Presidential Leadership | National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE)

Presidential leadership and strong support from the top campus affairs administrator is an important factor in capacity building and student success.

Even in the face of political complexities, incomplete research data, and time constraints, college and university presidents are in a critical position to influence the social atmosphere of their campuses. As the chief executive of an institution of higher education, a president can make informed decisions to improve the health and safety of students and be a catalyst for new research-based programs that will benefit future efforts to develop and maintain safe and supportive learning environments. Presidents can take an active role in assuring that their campuses provide safe and supportive learning environments by

Committing to long-term, research-based solutions

Taking an active leadership role

Involving the larger campus community

References

Featured Resources

Be Vocal, Be Visible, Be Visionary: Recommendations for College and University Presidents on Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention

The Higher Education Center formed the six-member Presidents Leadership Group to create a blueprint for alcohol and other drug prevention on college campuses. For the first time this decade, a national group of college presidents came together to review approaches for curbing student substance use and to develop a comprehensive plan of action. This step was prompted by growing public concern about high-risk drinking by college students and its negative impact on the ability of colleges and universities to fulfill their educational mission. As Center Director William DeJong explained, "Our

Catalyst (Fall 2008), Vol. 10 No. 2: Campus Leadership

Presents a compilation of articles related to presidential leadership in addressing alcohol, drug use and violence prevention initiatives and challenges on college campuses. The articles discuss lessons learned from program implementation, strategies and recommendations for better collaboration and cooperation, and an overview of governance in prevention.

Presidential Engagement of Students at Minority Serving Institutions

explores the ways that presidents engage with students, using traditional means as well as social media. As the United States becomes more heavily entrenched in social media as a form of open expression and communication, presidents have been tasked with using the various platforms to better engage with their students. The report addresses two questions: 1) What does past research say about college presidents and the engagement of students? and 2) How do presidents of Minority Serving Institutions engage students?

Related Resources

Research

A New Measure for Collegiate Learning
Research
Enrollment Declines, Transfer Barriers: Community College Presidents’ Survey
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Presidential Engagement of Students at Minority Serving Institutions
Research
Using Analytics for Student Success and Sustainability
Research

Other Resources

Call for Applicants: Teach to Lead Summit
Other Resources

Products

Policy/Guidance

Fact Sheet: Obama Administration Investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Policy/Guidance

News

How to Create—and Maintain—Healthy Student Life
News