In Putting Students First, the authors argue that colleges can and should invest in holistic student development by recognizing and building on the students’ search for purpose in life, intellectually, spiritually, and morally. Based on a study conducted at ten religiously-affiliated schools, the book urges all colleges to rethink their approach to teaching and advising the increasingly diverse students of today; their critical mission should be to prepare students to become ethically responsible and active contributors to society, as well as critical thinkers and skilled professionals. Putting Students First offers perspectives and recommendations in areas of holistic student development such as Understanding millennial college students The role of faculty in defining culture The design and implementation of curriculum The impact of cocurricular involvement Fostering relationships with on-campus and off-campus communities By organizing the campus environment into “4Cs”—culture, curriculum, cocurriculum, and community—the authors create a conceptual framework for faculty, student affairs staff, and administrators to discuss, plan, and create college environments that effectively support the learning and development of students. Each chapter includes an introduction, evidence and analysis, a summary, and questions to help readers consider how to develop students holistically on their own campuses.

Brasksamp (emeritus, education, Loyola U., Chicago), along with colleagues at Northwestern and Washington State, discuss their study of how ten diverse church-related colleges and universities (of some 900) prepare their students for life beyond the campus. Through a "4C framework" based on personal investment theory--culture, curriculum, co-curriculum (connecting in-class and out-of-class experiences), and community, they examine the career training, intellectual, moral, and spiritual contexts in which this mission is pursued. Questions are posed about how campuses can support holistic student development.

environmental variables that can be used to explore gender differences in faculty productivity.

In Putting Students First, the authors argue that colleges can and should invest in holistic student development by recognizing and building on the students’ search for purpose in life, intellectually, spiritually, and morally. Based on a study conducted at ten religiously-affiliated schools, the book urges all colleges to rethink their approach to teaching and advising the increasingly diverse students of today; their critical mission should be to prepare students to become ethically responsible and active contributors to society, as well as critical thinkers and skilled professionals. Putting Students First offers perspectives and recommendations in areas of holistic student development such as Understanding millennial college students The role of faculty in defining culture The design and implementation of curriculum The impact of cocurricular involvement Fostering relationships with on-campus and off-campus communities By organizing the campus environment into “4Cs”—culture, curriculum, cocurriculum, and community—the authors create a conceptual framework for faculty, student affairs staff, and administrators to discuss, plan, and create college environments that effectively support the learning and development of students. Each chapter includes an introduction, evidence and analysis, a summary, and questions to help readers consider how to develop students holistically on their own campuses.