Pennsylvania State University, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs records

Student health and well-being, conduct, and activities were initially the responsibility of the president and college steward. Later, a dean of men and a dean of women were appointed and served on the president"s administrative council. An assistant for student affairs was added to the president's administrative staff in 1950 and this position was elevated to vice president for student affairs in 1965. This office had a large portfolio including student services, counseling, international students, job placement, admissions and course scheduling, student aid, religious affairs, student activities, and student affairs research. In 1968 the deans of men and women were replaced by a single dean of student affairs, responsible for supervising residential life. In the late 1960s the vice president for student affairs was a key administrative figure responding to the sit-ins and demonstrations. In its aftermath, rules governing student life were relaxed, and assessments of and programs to improve opportunities for women and minority students were implemented. In 1973, the Office of Student Affairs was organized into four areas: Special Programs and Services, Student Services, Student Programs, and Administration. In December 1983, the Senior Vice President for Administration oversaw three divisions: Campus Life, Counseling and Health, and Student Programs. Soon after, William Asbury assumed this position and in 1985 was appointed assistant vice president for student services and in 1987 was named vice president for student affairs. By 1997 he was responsible for the following offices: Ethics and Religious Affairs, the Center for Adult Learners, Center for Women Students, Judicial Affairs, Residence Life, University Health Services, Career Development, Counseling and Psychological Services, Paul Robeson Cultural Center, and the Union and Student Activities (USA).