Professionals in the student affairs field report concerns of stress, burnout, work-life balance issues, overall job satisfaction, and unrealistic demands and expectations often resulting in employees exiting the field (Bochman, 2007; Evans, 1988; Lorden, 1998; Marshall et al., 2016; Mullen et al., 2018; Rosser & Javinar, 2003; Ward, 1995). The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 further intensified many of these staffing issues. Because student affairs staff serve in integral roles on college campuses and add significant value through programming, services, and resources designed to enhance student success and persistence, there is a need to address these staffing concerns. (McClure, 2021). The goal of this study and Executive Position Paper was to examine student affairs staffing issues from the lens of ideal worker norms and per the perspective of senior student affairs officers (SSAOs). The premise of ideal worker norms assumes that employees have unlimited time to give to their jobs/careers, and it is implied they will dedicate whatever time is necessary for the good of their organization (Acker, 1990; Sallee, 2021; Williams, 1989). Sallee (2021) argued that those serving in leadership roles should utilize strategies to disrupt ideal worker norms that are contributing to student affairs staffing issues. This qualitative study encompassed interviewing 12 SSAOs. Through interviews with SSAOs, I confirmed the presence of ideal worker norms contributing to student affairs staffing issues and identified resulting strategies that SSAOs are utilizing to address these concerns. Using the study findings, I developed a VALUE Staffing Framework as a resource for those serving in higher education supervisory leadership roles to address student affairs staffing issues.

This webinar will take place on February 27, 2024 at 3 pm EST.  To register, click here.

$10 for ACPA Individual Members

$10 for ACPA Chapter Only Members

$10 for Non-Members

ACPA/NASPA Professional Competencies:

Assessment, Evaluation, and Research; Leadership; Organizational and Human Resources; Personal and Ethical Foundations; Social Justice and Inclusion; Student Learning and Development; Values, Philosophy, and History

Presenter: Shari Rich

Shari Rich has 30 years of experience providing leadership in student affairs, student success and academic affairs offices on five different college campuses. Most recently, she served for 17 years in a variety of leadership positions at Eureka College including: Associate Dean of Students/Director of Applied Learning; Associate Dean of Student Activities, Leadership, and Service; Interim Dean of Students; First Year Success Seminar Coordinator; Program Coordinator of the Organizational Leadership Degree Program; and Director of Career Services. Shari will complete her doctor of education degree in higher education leadership from Wilmington University this summer, and holds a master of science degree in college student personnel and a bachelor of science degree in psychology, both from Western Illinois University.