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, r...

The skills to engage and bridge differences are needed in higher education and our world today. Kristi Clemens and Dr. Elizabeth Smith share about how the Dartmouth Dialogue Project emerged, how it is structured, and what they have learned through the process thus far. They discuss the key elements of relationship building and empathy, viewing dialogue as a practice, and yearning for and obstacles...

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 und...

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...

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 bal...

Drs. Colin Stewart and President Rob Kelly discuss their book, Disruptive Transformation: Leading Creative and Innovative Teams in Higher Education. They focus on challenging norms and perfectionism and valuing diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging. They discuss how leaders can look inward to foster creativity and create organizational cultures that support innovation.

Drs. Jason Pina and Amy Hecht discuss their edited book, The Next Act: Realigning Your Mindset, Purpose, and Career. They share various paths within, beyond, and back to higher education for senior leaders. They discuss change, agency, possibilities, transition, privilege, and capacity.

In this episode, Dr. Kyle Reyes talks about his book, Lenses of Humanity, in which he explores how shifting our lens can reveal the deep humanity that reminds us of the shared connections that unite us all. He describes this book as part memoir, part academic investigation, and part public discourse- and as a gift and love letter to his children. Anchored in hope and possibility, this episode is t...

Drs. Chris Linder, Niah Grimes, & Nadeeka Karunaratne join to discuss their new book, Thinking Like an Abolitionist to End Sexual Violence in Higher Education. They discuss abolitionist thinking, oppressive systems, liberation approaches, abundance, social change as inner work, and transformation around community, hope, and love.

In this special episode, we’re featuring Dr. Kristen Renn’s inspiring talk, The Futures of Student Affairs: Look Back, Look Around, Look Ahead, presented at the 75th anniversary celebration of Michigan State University's Student Affairs Administration (SAA) Master's program. Kris reflects on the history and values of student affairs, addresses current challenges, and shares her vision for the futu...

Jess Pettitt discusses her new book, Almost Good Enough, which explores the subtle shifts at the fulcrum between doing harm and doing good. She discusses compassion and humanity, best practices and intuition, and ways to foster innovation and description related to DEI and beyond. If we can be prepared, recognize what is going on beyond us, and move from reactivity to response, we can do more good...

In this episode of Student Affairs NOW, host Heather Shea welcomes Dr. Z Nicolazzo, author of the influential book Trans* in College: Transgender Students’ Strategies for Navigating Campus Life and the Institutional Politics of Inclusion, along with two of her doctoral students, Clar Gobuyan and Pin-Ru Su. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of support for transgender students in higher...

In this episode of Student Affairs Now, ACPA Presidents past and present—Jill Carnaghi (2000-2001), Paul Shang (2002-2003), Stephen John Quaye (2017-2018), Rachel Aho (current ACPA President), and Jonathan McElderry (President-Elect)—connect with co-hosts Gudrun Nyunt and Heather Shea (immediate Past President) to reflect on ACPA's growth and influence over the years. The panel explores pivotal mo...

This episode examines the current status, and future directions of race and indigeneity in student affairs and higher education. The episode offers a brief glimpse of the evolution of ACPA as an example of one professional association grappling with and addressing these complex issues.

In this co-hosted episode with ACPA our featured panelists discuss political and legislative advocacy in higher education. In an increasingly complex time in higher education, student affairs educators are faced with balancing navigating environments that are under greater scrutiny, supporting student well-being and success, and protecting their own personal well-being. Join our panelists as they...

In this episode, join Drs. Tanya Koroyan, Steve Sutton, and Jason Lynch join the podcast as they explore professional staff wellness for those who work in and around residential living and student affairs. This conversation brings together 3 professionals who each possess both research and practitioner experience in this topic. They will explore not only the conversations they are having with thei...

This episode discusses the identities and experiences of Jewish students on campus today.. Many Jewish students have reported feeling unsafe and traumatized amidst the rise of antisemitism on campus, in our nation, and across the globe. Our guest, Dr. Elisa Abes, offers a critical perspective to deeply examine the realities of anti-semitism on college campuses and its impact on Jewish students.

The leadership of Black women in student affairs and higher education is part of the essential story of the success and challenges of our colleges and universities. Unfortunately, these stories are often erased and thus their contributions minimized. Black women’s experiences as supervisors and supervisees is a key part of their leadership journey. It’s time for us to explore how the changing land...

In this episode, we explore the power of grassroots voting initiatives on college campuses. Join host Heather Shea as she speaks with leaders from key organizations dedicated to mobilizing and empowering student voters. They share their stories, strategies for increasing voter registration and turnout, and practical advice for student affairs staff ahead of the national election. Tune in to discov...

In this conversation, we discuss the challenges, pride, and support for first-generation graduate students. Guests share their experiences, tips for others, recommendations and suggestions for faculty and staff working to support these students, and ways involvement and engagement with ACPA can help get that support and look to address systemic issues in higher education and society.

For over 4 decades, Harry LeGrande has been a student affairs senior leader innovating and breaking barriers through his no-nonsense and people-first approach philosophy. His career spans multiple institutions and holding senior executive positions at the University of California, California State University, and California Community College systems. His commitment to helping  underrepresented pro...

In this episode we are discussing serving minoritized students and the unique institutional types that focus on supporting minoritized students. Our hope is to focus on ways we can serve minoritized student populations at institutions that may not have been created with these populations in mind but are now playing an important role in providing access to higher education. By doing so, we hope to...

Join Stefaan Van Hooydonk, author of The Workplace Curiosity Manifesto, and Dr. Hilary Lichterman as they make a case for the curiosity of a key capacity of leadership within and beyond higher education. This conversation covers everything from children's books to neuroscience. They discuss three key aspects of curiosity and three key pathways for practicing curiosity.

In this episode, we’re discussing how to support students' mental health and well-being during education abroad programs. Join us for an insightful discussion with experts Vernon Wall and Drs. Shayna Perry and Matt Rader as we explore the unique challenges students face, best practices for support, and strategies for faculty and staff to enhance mental health resources during international program...

Join four game designers as they discuss the role of games and play in learning. Drs. Tricia Siefert,  Colleen Smith, Tracy Fullerton, and Andrew Peterson challenge the misalignment of education as only linear and structured and explore the paradox of play -  how games' mystery, rules, and openness can create space for creativity, connection, emotion, learning, and more.