The Challenge for Student Life

Abstract

As metropolitan institutions move into the next decade we will face our greatest challenges, including the management of political and economic change and the integration of cultural diversity. In this article, the authors describe the metropolitan student populations of the nineties. They also provide a student affairs response to the change in gender and ethnic minorities which is addressed through programs and staffing alternatives. There is also a need for the integration of metropolitan institutions and their urban environment that is critical for the continued success of enriched opportunities for our students. To incorporate this integration, an outreach program model is presented that assists the student life professional. Both graduate preparation and staff development programs are outlined and suggestions are presented regarding the needs of the diverse student population on metropolitan campuses.