Compassion That Shapes Student Success

Katie Holscher, Assistant Director for Student Well-being, Santa Clara University

Katie Holscher, M.S., is a mission-driven student affairs leader with over a decade of experience advancing student success and well-being. As Assistant Director for Student Well-being, she champions equity, crisis response, and trauma-informed initiatives that foster inclusive, thriving campus communities.

Career Journey & Philosophy

My career began in counseling and student support services, working closely with young people as they navigated personal, academic, and systemic challenges. Over time, I worked as a school-based counselor, supported foster youth, and eventually transitioned into higher education leadership. Each of these experiences shaped my philosophy that resilience is built when students are met with compassion, consistency, and access to practical tools. Today, as

Assistant Director for Student Well-Being at Santa Clara University, I draw on both clinical experience and systems-level insight to create environments where students are supported in all areas of their lives.

Defining Student Well-Being & Success

Student well-being extends far beyond academics. It involves whether a student has reliable access to food and housing, how connected they feel to their community, and whether they can manage stress in ways that allow them to show up fully. I define success as the moment a student recognizes they are not alone; that they have the capacity to ask for help, and that the institution around them is ready to respond with care.

Early Intervention in Practice

In practice, early intervention often begins with something small, such as a faculty member noticing a change in a student’s participation or a peer raising concern about a friend. What makes the difference is a quick response. My team reaches out, creates space for honest conversation, and helps the student connect with resources ranging from tutoring to counseling. I have seen students who were on the brink of leaving instead stabilize, gain confidence, and continue moving forward with renewed capacity.

Parallels between Student Skills and Parenting

The skills we encourage in college students, such as accountability and self-advocacy, can begin much earlier at home. Parents can foster independence by allowing children to set their own schedules, manage responsibilities that are appropriate for their age, and communicate their needs openly. It is equally important to resist the urge to step in too quickly when children are struggling. When parents hold space for discomfort and regulate their own emotions in the process, they give their children the chance to grow. Struggling with disappointment or frustration is not the same as being unsafe. Working through those experiences helps young people develop confidence and problem-solving skills they will need throughout life.

Innovations in Tools and Frameworks

Looking ahead, I believe the future of student well-being lies in expanding both accessibility and inclusivity. At Santa Clara, we raise awareness and reduce stigma by actively educating our campus community on how to get students’ support early and quickly. This includes presenting at faculty and staff meetings, contributing to the Dean of Student Life newsletter, and maintaining a presence at campus resource fairs. By equipping our partners with knowledge, we make it easier for them to refer students before challenges escalate. These efforts build a culture where seeking support is normalized and intervention is timely.

Advice for Parents on Empathy and Inclusivity

Parents play a unique role in cultivating empathy and inclusivity. Modeling curiosities about others, using inclusive language at home, and encouraging children to spend time in communities different from their own are powerful starting points. Beyond that, parents can teach empathy by helping children recognize that others may carry invisible challenges and inclusivity by showing them how to welcome differences with respect. Children who experience this kind of modeling grow into adults who are not only resilient but also compassionate in their approach to the world.