Chapter 5: Mental Health and Attrition in Student Affairs Professional

While we love our work with students and the impact we make in student affairs, the work can be very demanding and stressful. Combined with growing concerns about low(er) starting salaries and frustrations with the long working hours that extend beyond the typical work day, many SA professionals have reached their breaking point and are leaving the field. From your perspective, what are the causes and potential remedies for this burnout and attrition within the HE/SA field? What should new professionals in HE/SA be aware of to avoid potential burnout? How can we support our HE/SA professionals to practice better self-care and provide them with mental health structures that will help retain them?