Fostering Civic Discourse: Tools for Campus Leaders and Student Affairs

If you're looking to better understand the evolving landscape of civic discourse on college campuses—and why it matters more than ever for higher education professionals—then you won't want to miss the latest episode of "Student Affairs Voices from the Field." Hosted by Dr. Jill Creighton and featuring guest Jill Dunlap, this episode dives deep into the challenges, opportunities, and innovative solutions for fostering constructive conversations and civic engagement in higher education.

A timely conversation, the episode opens with Dr. Jill Creighton welcoming Jill Dunlap back to the podcast and noting the sea change in student affairs policy and engagement work since her last appearance. Jill Dunlap, who has been with NASPA for nearly a decade and now oversees policy and civic engagement, brings first-hand insight into how students are reacting to new policies, especially those affecting graduate student borrowing. As she shares, many students aren't fully aware of major policy shifts that could impact their future opportunities, underscoring the need for student affairs professionals to step up as guides and advocates.

Central to their conversation is NASPA's upcoming "Civic Discourse on Campus Virtual Summit"—a brand new, fully online initiative designed to gather campus leaders, policy experts, and innovative practitioners to share tools, strategies, and research for nurturing robust civic dialogue in campus communities. Both Dr. Jill Creighton and Jill Dunlap stress the significance of equipping students to engage respectfully across political and personal differences, especially in a climate marked by polarization and the aftermath of the pandemic.

Listeners gain an insider's perspective on what the summit will offer: keynote presentations, breakout sessions on measuring the impact of civic dialogue, facilitating deliberative forums, partnering with faculty, and more (06:12–13:14). Student affairs professionals at every level will find relevant content, whether they're administrating at the VP level or working directly in residence halls. Importantly, all sessions will be recorded and available for later viewing, making the summit accessible for busy schedules.

This episode is packed with actionable ideas and authentic reflection on the responsibilities student affairs professionals share in shaping the next generation's civic life. As campuses brace for high-stakes election cycles, and as societal challenges spill over into collegiate life, the tools and support discussed here are essential.

Whether you're a campus leader or an aspiring practitioner, tune in to be inspired—and consider joining the conversation at NASPA's Civic Discourse on Campus Virtual Summit this May. Listen now and get equipped for the important work ahead!

TRANSCRIPT

Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:01]:

Welcome to Student Affairs Voices from the Field, the podcast where we share your student affairs stories from fresh perspectives to seasoned experts brought to you by naspa. We curate free and accessible professional development for higher education professionals wherever you happen to be. This is season 14, continuing our conversation on the value of Student Affairs. I'm Dr. Jill Creighton. Sheher hers your essay Voices from the Field host. Welcome, Jill, back to SA Voices.

Jill Dunlap [00:00:29]:

Thanks for having me.

Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:30]: