ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a rationale for the holistic use of college student development theories. The purpose of Applying Student Development Theories Holistically is to provide examples of comprehensive applications of college student development theories, especially programs implemented and assessed by higher education professionals working in co-curricular capacities. Professional staff development initiatives designed to encourage the intentional, holistic use of theoretical knowledge can benefit from examining the work of others in the field. Like W. G. Perry, L. Kohlberg’s theory describes the process in which students move from non-negotiable socially proscribed expectations of behavior to a more complex system of morals that guide behavior. C. Gilligan critiqued Kohlberg’s theory as biased, positioning the moral values of White privileged males as the standard of morality. Life can sometimes throw curve balls that result in changed relationships, routines, and roles, and can be anticipated, unanticipated, or a nonevent. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
