Student affairs, persistence, and the growing need for inquiry

Abstract

Evidence for how Student Affairs contributes to efforts to increased college persistence and degree attainment is abundant and compelling. Still, Student Affairs is not often central in discussions about how to move the persistence dial forward. It is critical for student affairs professionals to engage in inquiry, not only to equitably improve service to students but also to better communicate the impact of the work. This paper provides an overview of the Student Affairs impacts on college student persistence through engagement in high-impact and evidenced practices, calling for increased engagement in inquiry in the interest of better situating higher education to meet student needs.