Academic Advising

HESA program faculty are available and eager to aid students in reaching their career goals. The four core HESA faculty members represent a diverse array of professional practice experience and scholarly interests.

At the beginning of the fall semester, during the HESA academic program orientation, each student is assigned a HESA faculty member who will serve as the student’s academic advisor. HESA faculty are committed to enhancing the quality of each student’s experience and to aiding the student’s development of a sense of professional identity that incorporates competence, valuing of persons, and ethical and cultural sensitivity. During their first semester, students are required to schedule a 1-on-1-on-1 meeting with their faculty advisor and work supervisor, if applicable. In addition, faculty advisors will schedule a group meeting once in the fall semester.

Each subsequent semester, students should take responsibility to meet with their advisors to check on progress toward completion of graduation requirements.

Professional Education and Preparation

In keeping with UVM Alumnus John Dewey’s philosophy of theory to practice, UVM HESA students work as graduate assistants and full- and part-time professionals. These positions, combined with prior full-time experience and student leadership, enable HESA students to link theory to their practice and vice versa both in and out of the classroom. As professionals who apply theory to their work, graduate assistantships and employment are living laboratories for HESA students to learn about and understand the field of higher education and student affairs. These experiences create vibrant classroom discussion as HESA students problem solve, work through ethical dilemmas, and share ways to create optimal educational environments for students.

HESA Curriculum

The HESA curriculum is 40 credits, including 10 core courses, 2 elective courses, and practicum. Typically completed in 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time, it is designed to promote self-directed field-based experiences to complement academic learning through 300 hours of practicum experience and summer internship opportunities. With the assistance of a faculty advisor, each student builds an experience to meet their interests and professional aspirations.

EDHI 6330 (300) – PROGRAM EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT (3 CREDITS)

Introduction to evaluation models, basic research methodological approaches, application of professional competency standards and use of skills and techniques to evaluate post-secondary educational programs. Emphasis on theoretical and practical applications.

EDHI 6210 (362) – COLLEGE STUDENT AND CONTEXTS (3 CREDITS)

An overview of college and university contexts, including the impact of various environments on student success. 

EDHI 6130 (364) – HELPING SKILLS IN STUDENT AFFAIRS (3 CREDITS)

Designed to cover selected educational problems in depth. The major emphasis will be on intensive and critical analysis of the literature and practice in a given area.

EDHI 6120 (375) – SOCIAL JUSTICE AND INCLUSION HIGHER EDUCATION (3 CREDITS)

This course explores cultural pluralism philosophies, racial identity development, racial incidences, and educational practices related to racism and diversity for implementation in higher education. 

EDHI 6310 (376) – STUDENT DEVELOPMENT THEORY (3 CREDITS)

Examination of the diversity of college students today, and the developmental issues arising during the college experience. Emphasis on social identity and critical theories. 

EDHI 6320 (377) - HIGHER EDUCATION LAW (3 CREDITS)

This course examines the relationship between higher education and the law, including how various substantive areas of the law affect colleges/universities and their stakeholders.

EDHI 6410 (383) – HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION AND ORGANIZATION (3 CREDITS)

Introduction to concepts of administration and organization as applied to contemporary higher education setting. Characteristics of organizations, dynamic elements of administration, and theories and processes of change.

EDHI 6110 (385) – FOUNDATIONS AND FUNCTIONS OF COLLEGE STUDENT PERSONNEL (3 CREDITS)

Overview of the work of the student affairs profession, including philosophical base, historical development, current practices, and future trends. 

EDHI 6890 (395) – PRACTICUM INTERNSHIP (6 CREDITS TOTAL/2 CREDITS PER SEMESTER)

Practica internships, offered in various University departments and offices, enable students to integrate conceptual knowledge with professional practices. (Open only to HESA students)

EDHI 6420 (396) – CAPSTONE: THEORY AND PRACTICE (3 CREDITS)

An applied student affairs seminar featuring case studies, self assessment of ACPA/NASPA Professional Competency Areas for student affair educators and the HESA Comprehensive Exam. (Open only to HESA students in their final semester of HESA coursework)

EDHI 6220 (397) – PROFESSIONAL PROBLEMS IN EDUCATION (1 CREDIT)

Topical seminar designed to cover selected educational challenges in depth.