Moral Development and Education in College Students

Abstract

The intent of this project is to examine the increasingly vital role that college student personnel plays in the moral development of college students. A general discussion of the terminology used both in the profession and in this thesis is the focus of the remainder of chapter one. Chapter two traces the history of student affairs from its inception to its current position of high responsibility. Chapter three explicates in brief some of the most influential student development theories, for an understanding of how they relate to the profession. Because of the unique ability of small colleges have to better promote moral development and education, chapter four focuses on both the advantages and challenges that these particular institutions are realizing. Although student personnel has previously carried the sole responsibility for the moral education of college students, chapter five discusses the need, as well as their efforts, to involve other faculty members. In conclusion, chapter six considers changing trends that significantly affect higher education, moral development, and the role of college student personnel within those.