ACPA Publications
ACPA is committed to sharing the most up-to-date scholarly research and practice through our three main journal and publication sources; the Journal of College Student Development, About Campus, and Developments. Click the link below to learn more about each publication and how to submit your research and scholarship for publishing.
ACPA Books
Since the early 1960s, the Books and Media Board has nurtured the development and publication of original content by authors with broad appeal to an interdisciplinary audience of researchers, scholars, and practitioners in the field of student affairs as well as the broader context of higher education. Publication themes ranged from history and systems, to theory, to practice applications.
Today, we continue to support authors who wish to publish books in collaboration with ACPA. New authors/editors working with ACPA Books receive significant guidance and assistance in the publishing process that is not available when working directly with a publisher. For more experienced authors/editors, publishing with ACPA Books is a great way to “give back” to the organization. As such, royalties from all books published through ACPA Books are returned to the association. Authors benefit by having their works published, which may enhance their professional reputations and lead to greater professional opportunities for such activities as consulting, keynote speaking, and invited presentations.
We welcome submissions of book proposals on topics related to, but not limited to the following: student growth and development, diversity in higher education, student access, success, and retention, mental health among college students, campus safety, and equity in higher education.
Books & Thought Papers FAQ
Who can publish with ACPA?
Any ACPA member with an idea for publication is invited to submit a proposal. ACPA is particularly interested in receiving proposals from professionals motivated to complete a high-quality book or monograph, even if they do not have extensive prior publication records. The advantages of ACPA Publications Board publication are the rigorous standards used in the review process and the helpfulness of the Editor and Editorial Board reviewers.
What types of proposals are accepted by ACPA?
ACPA Publications Board has been producing books and monographs since the early 1960s for use by individual student affairs professionals, graduate courses, and student affairs divisions or departments. The publication themes range from history to theory to practice applications. The reviewers look for proposals indicating high quality treatment of a subject for a particular audience in a length appropriate to the topic and approach. The Editorial Board strives to publish “cutting edge” information that is not available elsewhere. ACPA is committed to issues related to student learning, human development, diversity and equity, human dignity, community, and professional renewal. If you have fresh approach to an old problem or a new approach that works, consider submitting your idea to the appropriate editor on the ACPA Publications Board!
What happens to my proposal after it is submitted?
After your proposal is received, the publications editor will send it out for masked review to a set of reviewers identified as appropriate for the topic and structure of the proposal. Proposals are evaluated for author proficiency with the topic, rationale, and approach; soundness and organization of the contents; timeliness; readability; attention to equity and inclusion; and interest to ACPA members. The editor will synthesize the reviews and provide feedback to the authors, including a decision to accept, request revisions, or reject the proposal.
How long does the proposal review process take?
It takes approximately eight weeks from the time the Editor receives your proposal to have it reviewed. The time may vary depending on the number of proposals currently in the review process and variations among institutional calendars.
How much does it cost to submit to ACPA?
Nothing. ACPA does not charge individuals to submit or to publish. Manuscripts are accepted on the basis of quality, the prospect of adding to the knowledge of the profession, and a potential readership sufficient to cover production costs.
What kind of marketing does ACPA do for its products?
Each product has an individualized marketing plan, tailored to fit the specific needs and market of the individual product. The plan usually includes some combination of ads in the Journal of College Student Development, “ACPA Developments”, and other publications in the field; special mailings to our members and other student affairs and higher education professionals; and displays of the book or monograph at our own conferences and other conventions. All products published by ACPA are highlighted in an annual publication list and on the ACPA website.
Will I get rich publishing with ACPA?
No. ACPA authors are not paid royalties. ACPA Publications Board accepts new projects with the minimal financial expectation of breaking even with production costs, and a substantive portion of ACPA’s Publications Board budget comes from annual sales. However, you will be adding to the body of knowledge in the field, gaining professional credentials from a scholarly press, and helping your fellow professionals. ACPA holds the copyright to all materials published by ACPA.
The criteria used to evaluate your proposal will include:
- The topic’s contribution to the field
- The author’s ability to present new and significant information and observations about the topic
- The contents must be derived from a solid knowledge base of theory, research, and/or practice
- The proposed work should address as many dimensions of equity and diversity as is appropriate to the subject matter in a manner that reflects the best theory, research, or practice available to the profession regarding cultural concerns
- Whether the focus is on current and emerging issues, or on historical perspectives, ACPA scholarly books must contribute to knowledge and action, and spell out the implications of findings or offer suggestions about what practitioners and faculty can do in relation to the topic.
Your proposal must include the following:
- Title of the manuscript
- Description, scope, content, and purpose of proposal
- Description of the target audience
- Discuss the need for your proposed book and how it meets the need of your intended audience. Moreover, this section should describe the contribution your book may make to research and practice
- List competing and related works
- Discuss qualifications of authors (and include resumes/CVs) as well as format and length of book
- Table of contents: Briefly describe each chapter and delineate its title
- Timetable: Give an estimate for completion of manuscript
- A writing sample (preferably a draft chapter or introduction)
For more information or to submit proposals, please download our Publishing with ACPA Books document.
Please contact the co-editors, Mimi Benjamin and Jody Jessup-Anger with questions.
Ways to Order ACPA Books
Stylus Publishing
Rowman & Littlefield
Purchase directly through ACPA
Download FREE Publications
Publications below are free to both Members and Non-Members. ACPA Members have access to a variety of additional free publications through the ACPA Member Portal. Click the Resources tab once logged in to review the publications available.
- 1937 Student Personnel Point of View
- 1949 Student Personnel Point of View
- Assessment in Practice: A Companion Guide to the ASK Standards
- Prevalence of Sexual Assault on University Campuses
- 2014 Briefs on Academic Support in Higher Education
- From Remediation to Graduation
- Beyond Coming Out: New Insights about GLBQ College Students of Color
- The Student Learning Imperative: Implications for Student Affairs
- Special note: ACPA acknowledges the presence of the use of a quote at the beginning of this document by John C. Calhoun, a former U.S. Vice President and supporter of slavery. Because this is a historical document, the quote has not been removed, but we acknowledge and apologize for any harm created or caused by the presence of the quote and attribution.
- Powerful Partnerships: A Shared Responsibility for Learning
- Toward a Sustainable Future: The Role of Student Affairs in Creating Healthy Environments, Social Justice, and Strong Economies
- Student Learning Outcomes for Sustainability: Assessment Materials Guidebook
- A Campus Student Affairs Perspective on NCAA Proposal 2009-100
- Reflections on the 75th Anniversary of The Student Personnel Point of View
- Alcohol Mixed with High Levels of Caffeine: What Campus Professionals Need to Know
- Principles of Good Practice In Student Affairs
- Student Development in Tomorrow’s Higher Education: A Return to the Academy
- A Return to the Academy
ACPA THOUGHT PAPERS
Current Papers
Creating Inclusivity While Providing Accommodations: A Practical Guide to Champion Individuals with (Dis)abilities on Campus
written by: Sarah E. Schoper and Amy E. French
written by: Peggy Holzweiss and Steven Tolman
written by: Hoang D. Pham, Nicholas J. Knopf, Ph. D. and Hairong Shang-Butler, Ph. D.
Shifting Language from Multicultural Competence to Consciousness
written by: Shannon Dean-Scott