2025 ACPA/NASPA Professional Competencies Revision - We need your feedback!
May 29, 2025
The ACPA/NASPA Professional Competencies for Student Affairs Educators represent a foundational framework for our profession. These competencies are more than just guidelines; they are a vital resource for shaping the practice of student affairs. They help educators strengthen their skills, align their work with evidence-based practices, and respond to the dynamic challenges of higher education. By supporting professional development and fostering a shared understanding across institutions, the competencies ensure our community is equipped to meet the needs of students and institutions alike.
The leadership of both ACPA and NASPA appointed the ACPA/NASPA Professional Competencies for Student Affairs Educators Joint Task Force in May of 2023. The work focused first on gathering feedback from both memberships:
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Hosted virtual feedback sessions in the Fall of 2023 regarding individual competency areas
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Hosted virtual feedback sessions in Spring of 2024 with various professional levels and faculty
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Engaged both the ACPA and NASPA Leaderships in feedback regarding the competencies use and applicability.
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A survey was also distributed to all members.
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Individual, in-person sessions were held at both the 2025 NASPA Annual Conference and the 2025 ACPA Convention.
The culmination of these efforts was an assessment of the feedback from the Task Force lasting two and a half days, wherein the committee reviewed the feedback and began the thorough review of the competencies. Several key factors were considered during the review process of the competencies. The evolving nature of higher education, the impact of technology, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the practical applicability of the competencies.
The 2023-2025 ACPA/NASPA Professional Competencies for Student Affairs Educators Task Force has completed a thorough review and revision process. They have submitted a draft of recommended updates to the leadership of ACPA and NASPA, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication and hard work over these past two years.
The Task Force began their work in fall 2023 and worked diligently through fall 2024 to gather insights and refine their recommendations. We are at a pivotal moment to ensure these updates reflect today’s realities and prepare us for the future. Your review and input on this draft are crucial. Given the current landscape, we need your perspective to ensure these competencies remain practical, relevant, and adaptable to your local and institutional contexts.
Provide Your Feedback
We invite you to review the draft of the 2025 ACPA/NASPA Competencies for Student Affairs Educators document. The changes to each competency can be viewed in a table format under each item. Please share your honest and thoughtful feedback by Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Complete the survey to provide your input. If you have additional feedback, please email Tricia Fechter Gates, ACPA or Stephanie Gordon, NASPA.
Once the additional feedback is gathered the information will be reviewed and additional edits will be made, as necessary.