HESAA Learning and Professional Outcomes
The HEA Learning and Professional Outcomes serve as a framework for what a HESAA student should know and be able to do upon completion of the graduate program. They are prepared in alignment with the Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Educators (ACPA & NASPA, 2015) and the Buffalo State Institutional Learning Outcomes.
"As a non-traditional graduate student who worked full-time while pregnant with my first child, the HESAA program (formally SPA) accommodated my life in ways that I didn't think were possible. The evening classes, flexible instruction, and supportive community allowed me to not only take care of my family but gave me the ability to grow into the professional I am today. Because of this program, my work aligns with my values and I am able to shape the lives of young people by putting theory to practice every day."
- Tiffany Hamilton
Social Justice and Inclusion (SJI)
The graduate will develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to create inclusive learning environments, while seeking to address and acknowledge issues of oppression, privilege and power. The graduate will work towards understanding self and navigating systems of power, critically assess and direct self-learning, engage in socially just practice and understand systems of oppression.
[Alignment with Buffalo State Institutional Learning Outcome #4, Cultural Fluency]
Assessment, Evaluation and Research (AER)
The graduate will be able to design, conduct, critique and use various AER methodologies. Graduate will be able to describe terms and concepts, explain the values, ethics and politics associated with AER, interpret, report and utilize results to shape campus practice.
[Alignment with Buffalo State Institutional Learning Outcome #2, Scholarship]
Organization and Human Resources (OHR)
The graduate will have fundamental knowledge of theories and principles of fiscal management, strategic planning, supervision, organizational administration, and an understanding of the cultural and political landscape of higher education. Graduate will be able to achieve organizational goals through collaborative efforts.
Leadership (LEAD)
The graduate will develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions required of leaders with, or without, positional authority. Graduates will understand foundational and theoretical principles of leadership, continually self-reflect on their leadership capacity, cultivate teamwork and interpersonal skills, and understand campus culture and aspects of change management.
Personal and Ethical Foundations (PEF)
The graduate will develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions to demonstrate and maintain integrity in their personal and professional lives. The graduate will reflect upon, critique and develop holistic and comprehensive standard of ethics and commitment to one's own personal and professional growth.
[Alignment with Buffalo State Institutional Learning Outcome #3, Ethical Reasoning]
Values, Philosophy & History (VPH)
The graduate will be able to connect the values, philosophy and history of the student affairs profession to one's current professional practice. The graduate will understand the historical and theoretical foundations of the profession and the cultural context of higher education. The graduate will understand the importance of professional service and campus and civic engagement.
Student Development and Learning (SDL)
The graduate will understand the major theories of student development and learning and be able to apply the theories and frameworks inside and outside the classroom, construct learning outcomes, and design of programs to enhance student affairs and teaching practice. The graduate will be able to assess learning and utilize results to inform future practice.
Advising and Supporting (AS)
The graduate will develop the requisite knowledge, skills and dispositions for advising and supporting groups and individuals through direction, feedback, critique, referral and guidance. Graduates will be able to apply appropriate strategies in response to the developmental needs of students.
Technology (TECH)
The graduate will develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions that support digital literacy and the use of digital tools, resources and technologies for the advancement of student learning and success. Graduates will know one's digital identity and appropriately utilize and integrate technologies for the enhancement and improved performance of programs and services.
Law, Policy and Governance (LPG)
The graduate will develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions relating to policy development, application of legal constructs, compliance, and governance structures within various contexts. Graduates will understand how laws, legal systems, and governance shape and influence professional practice in student affairs.