Student Political Engagement in the Co-Curriculum: Understanding the Role of Senior Student Affairs Officers

Abstract

The apolitical nature of the civic engagement movement poses challenges to American democracy. The co-curricular experience in higher education is well positioned to address this phenomenon, but little research exists to inform practice. This article highlights the results of a qualitative study that examined how the socialization of senior student affairs officers influenced their approaches to students’ civic and political development. Implications for practice and future research are presented based on the study findings.