Chapter 3: Sustaining Engagement Among Student Organizational Leads

Students at higher education institutions often expand their learning outside of the classroom by participating in co-curricular activities, such as student clubs and organizations (Mikulec & McKinney, 2014). Students who become involved in co-curricular programs are more likely to persist, which benefits both the institution and the student (Tinto, 2017). There are a variety of motivations for joining student groups, as well as various levels of preparation. These organizations are led by student leaders, elected or appointed officers, and are commonly advised by student affairs professionals or faculty members.

Student organization leaders, however, sometimes become disengaged with their role. This disengagement can include not attending meetings, lack of communication, failure to complete tasks, and other neglect of duties. Disengagement can have a detrimental impact on the organization, including loss of membership, failed programming, apathy, and the potential loss of the organization’s recognized status on campus. This study is focused on providing student affairs professionals with an understanding of how to sustain engagement among student organization leaders.