What the State of the Sector Means for Student Affairs Leaders

Student affairs leaders are operating in a moment where long-standing trends have accelerated, and new expectations are taking hold quickly. Shifts in student demographics, affordability pressures, and increased focus on outcomes are already shaping student engagement, persistence, and campus experience.

This session will begin with a brief recap of key insights from EAB’s State of the Sector to ground the conversation. From there, the discussion will focus on how student affairs leaders are responding now and where timely adjustments can make the greatest difference.

This session is designed as a candid, peer-driven conversation centered on questions student affairs leaders are actively addressing, including:

• How changing student needs and expectations are affecting engagement, belonging, and retention
• Where rising financial stress and basic needs pressures are reshaping student support priorities
• Which student populations require more targeted, proactive intervention
• How student affairs teams are working with academic and enrollment partners to support persistence and completion

Participants will learn how peers are approaching shared challenges, what is working across different institutional contexts, and how student affairs leaders are translating insight into action.

In advance of this conversation, we recommend participants view the On Demand recording of EAB’s State of the Sector broadcast.

Session

Click the Register button to sign up.

Attendance is best suited for Vice Presidents of Student Affairs and Senior Student Affairs leaders responsible for student success, engagement, and well-being, as well as Cabinet members partnering on retention, persistence, and completion. Registration is limited to two attendees per institution.

• Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time