We interviewed and ran interactive activities with Student Life Professionals to determine how the university and professional networks can best support them, so they can support students. From these events, we identified collaboration, communication, and meaningful referral systems as key factors in staff success.
Access for Every Student
All students have equitable access to programs, services, resources, and spaces.
Integrated Learning Experience
Students engage fully in learning experiences both within and outside of the classroom.
Future-Ready Students
Students have opportunities to develop their skills and build their confidence beyond academics.
Our Findings
This research project was conducted over various terms to be able to meaningfully engage with community members and ideate redesign possibilities. Click the buttons below to engage with each project.
2019: How can we better support student life staff in their jobs and careers?
Based on insights from 2019, this project included a series of activities and small-group discussions with student-facing staff. Key themes from the activities included:
- The importance of personal networks in navigating the University;
- A need for better support in working across department;
- The desire for professional development activities that are applicable and accessible
Through these themes we offer insights and takeaways that can support Student Life Professionals in the U of T community.
Read more about the project:
Research Team
Charis Lam
Wenqi Jiang
San Ha Kim
Manomi Koroth
Evangeline Procopoudis
Claire Chenhong Qiu
Winston Tran
Summer Wenqi Zhai
Zi Zhou
2018: How do student life staff navigate the university and make connections?
Our findings highlighted that regardless of departmental affiliation and seniority, staff highlighted the importance of transmitting and preserving institutional knowledge. Moreover, interviews with student life professionals revealed a need for stronger personal connections, both horizontally (between departments) and vertically (between senior and junior staff). The SLP Network is uniquely positioned to fulfill these needs.
Findings were divided into three themes:
- Guidance and support
- Community and space
- Structural barriers
For each theme, we provide some insights and supporting quotations from the interviews. We conclude with a brief discussion of the project limitations and recommendations for next steps.
Read more about the project:
Research Team
Rija Chishty
Liza Brechbill
Lilian Lin
Taha Tanjeem
Anne Michaela Brodaric
Nicholas Feinig
Mia Sanders
