Are You Satisfied? Your Organization’s Success May Depend More on Satisfaction, Not Compensation
The State of the College Union, Part One
Editor’s Note: This is the first in a year-long, four-part series entitled The State of the College Union that looks to analyze the most current and affecting issues facing ACUI’s members. The first part in the series, written by Brenda Evans and Jeremy Schenk, focuses on one of the most significant issues facing both student affairs and higher education in general: workforce retention. Future topics will address the topics of organizational change, revenue challenges and drivers, and fostering belonging.
INTRODUCTION
In the dynamic landscape of higher education, student affairs professionals play a pivotal role in shaping the holistic student experience. Within this ever-evolving realm, student unions and campus activities have emerged as central pillars of support and enrichment for college and university students. They provide opportunities for personal growth, community building, and experiential learning, enriching the educational journey beyond the classroom. However, navigating the complex terrain of higher education is challenging. Contributing to that complexity are the multifaceted workforce challenges that impact student unions and campus activities, which in turn create a need to explore the critical issues professionals face in these fields. It also presents an opportunity to offer insights into the evolving strategies and approaches for creating a thriving and inclusive campus environment.
