Student Affairs NOW

Authors of the new book Activism, Burnout, and Community in Higher Education: Narratives of College Student Activists, connect with Heather Shea to discuss the emotional and systemic challenges student activists face, the crucial role of collective care, and strategies for fostering environments that balance activism with well-being.This groundbreaking new book weaves together personal stories, research insights, and practical recommendations to offer timely insights into navigating the complexities of activism in higher education. The post Activism, Burnout, and Community in Higher Education: Narratives of College Student Activists appeared first on Student Affairs NOW.

Christy Clemens, Executive Director of Dialogue Initiatives at Dartmouth, and Dr. Elizabeth Smith, Professor and Dean of Arts and Sciences, delve into the Dartmouth Dialogue Project. They discuss how this initiative emerged from communication challenges and fosters empathy through active listening. The duo emphasizes creating 'brave spaces' for authentic dialogue, the necessity of teaching dialogue skills, and the importance of ongoing practice. They also touch on collaborative projects aimed at equipping students to navigate differing perspectives in today’s complex world.

Join Adam Jussel, Dimitri Topitzes, and Alberto Jose Maldonado from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee as they share about their trauma-informed practices and frameworks - how they came to be, how they have embraced them broadly, and the results. They share how an inclusive process surfaced the need for a trauma-informed approach and how centering relationships and connection has deepened understanding, empowered folks, and fostered engagement. The post Trauma-Informed Practices Across Campus appeared first on Student Affairs NOW.

In part 2 of the "Tipped and Tested" series, Dr. Anne Hornak, talks further about her unique sabbatical experience, where she worked as a server at a restaurant while taking nine credit hours at a community college. As Anne shares her experiences in the service industry, she and host Heather Shea discuss privilege, empathy, and the importance of wraparound support for financially strained students. The conversation also explores the personal and family impacts of these experiences and the broader lessons they offer for understanding and addressing student needs. The post Tipped and Tested (Part 2): A Sabbatical Spent Serving and Studying appeared first on Student Affairs NOW.

Dr. Anne Hornak, professor at Central Michigan University, shares insights from her unique sabbatical experience, where she worked as a server at a restaurant while taking nine credit hours at a community college to better understand the experiences of financially strapped students. She highlights several challenges such as unexpected online textbook costs, lack of community, and the stress of balancing work and school. The conversation also explores the lessons for higher education institutions to provide more transparent and accessible support systems and the importance administrative empathy. The post Tipped and Tested (Part 1): A Sabbatical Spent Serving and Studying appeared first on Student Affairs NOW.

Rob Kelly, President of the University of Portland, and Colin Stewart, a special assistant in student affairs, delve into their book on leading innovative teams in higher education. They challenge the norms of perfectionism and advocate for diversity and inclusion. The duo emphasizes fostering creativity by embracing failure as a learning tool. They discuss the critical need for supportive cultures that encourage risk-taking and the integration of storytelling and AI in educational advancements to drive positive change.

Jason Pina, Senior Vice President for University Life at NYU, and Amy Hecht, Vice President for Student Affairs at Florida State University, share their insights on career transitions in higher education. They discuss how COVID-19 reshaped professional paths and the importance of self-reflection. The duo emphasizes adaptability and authenticity in navigating career journeys. They also address women's time management and the critical role of international education in student affairs, inviting listeners to realign their mindsets for better career development.

Dr. Kyle Reyes, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and a passionate advocate for education, shares insights from his book, Lenses of Humanity. He discusses how empathy can transform challenging moments, revealing our shared humanity. The conversation dives into the importance of intentionality in building meaningful connections and the value of personal engagement in higher education. Dr. Reyes also highlights the need for perseverance and patience in fostering authentic relationships, encouraging listeners to embrace reflection in their lives.

In this enlightening discussion, Chris Linder, a seasoned higher education professional in violence prevention, Niah Grimes, a survivor and equity-focused assistant professor, and Nadeeka Karunaratne, a postdoctoral researcher specializing in power-conscious perspectives, delve into crucial topics surrounding sexual violence in education. They advocate for abolitionist approaches to transform accountability and prioritize survivor needs. The conversation emphasizes community healing, the complexities of compliance culture, and fostering healthy relationships, all aimed at creating safer academic environments.

Join Dr. Kristen Renn, a leading expert in higher education whose research emphasizes student success and LGBTQ issues, alongside SAA program alum Brandon Arnold. They delve into the evolution of student affairs, discussing the importance of adaptability amidst contemporary challenges like student debt and the anti-DEI movement. Renn articulates a future vision that champions values and unique strengths in higher education. The conversation also highlights the need for compassion and mentorship as professionals navigate the complexities of a changing landscape.