Two-year colleges, including community, technical, and junior colleges, are focused on access, affordability, and equity; workforce development and career preparation; and serving their community's needs with agility. In this episode, two former chairs of ACPA's Commission for Two-Year Colleges and a current two-year college president discuss the growing student and institutional needs with limited resources and how associations like ACPA can better support professional development and student success in this critical higher education sector.

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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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Chief of Staff roles in and beyond student affairs often fall under the radar, go by many different names, vary widely, and can be both misunderstood and full of promise. In this conversation, two folks who have served in this role in multiple iterations define the role, discuss the complexities, and offer insights for institutions, principals, and those exploring the role for themselves.

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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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This special episode focuses on the history, present, and future of LGBTQ+ people and issues in higher education. Panelists Jonathan Poullard, Dr. Becki Elkins, Cole Eskridge, and Dr. Quortne Hutchings join us to reflect on ACPA’s role in making higher education a more queer-friendly environment for students and practitioners alike.

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In this conversation, Drs. Claire Brady and José-Luis Riera reflect on what they learned from planning, leading, and participating in the recent NASPA Institute for Aspiring Vice Presidents for Student Affairs. They shared exploring the realities of the current moment in higher education, holding space to consider if this role is really for them, and examining multiple pathways for transition and success. Themes of hope and healing are paired with the challenges of higher education and this leadership role specifically.

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Marium Mohiuddin and Dr. Zack Ritter have been working to build bridges between Jews and Muslims on college campuses. In this conversation, they share the challenges of holding space, unpacking trauma, teaching conflict resolution, and working through complex and contested histories. They also discuss the commonalities and differences of navigating Islamophobia and Antisemitism in America.

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The capacity to engage in difficult conversations across differences can be as challenging to develop as it is critical to learning, equity, relationships, and a functioning society. Many folks may be familiar with using "safe space" to frame these conversations. Today's guests have offered a "brave space" framework for co-creating environments for learning. Join Kristi Clemens and Dr. Brian Arao as they discuss the origins of brave space, putting it into practice, and cautions and complexities.

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Join this important conversation among ACPA scholars and leaders, Drs. Leila Moore, Amy Reynolds, and Heidi Levine as they reflect on the roots of the counseling profession in ACPA and the vital role that mental health providers have played in ACPA, student affairs and higher education historically and today. This rich discussion also address the current mental health challenges facing college students today and the important role of student affairs professionals and campuses in addressing these issues.

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Three scholars and close observers discuss major shifts in college athletics and their implications. Join Ron Wade, Dr. Susan Shaw, and Dr. George McClellan as they discuss name, image, and likeness (NIL), the transfer portal, equity, and the implications for student success across institutions, sports, gender, and more.

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