Welcome to our special Gold 50th edition of JANZSSA! Almost 25 years ago, the first JANZSSA was published in March 1993. With online publishing we are moving to the more conventional Volume and Year numbering system. Hence 2017 is the year of the 25th Volume, with this second issue for 2017 taking JANZSSA to its 50th edition. Beginning with a Message from the President of ANZSSA and an extended editorial that pays homage to the early beginnings of JANZSSA, this edition is filled with a range of excellent papers on a diverse range of topics. Each one is pertinent and timely for those working and researching in higher education student experience, retention, success and support.