Current Campus Context: Reflections, Tensions, and Hopes for Higher Ed 

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Current Campus Context is Student Affairs Now’s rapid-response series breaking down the latest developments in higher education. In this August edition, host Heather Shea is joined by Dr. Felecia Commodore, Dr. Brendan Cantwell, and Dr. Demetri L. Morgan to reflect on the summer’s most significant events shaping higher ed. Together they explore tensions between values and practice, policy and reality, and what students are bringing into the new semester, while also highlighting progress, innovation, and what keeps us motivated in this work.

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Advancing Equity for First-Gen Students Through Data Transparency

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In this episode of Student Affairs Now, Drs. Amy Goodburn, Stephanie Bannister, and Mary Fugate join Heather Shea for conversation about advancing equity for first-generation college students through data transparency. Together, they explore how definitions shape data collection, the role of national datasets, and how institutions are using data to inform practice. The discussion also highlights the risks of data loss and the importance of collaboration in advocating for first-gen student success.

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Supervising with Strengths: Leading with Intention & Humanity

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Anne Brackett and Alicia Wojciuch, two dynamic leaders who’ve helped hundreds of student affairs professionals, join Heather Shea to explore how strengths-based approaches can transform the way we supervise and lead. Whether you’re new to CliftonStrengths or know your top five by heart, you’ll leave with practical strategies, fresh insights, and a renewed perspective on leading with intention and humanity. 

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Reciprocity Required: Relationships Between Black and White Women in Higher Education

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Authentic relationships between Black and white women in higher education are often difficult to cultivate—made more so by the persistent realities of misogynoir and the role white women can play in perpetuating harm. In this powerful episode, co-hosted by Heather Shea and Raechele Pope, we’re joined by Drs. Christina Holmgren, Leah Fulton, and Jayne Sommers to explore the preliminary findings of their ongoing research with Black women in student affairs. Together, they share stories, insights, and a new model for building reciprocal, accountable relationships that move us beyond performative allyship and toward real connection and change.

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NIH Ultimatum, Accreditation Power Grab, & Tax Threats

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In this episode, host Heather Shea is joined by Dr. Brendan Cantwell and Dr. Demetri Morgan to break down a wave of federal actions reshaping higher education. From the NIH’s ultimatum on DEI to a new executive order on accreditation—and threats to university tax-exempt status—they explore what these moves mean for institutional governance, research integrity, and academic freedom.

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I work(ed) at the Department of Education.

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In this episode of Student Affairs NOW, host Heather Shea is joined by Dr. Jason Cottrell, a longtime career employee at the U.S. Department of Education who was among the 1,300 staff members recently laid off. Jason shares insights into the role of the Department, how federal agencies navigate transitions between administrations, and what these layoffs mean for education policy. He also reflects on his own journey from higher education into federal service—and what’s next as he returns to the field of student affairs.

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From Student Affairs to Alumni Affairs

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In this episode of Student Affairs Now, we're exploring the career shift from student affairs to alumni affairs with three panelists who have made the transition themselves: Josh Leidy, Rachel Clark, and Jessica Lee. How do student affairs skills translate to engaging alumni? What challenges and opportunities come with the shift? And what should student affairs professionals know if they're considering a move into alumni engagement? Join us as we discuss the connections between student and alumni experiences, the evolving landscape of alumni affairs, and how institutions can better integrate alumni into the student journey. We’ll also unpack common misconceptions, surprising insights, and the role of technology in shaping alumni engagement. Whether you're curious about this career path or looking for ways to strengthen student-to-alumni connections, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.

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Current Campus Context: Exec. Order Dismantling the Dept. of Education, Weaponizing Federal Funding, International Students & Scholars

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In this episode (recorded at 5:08 p.m. on March 20), Dr. OiYan Poon and Dr. Crystal Garcia join Dr. Heather Shea to discuss the executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, the politicization of federal funding, and rising barriers for international students and scholars.

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Current Campus Context: Education Cuts, Student Detainment, and the Politics of Funding

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In this week’s rapid-response episode, Dr. Heather Shea is joined by Drs. Felecia Commodore and Brendan Cantwell to break down the latest developments in higher education policy and politics. They discuss the U.S. Department of...

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