The annual NASPA conference, a gathering of student affairs professionals, is a platform for networking, learning, and sharing experiences. In a recent episode of the "Student Affairs Voices from the Field" podcast, host Dr. Jill Creighton provides insight into the themes and focus areas of the conference, as well as the importance of engaging in discussions related to navigating uncertainty, care amidst chaos, and inclusion and belonging within the field of student affairs.

Opportunities in Uncertainty:

The theme of "navigating the opportunities of uncertainty" acknowledges the ever-evolving landscape of higher education. Student affairs professionals often grapple with constant changes, whether it be in policies, technology, or the needs of the student population. Embracing uncertainty can lead to growth, innovation, and adaptability within the field. As Dr. Creighton points out, this theme encourages professionals to find the silver lining in times of ambiguity, recognizing that within uncertainty lies the potential for transformation and positive change.

Care in Chaos:

The second focus area, "care in chaos," resonates deeply with those working in student affairs, especially during turbulent times. Practicing self-care and extending empathy towards students and colleagues is pivotal in maintaining a healthy and supportive work environment. The theme highlights the significance of prioritizing mental health, fostering resilience, and promoting a culture of care within the student affairs community. Dr. Creighton's emphasis on nurturing individuals amidst chaos underscores the importance of emotional well-being while navigating the complexities of the profession.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging:

The conference's third focus area amplifies the ongoing dialogue surrounding justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (JEDIB). Creating inclusive environments where all individuals feel valued and represented is essential in student affairs. Dr. Creighton underscores the importance of actively engaging in conversations about systemic injustices, promoting diversity, and advocating for equity within the field. The theme serves as a reminder of the continuous work required to dismantle barriers and foster environments of genuine belonging for all members of the academic community.

Recognition and Appreciation:

In addition to discussing the conference themes, Dr. Creighton takes a moment to acknowledge the tremendous contributions of her co-host, Dr. Chris Lewis, who has been awarded the Pillar of the Profession award from NASPA. This recognition not only celebrates Dr. Lewis's leadership and dedication but also underscores the spirit of collaboration and mentorship within the student affairs community. It serves as a reminder of the impact that individuals can make on the profession and the importance of honoring their influence and achievements.

Conclusion and Call to Action:

The podcast episode concludes with an invitation for attendees to engage with the "Student Affairs Voices from the Field" team during the conference, expressing interest in sharing their voices on the aforementioned focus areas. Dr. Creighton encourages listeners to connect with the show through feedback, topic suggestions, and spreading the word to colleagues. This call to action emphasizes the power of collective participation and dialogue, highlighting the significance of community engagement and knowledge-sharing within the student affairs profession.

In summary, the NASPA conference provides an invaluable platform for professionals to delve into critical topics, engage in meaningful discourse, and draw inspiration from each other's experiences. The podcast episode not only sheds light on the conference's themes but also serves as a catalyst for ongoing conversations and collaborative efforts within the vibrant tapestry of student affairs.

The "Student Affairs Voices from the Field" podcast exemplifies the commitment to amplifying diverse perspectives and fostering a sense of community within the profession, ultimately contributing to the continuous advancement of student affairs.

 

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. This is season 10, continuing our season 9 theme of On Transitions in Student Affairs. This podcast is brought to you by NASPA, and I'm doctor Jill Creighton, she, her, hers, your essay voices from the field host. Hey, essay voices. Dropping in with a quick note to let you know that we will not be releasing a regular episode this week. It is the annual conference and Chris and I are both making our way to Seattle, Washington where we hope to engage with so many of you about the profession, about your thoughts, and about where we are right now. This year's conference has 3 focus areas on which all of the programming submissions were centered. The first is navigating the opportunities of uncertainty.

Dr. Jill Creighton [00:00:50]: The second is care in chaos. And the third is justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Like in years past, Chris and I will be moving about the conference with our portable audio recorders asking you to contribute your voice to this show on those three topic areas. So if you happen to come across one of us, please feel free to approach us and let us know that you would love to share your voice. We would love to feature you. After we've done that, you'll hear from us following the conference with an episode featuring all of your stories. I also wanna take a moment to give a mega huge shout out to Dr. Chris Lewis. He is receiving the Pillar of the Profession award this year from NASPA.

Dr. Jill Creighton [00:01:29]: And I just wanna say a personal thank you to Chris for his partnership in creating this podcast and for all of his leadership within the profession. Many of you may not know that Chris actually founded the Student Affairs Partnering with Academic Affairs Knowledge Community, or I think it's SAPA for short. So if that's an area of interest for you, that's also a great area for you to connect with us on. So we hope to see so many of you in Seattle. Have a very safe journey and we will be back with regular episodes next week. This has been an episode of Student Affairs Voices from the Field, a podcast brought to you by NASPA. This show continues to be possible because you choose to listen to us. We are so grateful for your subscriptions and your downloads and your engagement with the content.

Dr. Jill Creighton [00:02:15]: If you'd like to reach the show, please email us at [email protected] or find me on LinkedIn by searching for doctor Jill L. Creighton. We always welcome your feedback and your topic and guest suggestions. We'd love it if you take a moment to tell a colleague about the show and give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening now. It really does help other student affairs professionals find the show and helps raise the show's profile within the larger podcasting community. This episode was produced and hosted by doctor Jill Creighton, that's me, produced and audio engineered by doctor Chris Lewis. Special thanks to the University of Michigan Flint for your support as we create this project.

Dr. Jill Creighton [00:02:53]: Catch you next time.