In honor of NASPA’s Careers in Student Affairs Month, we look back at how each of us found our way into the field, what surprised us, and why this work is so meaningful. From imposter syndrome to wellbeing, leadership, and the privilege of supporting students in their educational journeys, this episode is a conversation about the heart of student affairs.

This episode focuses on NASPA’s 2026 Top Issues in Student Affairs report. Kevin, Adrienne, and Gabe offer real‑time reactions, discussing key themes in the report as well as the insights that stood out.

Silent sliders are students who look like they are moving forward but are quietly losing traction. In this episode, we explore who silent sliders are, what contributes to their slide, and why campuses often miss the early signs. We also discuss what institutions can do to better support these students.

We discuss:

• student groups commonly affected
• factors that lead to silent sliding
• institutional conditions that shape visibility
• ways campuses can strengthen student support

This conversation offers a clear, accessible framing of a challenge facing today’s higher education landscape.

In our first episode, we dive into the debate surrounding the University of Michigan’s recent announcement of a Pass/Fail grading system for first‑semester students in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.

We explore why the policy was introduced, how it connects to mental health and academic preparedness, and what it might mean for student retention and student success.

We discuss:

• merits and drawbacks of the policy
• personal stories from our own first‑year experiences
• institutional implications and the need for bold experimentation in higher education