Creating Meaningful Student Engagement in Modern Higher Education

Dr. Sophia McDermott, Dean of Student Engagement & Title IX Coordinator, Hastings College

Shaping a Student Centered Approach to Engagement

My journey in higher education started as an undergraduate. While starting in a student worker position as the Intramural Coordinator, it actually helped expand my perspective on the workings of a higher educational institution. As a student, I was required to manage a budget, inquire about student feedback, make plans and decisions best for the students and my position.

This foundation started the launch of my diverse career path across different institutions. From working at Central Community College and St Charles Community College to building up to a leadership role at Presentation College, where I served as the Director of the Career and Learning Center and eventually the Dean of Student Life, I’ve been able to grasp knowledge on all aspects of how this works. Having navigated the registrar's office, admissions, student services, teaching and administrative duties, I believe these experiences have prepared me with a holistic understanding of a college ecosystem which allows me to be committed to cross-departmental collaboration and student-centered decision-making.

Fostering Meaningful Engagement and Belonging on Campus

A huge characteristic of a small private college is the involvement of our students. Our students don't just attend classes; they have the opportunity and ability to construct their own experience. By fostering an atmosphere where students feel heard, can implement activities, plan them, advocate for them, ensure that it's not just programs we provide but it is defined by them.

"A huge characteristic of a small private college is the involvement of our students. Our students don't just attend classes; they have the opportunity and ability to construct their own experience."

The traditional metrics of engagement were easily defined by physical attendance and presence, yet that is no longer meeting the needs of our students. Students today seek more multidimensional connections outside of just the physical, but also mental and emotional engagement as well. The challenge lies in trying to define for the students what the return is on student engagement and how that relates to their long-term and personal goals.

The Shifting Expectations Shaping Student Engagement

Today’s students are navigating some high-pressure situations in the world where information and time is scarce. They are balancing significant external factors and they tend to prioritize purpose over play.

Students are hesitant to just “try” things or go to a random event unless they understand that there is some type of objective to it. I think how student engagement is evolving is that we need to respect the student/life balance by making sure that engagement opportunities are transparent and meaningful, yet fulfill their personal growth.

Lessons for Those Seeking Leadership in Student Engagement

Be a lifelong learner right by your students' sides. Every year brings new sets of challenges and dreams, so I'm never afraid to start from scratch. View your students as your most valuable resource, listen to them, and gain those insider secrets!

One thing I love about my job is reading proposal letters from students in one of our communication courses. Receiving these, I can turn their ideas into a campus reality, I can show that their opinion matters and that there is an objective to their hard work and dedication.