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.

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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 future, encouraging us to engage our values, embrace our unique strengths, become more multilingual and vocal, and make a compelling case for higher education and human thriving. At the end of the episode, host Heather Shea and SAA alum Brandon Arnold will join in a dialogue, offering reflections and insights to extend the conversation.

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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 education, delving into concepts of kinship, chosen family, and institutional inclusion. Tune in as they share insights on how universities can better support trans students' academic success and well-being through innovative research and practice.

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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 moments from their presidencies, the importance of ACPA’s ongoing mission, and offer advice for future leadership. As ACPA celebrates its 100th birthday on ACPA Day (October 21, 2024), the conversation delves into how the association continues to influence the field and what lies ahead for its future. Don't miss this insightful discussion on leadership, legacy, and transformation in higher education!

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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 discover how these initiatives are making a difference and what steps can be taken to engage more students in the political process.

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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 programs.

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Two years ago, when SCOTUS released the Dobbs decision, overturning Roe v. Wade, college students all over the U.S. mobilized to advocate for a variety of initiatives to address the concerns facing students in the wake of the decision. In this episode, we’ll meet five student activists from one campus and discuss their multi-pronged approach to supporting students’ sexual and reproductive health.

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This episode offers a deep dive into the INSPIRES Index, providing listeners with valuable insights into fostering inclusive campus environments for students of diverse worldview identities. Panelists, which include researchers, faculty, and practitioners, examine the intersectionality of efforts to address religious, secular, and spiritual identities with broader diversity initiatives and explore how interfaith initiatives can contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for students with intersecting minoritized identities.

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Join us for an overview of intergroup dialogue (IGD) in higher education, featuring expert perspectives from scholars and practitioners Drs. Ximena Zúñiga, Bridget Turner Kelly, Mark Kamimura-Jiménez, and Nina Tissi-Gassoway. Panelists explore the philosophy and practice of IGD, discuss a four-stage approach, the relevance amidst campus unrest and polarization, implementation in student affairs graduate programs, and considerations for effective facilitation. Whether you're new to IGD or seeking advanced insights, this episode offers valuable perspectives on fostering inclusive and intentional dialogues on college campuses.

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As we near the 2024 election, there’s a fair amount of talk about the apparent risks to democracy in the U.S.. As student affairs educators seek to engage students in discussing, dissecting, reinventing, and adopting principles of civic engagement, the Institute for Democracy and Higher Education (IDHE) is unveiling “Democracy Re/Designed” a more aspirational version of democracy that we need today and into the future. Joining this episode are Drs. Adam Gismondi and Demetri Morgan to talk about democratic engagement in higher education.

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