Appreciative inquiry shifts attention from problems and deficits to assets, strengths, and possibilities. Drs. Symphony Oxendine and Brian Gano discuss appreciative inquiry, how to use it in student affairs work, and their learning from the contributions of other authors to their new volume, Appreciative Frameworks in Student Affairs.

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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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In this conversation, Dr. Susana Muñoz shares the transformative experience of her sabbatical. She discusses her awakening, disconnecting her worth from work and productivity, listening to her body, and becoming more grounded and intentional with her energy and spirit. She also shares what this means for moving forward.

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In this episode, we hear from scholar and educator Richard Reddick, author of Restorative Resistance in Higher Education. The book is a confluence of personal narrative and lived experiences, academic research, and hope for higher education to continue to lean into the messiness of human dignity and equity practices. Join us for reflection, laughter, and strategies for how we can all activate our commitment to equitable and inclusive practices on our campuses and in our communities.

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We’re concluding our celebration of “Careers in Student Affairs Month” with a special episode featuring a large panel of current master’s students in student affairs, higher education, or related programs. Representing a diverse array of professional preparation programs and institutions across the U.S., the eleven panelists provide prospective graduate students with their insights and advice on pathways into the profession and the grad school selection process. We also discuss how graduate school is helping them address the challenges facing student affairs and higher education. You’ll finish this episode feeling inspired about the bright future ahead for the field.

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Join two leaders in restorative justice, campus conduct, and addressing sexual misconduct as they discuss the cautions, possibilities, and imperatives of applying restorative justice to campus sexual misconduct from their new book. Drs. Erik Wessel and Kaaren Williamsen discuss the need for, case for, and how to of restorative justice processes to make possible healing, accountability, and learning and unlearning.

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On this episode, Dr. Amer Ahmed and Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington sit down with Heather Shea to explore practical and interactive techniques designed to effectively develop faculty competencies in the realms of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Often considered a challenging demographic to engage in meaningful DEI conversations, our panelists will discuss innovative methods to make these vital conversations both captivating and interactive. From syllabus backward design, to classroom environments, to attending to all students’ identities--our panelists contest that inclusive teaching is and should be fundamental in “good teaching."

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Dr. Allison Vaillancourt is a higher ed leader, human resources expert, and a regular contributes thoughtful pieces to The Chronicle of Higher Education. In this conversation, she shares wisdom and insights on keeping things in perspective; organizing, structuring, and leading meetings; and reflecting on drains on our time, energy, and joy. This conversation is full of helpful invitations to reflect on and strategies to implement.

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In this podcast episode, we dive into the complexities of college student success with the author of Administratively Adrift: Overcoming Institutional Barriers for College Student Success Dr. Scott Bass and Dr. Sharon Alston, former co-chair of American University’s “Re-Inventing the Student Experience” or RiSE project. Exploring common barriers, effective strategies, and the roles of students, administrators, and policymakers, we gain valuable insights on how to overcome institutional hurdles and create a supportive environment that fosters student success.

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As resident and student staff needs have expanded, many housing and residence life leaders are rethinking the traditional resident assistant (RA) role. Drs. Paul Gordon Brown, Heather Kropf, and Glenn DeGuzman discuss shifting needs, explore possibilities, and share promising approaches and concerns. Join these three leaders, innovators, and changemakers for this exciting conversation.

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