This episode was inspired by the recent article by Drs. Shaun Harper and Oscar Patrón, Three Decades of Campus Racial Climate Studies and 25 New Directions for Future Research, which builds on the foundational work of Dr. Sylvia Hurtado. Together, their scholarship has profoundly shaped how we understand race, racism, and belonging in higher education. We’ll discuss how campus racial climate research has evolved over the past 30 years, what challenges and opportunities remain, and where this critical field is headed next.

As the federal government shutdown continues, colleges and universities are grappling with its immediate effects on students and operations. Meanwhile, the proposed “Compact for Academic Excellence” is sparking debate about federal influence over campus policies and values. This episode explores how funding, freedom, and inclusion intersect in today’s political climate—and how student affairs professionals are helping students and institutions navigate these challenges.

Vicarious trauma is real, it’s widespread, and it’s not the same thing as “needing more self-care.” In this episode, Dr. Jill Bassett-Cameron joins Student Affairs NOW to explain what vicarious trauma is, how it shows up in our work, and why student affairs professionals must stop ignoring or minimizing it. Dr. Bassett-Cameron offers a timely and validating conversation about how we can name, manage, and reduce the trauma we absorb through service.

A student affairs professional navigating the challenges of living and working with long COVID is learning to reimagine both leadership and life. Balancing the demands of a high-energy, people-centered field with the unpredictability of chronic illness requires new rhythms of care, patience, and adaptability. This journey is less about returning to “normal” and more about creating a sustainable way forward—leading with vulnerability, modeling resilience, and redefining success through balance, boundaries, and community.

In this episode, we learn of a professional journey done with humbly. The importance of valuing feedback as wisdom and an opportunity to grow in all phases of life.

Dr. Kathleen Fitzpatrick discusses two of her books Generous Thinking and the companion, Leading Generously. She argues against critique for critique's sake, zero-sum thinking, and competitive individualism toward collaborative, mutually supportive, and generative ways of being, thinking, and leading. In this conversation, she shares why, what, and how of leading generously.

In this special episode of Student Affairs NOW, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ACPA Coalition for Disability and 35 years since the passage of the ADA. Panelists Erin Mayo, Kat Hurley, Mike Kutnak, Antonia De Michiel, and Spencer Scruggs join us to discuss the past, present, and future of disability in student affairs and higher education. From challenging ableism to promoting universal design and inclusive practice, this conversation is a call to deepen our collective commitment to access and equity for all.

In this September episode of Current Campus Context, host Heather Shea welcomes back Dr. Crystal Garcia and Dr. Brendan Cantwell for a timely conversation on the state of higher education. The discussion begins with reintroductions and updates on their current research projects, then turns to how scholars and practitioners can separate meaningful policy “signals” from distracting “noise” in today’s overwhelming news cycle. Together, they highlight underreported developments from the past month, consider what gives them hope as the academic year unfolds, and reflect on the challenges and opportunities shaping the months ahead — from looming federal deadlines to long-term structural shifts in higher education.

W. Scott Lewis recounts a moment as a Vice President for Student Affairs when his role unexpectedly required hostage negotiation skills to support a student in crisis. Surrounded by FBI agents and campus police, Scott’s decisions were risky, maybe a little lucky, and deeply human—yet ones he’d make again in service to his students. Scott tells this story masterfully, balancing the real tension with his legendary sense of humor, underscoring the weight of leadership in Student Affairs.

No matter where he goes, the constant question is raised, "How did you get that job?". Finding the perfect higher education adjacent role is a unique and intentional journey. Learn as Paul Brown shares his journey on how he found joy at Roompact.