Jason Vlastaras Elected CAS President-Elect; Will Continue as Member at Large for Standards8/8/2025  The Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) is pleased to announce that Jason Vlastaras, Director of Campus Recreation at Texas State University, has been elected to serve as President-Elect of the CAS Governing Board, effective September 1, 2025. He will also continue in his current role as Member at Large for Standards for the next year, ensuring continuity in CAS’s standards development efforts during the leadership transition.
0 Comments
 The Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Nelson to serve as Member at Large for Finance & Administration, beginning September 1, 2025.
As part of our CAS Member Organization Spotlight Series, we are pleased to highlight the National Clearinghouse for Leadership Programs (NCLP). For decades, NCLP has played a critical role in advancing leadership education in higher education through scholarship, community-building, resource sharing, and professional development.
In a 2016 CAS market research study, 36 percent of respondents indicated that their first exposure to CAS occurred during graduate school. That statistic speaks volumes about the critical role faculty play in shaping how new professionals understand and engage with professional standards.
To support faculty in Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) programs, CAS offers a collection of resources designed to make teaching with standards approachable, relevant, and impactful. Are you just learning about CAS? You’re in good company.
Most graduate students in higher education and student affairs programs are first introduced to CAS through coursework, readings, presentations, or class projects. Whether you’re exploring the field or preparing for your next step, CAS offers free and accessible resources to help you understand and apply professional standards from the very beginning. Have you ever wondered what it means to be a CAS member?
The Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) is powered by a consortium of professional associations, each of which appoints representatives to the CAS Council. These representatives collaborate to create, review, and update the CAS Standards that guide higher education professionals across the field. If you haven’t explored the CAS website lately, now is a great time to take a look at the new features that empower efficient and effective assessment work across the higher education community.
 The Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Watermark, a leader in educational assessment and planning solutions. This collaboration enables institutions to seamlessly apply CAS standards and Self-Assessment Guides (SAGs) within Watermark’s Planning & Self-Study platform, enhancing non-academic assessment practices and driving continuous improvement across campus.
 In celebration of Pride Month, CAS is proud to spotlight the Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals, a national community of higher education practitioners working to create more just and equitable campuses for LGBTQIA2S+ people. The Consortium supports professionals in gender and sexuality centers, faculty, staff, graduate students, and all individuals dedicated to building inclusive environments for queer and trans communities.
CAS Past President Dan Bureau presents a webinar session exploring how the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) can support day-to-day decision-making in student affairs. While CAS is widely known for its use in program review and self-assessment, this session focuses on how the standards can also serve as a practical framework for setting departmental priorities, managing resources, and aligning efforts with student learning and development goals.
 This month in our CAS Member Organization Spotlight Series, we are proud to feature the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA). Since its founding, AFA has been a hub for professionals and volunteers dedicated to advancing the field of fraternity and sorority advising in higher education. Originally established to foster collaboration among those working with fraternal organizations, AFA has grown into the leading association for professionals committed to “elevating the standard” of practice in this unique and evolving area.
Summer is more than just a break between semesters — it’s a valuable window for student affairs professionals to reflect, plan, and prepare. If you want to start the academic year strong, a CAS annual subscription can be one of the most powerful tools in your summer planning toolkit.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to recognize the growing mental health needs of students and reaffirm our commitment to fostering campus environments where well-being is a shared priority.
 As we approach Mental Health Awareness Month in May, CAS is proud to highlight the American College Health Association (ACHA) and its critical role in advancing the health and well-being of college students nationwide.
Summer is a crucial time for higher education professionals to reflect, reset, and plan for the upcoming academic year. With fewer day-to-day demands, summer offers a unique opportunity to engage in thoughtful program development, strategic planning, and staff training. To make the most of this time, the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) provides proven tools that can help you elevate your work and prepare for long-term success.
As higher education professionals, we know that budgeting season is more than just crunching numbers — it’s a critical time to align our resources with institutional priorities, student needs, and program effectiveness. It’s also a time when decisions about staffing, services, and future planning come under close scrutiny. That’s where the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) can be an invaluable resource.
In higher education, staying aligned with best practices is essential for delivering high-quality programs and services that support student success. That’s why hundreds of institutions and professionals trust the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) to guide their work. With a CAS annual subscription, you can access the full suite of CAS Standards and Self-Assessment Guides (SAGs) anytime you need them — making it easier than ever to integrate excellence into your daily operations.
 As part of the CAS Member Organization Spotlight Series, we are thrilled to feature the National Association of College Stores (NACS), a leading organization dedicated to advancing campus retail and supporting student success. With decades of advocacy, education, and research, NACS plays a pivotal role in shaping campus store operations across higher education institutions.
 The Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) is proud to recognize Carol Miller Schaefer, CAS Member-at-Large for Administration and one of CAS’s representatives from the National Association of College Stores (NACS), for receiving the Brian Cartier Distinguished Service Award at CAMEX25 in Fort Worth, Texas.
March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the incredible contributions of women in all areas of society—including higher education. At the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS), we recognize the essential role that Women’s and Gender Programs and Services (WGPS) play in fostering gender equity, educating campus communities, and creating safe, inclusive spaces for all.
Transitioning to college is more than just a week of freshman orientation—it’s an ongoing process that requires sustained support. Recognizing this need, The Chronicle of Higher Education has released a new report, The First-Year Experience, offering strategies to help institutions support first-year students, including first-generation, adult, commuter, and online learners.  Change is a constant in higher education, and policy shifts—whether at the institutional, state, or national level—can have a profound impact on students. These changes may bring hope and relief to some, while leaving others feeling uncertain, anxious, or even fearful. As educators, administrators, and student affairs professionals, our role is to provide support, foster healthy dialogue, and ensure that all students feel seen, heard, and valued.
As we celebrate Black History Month, the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) reflects on the importance of fostering strong, supportive communities where all students and professionals have the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
 As part of the CAS Member Organization Spotlight Series, we are excited to feature NIRSA, a leading association dedicated to advancing recreation, sport, and well-being in higher education. With a membership of nearly 4,500 professionals, students, and businesses, NIRSA plays a critical role in fostering lifelong habits of well-being and leadership among college and university students. From intramural sports and recreation centers to health promotion and outdoor adventure programs, NIRSA members shape student experiences that extend far beyond the playing field.
Basic Needs Standards for Housing and Food-Insecure Students: A Necessity in Uncertain Times1/27/2025
Higher education opens doors and creates a path for opportunity; however, many students find that basic necessities of life—stable housing, nutritious food, and financial security—are increasingly out of reach. With economic disparity, the lingering effects of a global pandemic, and the intensifying frequency of climate-related disasters, it is crucial that colleges and universities support students’ basic needs not only for academic success but for holistic well-being.
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
December 2025
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed