Supporting Student Affairs Professionals Amidst Unprecedented Anti-DEI Policies

Staff, faculty, and students in states with proposed or enacted legislation are experiencing tremendous uncertainty and strain. We are aware that the impacts of hostile legislative climates are having an immediate effect on the lives and livelihoods of student affairs staff and faculty. In the face of conditions of scarcity and threat, we believe in the importance of community, dignity, and connection to purpose to counter those conditions. 

Based on input from staff, organizational partners, and members, NASPA has curated this resource hub for individuals and institutions. This resource hub contains links to websites, webinars, short courses, blogs, etc. for professionals needing financial resources for NASPA membership and professional development,  job search assistance, as well as, resources aimed at nurturing individual and institutional well-being during times of transition. In the hub, you will also find information about upcoming events and programs and information to keep you informed on the latest legislative policy updates as they relate to DEI in higher education.  

Lastly, the discussion board is here to develop community. More than anything our members have always been successful when we come together. While navigating the impacts of the legislative attacks can feel isolating we are all in this together. We invite you to use this discussion board to continue conversations following programs and to reach out to your colleagues to discuss relevant topics related to your job search, professional development, and well-being. 

Resource Hub Modules

• Policy Updates (pdf version of the monthly update and links to our policy tracker) 
• Job Support Resources 
• Membership Resources for Professionals and Faculty in Transition 
• Resources for Individual and Institutional Well-being
• Discussion Board to Connect with Others (must be logged in)

Click the image below to view the corresponding Resource Brief

Student Affairs Policy Updates

Policy Tracker: Click the link above to access a resource developed by NASPA professionals, the policy tracker updates state Legislation Affecting Student Affairs. 

This webpage features an interactive state map highlighting legislation that impacts student affairs, making it easier for you to navigate and understand policies in active state sessions. Accompanying the map, you'll find in-depth reports that consolidate information on the tracked state legislation, categorized by topic. These reports are designed to provide you with a clear overview of the legislative trends, challenges, and opportunities that affect student affairs nationally. Additionally, as it relates specifically to legislative attacks on higher education, NASPA provides updates and resources for the public on our website “Countering Political Attacks on DEI”

Policy Tracker

Countering Political Attacks on DEI Website

Podcasts: SA Voices from the Field shares the voices and stories of student affairs professionals from around the world. This podcast provides you with practical advice to help you be the best student affairs practitioner you can be, no matter where you are in your career.

DEI Professionalism in Texas: Adapting to Anti-DEI Legislation with Shawntal Brown

Article: The following articles are resources that may be helpful to gain an understanding of the impact of current and proposed legislation on higher education. 

Tenets of critical race theory (CRT) have been misconstrued in legislation introduced in many states over the last few legislative cycles to imply that teachings related to CRT, racism, bias, and oppression are inherently divisive and cause harm to students. To understand and illustrate the initial impacts of these policies, NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education hosted nine focus groups with a total of 25 student affairs staff and faculty and conducted a thorough analysis of CRT-related state-level legislation. This report reflects findings from NASPA’s research that spanned from the summer of 2022 to the fall of 2022.

Student Affairs Perspectives on Anti-Critical Race Theory State Policies and National Narratives

Visit the Inside Higher Ed article to be informed on how Project 2025 could impact higher education. 

Project 2025 Impacts to Higher Ed

Webinar: Watch pre-recorded webinars related to student affairs policy and advocacy. These webinars are free to access!

January 2021 Advocacy Avenues Panel

NASPA

NASPA Policy Newsletter: 

Job Support for Impacted Staff and Supervisors

Staff, faculty, and students in states with proposed or enacted legislation are experiencing tremendous uncertainty and strain. Many of the student affairs staff working in DEI-related programs are at risk of elimination or considerable job changes. This section contains resources for individuals questioning the next step in their career, embarking on a job search as well as support for leaders caring for impacted teams. 

If your role has been eliminated or changed or if you are considering a new role, review the career resources handouts in the bottom section of this page resources created by The Placement Exchange that address navigating being laid off, job search strategies, identifying and marketing transferable skills, and assessing professional goals.

Webinars: Watch pre-recorded webinars related to student affairs careers to gain assistance with job search strategies, interview techniques, management support, and more. These webinars are free to access!

Webinar: Job SearchingWebinar: Leveling Up Your CareerWebinar: Unique Student Affairs JobsWebinar: Interviewing at a Community College Landing the Job You Want: Top 10 Strategies to Capitalize on the Job Search Process

Blog Posts:

Blog Posts: Hear from other student affairs professionals about their experiences, challenges, and tips on how to navigate potential job and leadership transitions. 

Blog: Functional Areas Blog: Succeeding in the Job SearchBlog: Executive Transitions

Podcasts: SA Voices from the Field shares the voices and stories from student affairs professionals from around the world. This podcast provides you with practical advice to help you be the best student affairs practitioner you can be, no matter where you are in your career.

 The Intersection of DEI and Student Success: Expert Discussions from University Leaders

From Crisis to Comfort: The Art of Caring Leadership in Student Affairs

The Placement Exchange - Career Resources for Professionals Experiencing Layoffs or Job Changes

Resources for Professional and Institutional Well-being 

We are aware that the impacts of hostile legislative climates are having an immediate effect on the lives and livelihoods of student affairs staff, and we believe in the importance of community, dignity, and connection to purpose to counter those conditions. Well-being and individual wellness look different for each of us, and power and privilege affect access to resources and safety that should be taken into account when attending to others’ needs. 

The following webinars and blogs are resources you can use to start thinking about individual and institutional well-being.

The Placement Exchange Events  (TPE Virtual Events Website)

Fall Grad Program Fair

October 10, 2024

Noon – 4PM EDT

Fall Virtual Career Fair

October 24, 2024

Noon – 6PM EDT

Spring Virtual Career Fair

February 20, 2025

Noon – 6PM EST