The 2022-2025 Strategic Plan for the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) states that the Association will “Build and champion the case for Campus Activities as critical to creating campus communities where everyone belongs”(2022). First, we defined Campus Activities as beyond-the-classroom experiences that intentionally connect, engage, and develop a college community where everyone belongs. Through this work, we posit that Campus Activities are intentional experiences and not specific functional areas.
The Case for Campus Activities outlines the connections between Campus Activities, sense of belonging, and student retention and persistence. It helps to equip students and practitioners to be advocates of the impact of student engagement, research to shore up the foundations of the profession, and provides resources to increase sense of belonging on campus. Here are a few key takeaways:
Campus Activities Build Belonging. Whether it is a welcome week concert or a quiet craft night, Campus Activities programming creates spaces where students feel connected, affirmed, and "at home."
Engagement Supports Retention & Persistence. Students who are involved, whether actively or passively, are more likely to stay enrolled and complete their degrees.
Diverse Involvement Matters. Providing a mix of active and passive programming can cultivate a more vibrant and supportive campus environment for all students.
Relationships and Environment are Critical. Campus Activities programming creates spaces where students feel valued, affirmed, and connected to peers and staff, which is especially critical for underrepresented students.
Your Story Deserves to Be Told. The research calls on Campus Activities professionals to track, measure, and share how their programs impact students. This is your chance to make your case. How Are You Using the Case? Let Us Know! Share your experiences with us. Tag @theNACA #MakingtheCase #CampusActivities
The more a student engages with and is involved on campus, the more they learn and develop. Further, institutional effectiveness is proportional to the capacity for fostering that involvement (Astin, 1984). As outlined in the Making the Case for Campus Activities white paper, Campus Activities increase sense of belonging and, in turn, sense of belonging increases student and institutional success. When a student feels like they belong, they are more likely to remain at the institution. Campus Activities offer opportunities for various student groups to feel engaged and integrated into their college community.
As the higher education landscape changes (almost daily!) budgets are reconsidered, structures are reviewed, and staff are rearranged. Campus Activities professionals may find themselves forced to justify their budgets, programs, or even their existence.
In this challenging environment, the “fun” that campus activities work brings to campus may seem superfluous. That is why it is essential for campus activities professionals to connect to our higher purpose – and communicate that with clarity to others. (Peck, et al., 2020, p. 6).
The Case for Campus Activities can help you communicate the purpose of Campus Activities.
Astin, A.W. (1984). Student involvement: A development theory for higher education. Journal of College Student Development, 40(5), 518-529.
NACA membership is required to access the Case for Campus Activities
The Making the Case for Campus Activities white paper provides an academic foundation that outlines the connections between Campus Activities, sense of belonging, and retention and persistence by discussing:
The Foundations of Campus Activities
Sense of Belonging
The Influence of Campus Activities on Sense of Belonging
The Influence of Campus Activities on Retention and Persistence
A recorded presentation and a slide deck for professional staff outlining the connections between Campus Activities, sense of belonging, and retention and persistence.
A recorded presentation and a slide deck for students, outlining the connections between Campus Activities and sense of belonging and the role students play in fostering a sense of belonging.
Considerations for Belonging resource
Environmental Scan resource
Discussion Guides for various campus stakeholders to talk about the white paper
Deep Dive & Action Planning resource for Campus Activities departments
This white paper outlines the connections between Campus Activities, sense of belonging, and student retention and persistence. It can help communicate the purpose and value of Campus Activities.
This is an Executive Summary of the Making the Case for Campus Activities white paper reviewing at a high level the purpose and value of Campus Activities.
This presentation is designed for Campus Activities professionals to help tell the story of how you are creating a college community where everyone belongs.
This guide provides a framework for Campus Activities departments to do a deep dive into the Case for Campus Activities to align department practices with research findings and develop action plans for enhanced belonging outcomes.
This resource outlines considerations for five components of belonging - feelings, school spirit, relationships, academic support, and space and place – to assist in increasing belonging on your campus.
