Flexible Work in Student Affairs: What Success Looks Like Now & Next

In the latest episode of NASPA's Student Affairs Voices from the Field podcast, the conversation dives deep into one of higher education's most timely topics: What does a successful flexible work environment look like in student affairs today and in the future? This episode, recorded live at the 2026 NASPA Annual Conference in Kansas City, captures a chorus of perspectives from student affairs professionals across the country and around the globe, each sharing insights on how flexibility is shaping the present—and the promise—of our profession.

A key theme that echoes throughout the episode is the shift from the traditional 9-to-5 on-campus model to one that centers both staff well-being and student needs. Alan Thompson highlights this shift, noting that "the typical nine-to-five...is no longer going to work with the way the world is shifting around us" 00:00:50. Flexibility now takes many forms, from remote and hybrid work, to alternative scheduling, to using digital tools like chatbots for student support outside normal hours, as mentioned by Enoke J. Agyei.

Supporting staff as whole people is another recurring message. Kerry Greenstein underscores the importance of supervisors who "are understanding and able to support their teams," allowing staff to do what they need to be their best selves for students 00:02:11. The theme of trust and autonomy surfaces in Mishka Murad's comments on letting employees choose their work settings and hours to find individual productivity and balance, so long as the work gets done.

Many contributors advocate for meeting students where they are—digitally, asynchronously, and outside the office walls. Dan Volchek and Diana Sims Harris both suggest that student affairs professionals must adapt to students' diverse schedules and preferences, ranging from in-person to online interactions. At the same time, contributors recognize the challenge of designing flexible policies that remain inclusive, equitable, and responsive to both staff and student needs.

From practical solutions like cross-training backups and honoring comp time, to broader reflections on rethinking institutional culture, the episode brims with wisdom for every level of the field.

Whether you're a new grad or a seasoned dean, this conversation is a must-listen. It's packed with concrete ideas and heartfelt stories about finding work-life integration in student affairs. Tune in to SA Voices from the Field and explore how flexibility is not only redefining ou