Theoretical Grounding

Each student has unique needs, challenges, and expectations. Student service ambassadors provide support to help each of these students not only succeed, but thrive on their campus and beyond.

If you need some inspiration review the theories below.

Why Use Theory?

Theoreticians of student development study student behavior patterns and social attitudes to determine how they change over time, and how they change in the context of the college environment.

The theories they create help us to explain when, why, who, what and how students develop. They aid student service practitioners in delivering programs that offer better, more inclusive support for holistic student development.

Do you need more information?

These are some of our favorite student development theories. Click the text to visit a page with detailed information and resources for each theory.

Challenge & Support Theory

Cyclical balance of challenge and support.

Reconceptualized Model of Multiple Dimensions of Identity
(Abes, Jones, McEwen, 2007)

Personal identity is portrayed at the center of this fluid, non-linear model of identity development which incorporates the interpersonal, intrapersonal, and cognitive elements of self-authorship theory, in addition to intersectional identities, and theories of feminist identity development.

The Transition Theory

The student services practitioner has the responsibility to increase support which could include fostering, or providing places to foster the intimate relationships, family units, networks of friends, institutions and communities.