Editor’s Note: This article is adapted from a conversation with Jennifer Herzog on the Illumination Podcast, where she discusses the evolving landscape of student engagement in higher education. To hear the full discussion, listen to the episode here.
The post-pandemic higher education landscape is fundamentally different from what came before. Institutions that once relied on organic student engagement—where students naturally gravitated toward events and activities—are now facing a new reality. Students today require more intentional outreach, tailored programming and a reimagined sense of community to fully participate in campus life.
Higher education leaders must rethink traditional models of student engagement and create more inclusive, adaptive environments that meet students where they are. This is not just about offering more programs; it’s about shifting the way institutions understand and facilitate engagement in a world where connection looks and feels different than it did just a few years ago.
The Evolution of Student Engagement
Before the pandemic, student engagement often happened spontaneously. A student might wander past an event, peek in, recognize a few faces and decide to join. Today, however, students are much less likely to attend events alone. The barriers to participation have grown, influenced by increased social anxiety, digital-first habits and shifting student priorities.
Rather than large, high-energy gatherings, students are increasingly drawn to low-pressure, intimate environments—what some are calling "parallel play" experiences. Whether it’s a paint night, a DIY craft event or simply a study session where students can work alongside peers without the pressure to interact, these formats are proving to be more effective in driving participation.
The Imperative for Inclusive, Adaptive Engagement Strategies
Every incoming class has a unique personality, shaped by world events, cultural shifts and personal experiences. Engagement strategies must be flexible enough to adapt to these evolving needs. The institutions that succeed in fostering strong student communities are those that prioritize student voices in decision-making.
This means going beyond merely surveying students about their interests. It requires actively involving them in shaping the campus experience—placing diverse student voices on decision-making committees, including them in the hiring process for key institutional roles and giving them ownership over the programs designed to serve them.
At its core, engagement is not about attendance numbers; it’s about belonging. Students who feel heard, valued and included are far more likely to invest in their institutions—not just as students, but as future alumni who continue to contribute to their campus communities long after graduation.
Measuring What Matters: Rethinking Success Metrics in Student Engagement
Too often, success in student engagement is measured by headcounts at events. But the true measure of engagement is deeper and more qualitative. Institutions must ask:
- Are students forming meaningful connections?
- Do they feel a sense of belonging on campus?
- Are they gaining personal and professional development from their engagement experiences?
Beyond tracking attendance, institutions should prioritize qualitative feedback through open-ended surveys, focus groups and one-on-one conversations. It’s also critical to gather insights from students who are not attending events—understanding their barriers to participation is just as valuable as hearing from those who are already engaged.
The Future of Student Engagement: A Call to Action for Higher Ed Leaders
The future of student engagement requires a fundamental shift: from transactional programming to transformational experiences. Institutions must move beyond simply offering events and start designing holistic engagement strategies that foster belonging, inclusivity and adaptability.
Higher education leaders must:
- Embrace personalization. Just as digital experiences are increasingly tailored to individual needs, student engagement should also reflect this shift—offering diverse formats, hybrid opportunities and interest-based communities.
- Empower students as co-creators. Give students agency in shaping their campus experiences by integrating them into planning and decision-making structures.
- Measure impact, not just participation. Move beyond headcounts and seek qualitative insights into student belonging, satisfaction and growth.
Engagement is the foundation of a thriving campus community, but the strategies that once worked are no longer enough. Institutions that rethink their approach—prioritizing inclusivity, personalization and student ownership—will be the ones that succeed in building stronger, more connected and more engaged student communities for the future.
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