Why support students? Using the past to understand the present

Abstract

This paper examines why students are supported, taking an historical approach to analyse the influence of former, or longstanding, practices on current practice and to identify repeating themes. Documentary evidence shows that students have been supported because they are young, vulnerable or because studenthood is considered to make unique demands on individuals. Ideas of danger and the need for protection are persistent and can have effects that contradict the educational purposes of higher education. Underpinning rationales result in particular forms of student support, each with its own intended and unintended consequences.

Keywords:

• higher education
• historical method
• professional development
• student services
• student support

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Dr Lynda D'Avray and HERD reviewers for their helpful comments on earlier drafts.