs and
services program in higher education around the world. Each country, as a
unique sector of society, will have to bring its own traditions, culture, social
infrastructure, and priorities into the development of this invaluable array of
services and programs.
Therefore, any statement on the development of higher education must
recognize the importance of making allowance for these national identities. At
the same time, there are universal values that transcend individual cultures and
their political and economic contexts. It is these values that comprise the
necessary underpinnings for a solid global education framework that advocates
for peace, justice, democratic practices, human rights, and sustainable economic
development for all.
Higher education student affairs and services, the subjects of the Manual, are
designed to provide access to higher education, enhance student retention and
graduation rates, develop global citizenship skills, and provide society with new
human capital and potential that can help everyone as we move forward toward
a true family of nations.
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