Contribution of SEAM to the alignment of student affairs mission with the university social mission

Abstract

Higher education institutions are more than ever bound to engage with their community and wider society. The challenge faced by higher education institutions is to engage millennials students in active learning. Students have to implement the theory they learn in classrooms through their interaction and work with the community. This challenge requires changes in universities structure, governance and stakeholders relations. Particularly, it is the time to foster the creativity and innovation of student affairs. This study is an intervention research that focuses on developing the human potential and building the capacity of the student affairs staff in order to better serve the students and the whole community. The Socio-economic approach to management focuses on a holistic view and improves the performance of student affairs in order to intensify the office contribution to the fulfillment of the university social mission. The prominent findings of this project are interrelated starting with leadership as a major factor contributing to the achievement of the project goals, and the participatory managerial approach resulting in strong personal staff engagement and commitment. The application of the SEAM managerial tools assured the implementation of change and improved performance. This intervention research provides a clear understanding for the implications of a management consultancy project and accentuates the significance of a holistic view of student affairs.