CAS’s Sapphire Anniversary: Raising Standards for 45 Years

For 45 years, the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) has been empowering higher education professionals to enhance student learning, development, and success.

Established in 1979 as the Council for the Advancement of Standards for Student Services/Development Programs, CAS began as a consortium of professional associations representing student affairs practitioners committed to assuring quality programs and services for students.

Members of more than 40 established professional associations have directed their interests, talents, and resources to develop and promulgate professional standards and guidelines based on state-of-the-art thinking about educational programs and services. From the beginning, CAS has employed an open process of consensus-building among the representatives of member associations as the primary tool for producing its standards and guidelines. CAS invites readers to learn more about the organization’s rich history by exploring the History page of the CAS website.

The Council currently consists of 42 higher education organizations, spanning a multitude of crucial topics in the education community. Representatives of CAS member organizations work together to advance CAS’s mission of promoting the use of professional standards for the development, assessment, and improvement of quality student learning, programs, and services. Together, the Council is “Raising Standards” in institutions across the country and beyond.

In addition to CAS’s dedicated Council membership, the organization has been extremely fortunate to benefit from the leadership of 11 effective, inspirational, and deeply-respected presidents, most of whom maintain active influence within the association today. In honor of their legacy within CAS, and in celebration of all that has been accomplished in the phenomenal 45 years, CAS invites readers to follow along throughout the year as we recount the legacy of each of CAS’s presidents. Additionally, throughout this year-long commemoration, CAS will host multiple celebratory giveaway events and discount sales. Readers are encouraged to join CAS’s newsletter list and follow along on social media to receive timely updates on such exciting events.

To those who have led and followed CAS, thank you for raising standards with us. We are honored to partner with you in the advancement of standards in higher education.