Sandeen (1991) has noted that the primary or key role responsibility confronting the Chief of Student Affairs Officer (CSAO)--sometimes called the vice president of dean of student affairs--is to provide both leadership and direction for a broad array of student services (e.g. health services, child care, personal counseling, athletics, recreation, housing, etc.). The overall objective of the role, according to Sandeen (1991) is to contribute to the quality of campus life in a substantially positive way.
In this chapter of the study, several aspects of the CSAO role are examined. These aspects can be classified into two broad categories: (1) factors that prepare a person for the role; and (2) factors that comprise the role.
Concerning factors that prepare one for the CSAO position, this chapter reviews literature relating to CSAO personality, educational background, and gender differences as well as social, experiential and mentoring variables. Concerning factors that comprise the role, the chapter presents a review of literature related to longevity expectations (how long the position is customarily held), goals and objectives associated with the position, how the CSAO enlists cooperation from support staff, cooperation from colleagues, and cooperation from the college or university president. Also examined is the general career path of the college/university CSAO in terms of subsequent career moves.
Factors That Prepare For The CSAO Position
Clement and Rickard (1992) have discussed a number of personality attributes and traits which they report to be associated with CSAO success--success in terms of both acquiring the CSAO position and performing well in it. Of these personality variables, Clement and Rickard state that having them does not guarantee success in the position; however, their absence is said to be a major deterrent to acquiring the position.
The three primary personality traits which the authors i...