Critical hope helps educators navigate the both/and of criticality and possibility while avoiding the harms of deficit mindsets, toxic positivity, and cynicism. In this episode, leading scholars of critical hope, Jeffrey Duncan-Andrade and Kari Grain, discuss the what, why, and how of critical hope.

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Rejecting outright the Student Affairs “Legend” title we ascribed to her, Susan Jones joins us to discuss her career as an award-winning professor, prolific author, and valued mentor to many in the profession. Listen in as she shares her hopes and fears for our future and the future of student affairs and higher education. BTW, we stand by our description of Dr. Susan R. Jones as a legend.

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By definition, an ombudsperson is a role whose focus is neutral and impartial conflict resolution. They typically operate independently from the university and has no official or formal decision-making capabilities. Ombudspersons have been referred to as the “conscience of the university” -- working within campus communities to resolve conflict through identifying systemic issues and trends while focusing on fair treatment of individuals. These campus offices are also important partners with divisions of student affairs and college student educators. In this episode, Dr. Heather Shea speaks with four folks who serve as campus ombuds to learn more.

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Three student body presidents discuss their experiences and learnings. Jermaine Turner, Jael Kerandi, and Akheem Mitchell share the issues facing students, the critical role of making campuses inclusive for the success of all students, and understanding broader systems to navigate them as leaders effectively. They offer suggestions for student affairs professionals and current students considering pursuing this leadership role.

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What happens when SA Professionals become parents of college students? Dr. Glenn DeGuzman sits down with 3 parents who are also student affairs professionals to collectively reflect on their experiences of raising humans going to college. Join this lighthearted conversation with Mari Strombom, David Ruble and Dr. Shelah Crear as they share what they have been thinking about as their own kid(s) goes to college.

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Meeting the needs of commuter students is much more complicated than simply directing services and programs towards those students who live off campus. On today’s episode, a large panel discusses the complexities of both identifying and helping commuter students succeed as well as innovative lessons for increasing commuter’s sense of belonging. Applying lessons from online learners and remote engagement during COVID, panelists provide resources for our listeners to better understand and support the commuter students on their campuses.

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In this episode, you will get the dose of hope you need to remember your 'why' for working in higher education and student affairs. Reflecting on a life and career of service in student affairs, Mike Segawa reminds us that while the human condition may change, our profession continues to rise to meet the needs of our students. In a conversation grounded in critical and unflappable hope, fall in love with our profession again.

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Founded in 1923 at the University of Illinois, Hillel International is now the largest Jewish organization in the world. Hillel International exists on more than 650 college campuses across the world and is present on 4 continents.  Millions of Jewish students have passed through the doors of Hillel facilities and interacted with thousands of professionals who have dedicated their lives to supporting Jewish identity on college campuses for generations.  Now, as Hillel International celebrates 100 years since its inception, it is a time to celebrate as well as reflect on the impact of religion, spirituality, and Jewish identity in higher education. In an age when higher education believes itself to be “secular”, Hillel International and its on campus presence continually proves that religious and spiritual identities matter in several significant ways.  Hillel International is arguably the most comprehensive “campus ministry” organization in the United States and has the ability to serve as a model for other religious communities seeking to deepen their engagement on campus and as a case study for why institutions must take religion and religious life more seriously at the systems levels of the academy.

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Former ACPA President, senior administrator, and mentor to many across the field, Dr. Paul Shang joins us to share stories from his decades-long career at campuses across all corners of the U.S. working in student affairs. Paul talks about the ways the work has changed as well as officers advice for new professionals, and incoming ACPA President and episode host Heather Shea.

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With increases in the legalization of gambling, particularly in sports, we see partnerships and endorsement deals between universities and gambling entities emerging. Today's guests bring expertise on gambling, the influence of money on athletics, and addiction and well-being. They discuss legalization, increased access to money and technology to gamble, and ethical institutional responses. The guests emphasize centering care for students, our role as educators and public health approaches to well-being.

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