The Challenge of Student Affairs & Student Success Virtually

During this time of virtual instruction in higher education due to COVID-19, Student Affairs is needed more than ever to continue to provide programming and services for student success, student growth, and development. Through virtual programming and services, Student Affairs still can support the university, faculty, and students with access, retention, and academic support. This support is still through Student Affairs continued holistic approach from a virtual lens. As Student Affairs professionals, we must continue with our leadership and support of student success, being proactive, and providing consistent and concise communication.

 Cuseo (2016) has consistently argued seven principles of student success. These principles range from (1) personal validation, (2) self-efficacy, (3) sense of purpose, (4) active involvement, (5) reflective thinking, (6) social integration, to (7) self-awareness. I believe all of these principles can be applied to virtual programming. Open virtual dialogue spaces should be created to support students during this time to decompress about the transition from in-person instruction to virtual instruction. For some, the implications of virtual instruction may impact a student’s well-being. Solitude may betray thoughts that often find immediate gratitude with an in-person connection. These open virtual dialogue spaces allow Student Affairs practitioners to listen to students’ needs to determine other virtual programming. This is also a great time for Student Affairs practitioners to collaborate with other departments to reduce redundancy of programming. There can also be Instagram or Twitter Live sessions with students to provide workshops that are not only academic, but provide thoughts on a range of topics from the social impact of COVID-19 to starting a challenge (i.e. #VirtualStudyGroups).

Additionally, Student Affairs professionals should be proactive with reaching out to students, student organizations, and student organization advisors for virtual check-ins. I had the opportunity to check-in on one of my foster youth via email during this crisis. I learned during this time, she had been accepted into a graduate program. This was exciting news to share, but I knew this celebration would have meant more in-person. My Director who oversees our foster youth program, will organize a virtual celebration via Zoom. This will be an opportunity for staff and students with the same identity to see each other via Zoom to celebrate this accomplishment.

Consistent and paired communication is essential. Pairing communication allows for very few emails that may have the opportunity to lower anxiety for faculty, staff, and students. Because our students utilize social media heavily as a communication resource, social media posts (print and/or video) should provide updates and resources with concise information. This allows for Student Affairs teams to communicate the same information and keep track of the information flowing out of the division.

Lastly, Student Affairs must continue to build communication, think critically, and be civically engaging virtually. More importantly, during these times of uncertainty and pause, Student Affairs must continue to be an integral part of the learning environment and giving students an enriching college experience either in-person or virtually. In the words of James Baldwin, “These are all our children. We will profit by, or pay for, whatever they become.”