His work spanned the course of four decades (c. 1940–1981), which can be characterized as a period of "incredible growth and social and political change in American Society.
Shaffer was awarded a Rector scholarship in 1932 to attend DePauw University, where he was back-up Quarterback on the 1933 football team, which for the season was unbeaten, untied, and unscored upon.
From there he was returned to the US for Officer Training School and was assigned to labor relations work at the Boston Port of Embarkation.
Upon returning to Indiana University in 1945, Shaffer was named Assistant Dean of Students and director of the Veteran's Guidance Center.
[2] Shaffer proposed a successful student affairs research office as well as a faculty associate program at Indiana University.
His commitment to issues related to international students lead him to work in Thailand, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.
His numerous publications are landmarks in the field of student affairs, and throughout his career he has been a consultant to national educational and government organizations.
This controversial approach allowed for the founding of various departments, such as residence life, orientation, financial aid, counseling, career placement and student health.