Student and Family Expectations in Current Times – On-Demand Training

Manage Unreasonable Demands with Strategic Responses

Shrinking and limited resources, tired administrators and unreasonable expectations have created numerous struggles for those in student affairs. Prepare to address these struggles head-on, push back as necessary and achieve better results for everyone involved. 

Student Affairs administrators at all levels are struggling. The challenges associated with student engagement and parental involvement are not new, but have clearly been exacerbated by the added pressures of the pandemic, runaway inflation, a divisive political climate and more. Institutions of higher education must find a way to enhance the positive unintended consequences that have come from COVID, while figuring out ways to minimize the more negative ones.

One of the most challenging consequences is the expectations on student affairs administrators held by students and parents in an era when there is no understanding of what “normal” campus life is. This session is designed to define these problems and propose reasonable steps administrators can take to be successful. 

Our seasoned, engaging presenters will help you set realistic guidelines for students and parents; empower staff members within your division to make difficult – but sometimes necessary – decisions; and create a co-curricular environment where students are truly able to live, learn and grow.

Topics Covered

Gain specific and actionable takeaways so you can:

• Identify the ways that your institution and division perpetuate challenges – make strategic changes that will set a positive precedent for communication and decision-making power. 
• Create standard expectations for students and for parents – identify formal ways that your institution can reinforce expectations for success, recognizing the shift in the temperament of many of today’s parents and how they are choosing to approach college officials with demands. 
• Discuss the effect that negative interactions and unrealistic expectations have on the mental health of staff members – protect your staff members and the integrity of the profession, so you can avoid losing more staff members.
• Describe ways in which existing communication systems can be enhanced and/or modified – develop communication plans that empower your employees, positively impact every level of your institution, and set clear expectations for students and families.  

Presenter

Dr. Grant L. Azdell currently serves as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, and is a Professor at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia.
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Dr. Gregory J. (Greg) Nayor currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Daemen College in Amherst, NY.
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