Build and Maintain Trust with Student Activists

It can be difficult for colleges and universities to know how to provide support to, build trust, and strengthen relationships with student activists. However, there are steps student affairs leaders can take to navigate these challenges and change the contentious narrative of institutions and activists being enemies.

By shifting the focus of activism strategy from crisis management to proactive engagement, student affairs can build relationships with student activists and establish themselves as a source of support as students drive change on campus and in the community.

We haven’t always gotten it right—we talked about managing activism, by which some meant ‘squashing’ it. It will be hard to change that mindset.

Student Affairs Leader