College campuses are navigating a time of extraordinary challenges, from post-election tensions to campus-wide protests. These moments test the strength of community and leadership alike, requiring higher education institutions to foster resilience in response to crises and as an integral part of their culture.
This article is adapted from CDI’s recent webinar, Rebuilding Resilient Campus Communities: Strategies for Healing and Preparing for Future Challenges and features insights from three higher education experts:
Sarah Stroup, Professor of Political Science at Middlebury College and Director of the Catherine Wasserman Davis Collaborative in Conflict Transformation.
Melissa Jones, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students at the University of Mary Washington.
Bobby Derival, Chief Administrative Officer at the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at City College of New York (CUNY).
What is Campus Resilience?
Higher education institutions are microcosms of broader societal tensions. As such, events such as divisive elections, campus protests, and contentious speakers can expose and exacerbate rifts within campus communities. Yet, experienced leaders know that these challenges also present opportunities for strengthening campus culture and growing students’ skills.
Conflict, while commonly perceived as negative, is a natural part of the human experience. When conflict is approached constructively, it can deepen relationships, strengthen community bonds, and advance positive social change. Campuses that embrace a constructive approach to conflict are more resilient.
Strategies for Building Campus Resilience
1. Engage Early With the Hard Conversations
Waiting until tensions boil over often exacerbates divisions. Proactive engagement creates opportunities for understanding and trust before crises arise.
At Middlebury College, discussions around polarizing topics, such as the Israeli Palestinian conflict, began well before major events escalated. Sarah Stroup explained:
“You cannot wait for the hottest moments to tackle the hardest issues. Preparation and scaffolding are key.”
2. Foster Dialogue—But Know Its Limits
Dialogue can be a powerful tool for healing, but it’s not always the right solution. When navigating high-stakes moments, higher education leaders must combine dialogue with action. Bobby Derival highlighted that clear policies and defined steps often serve as the foundation for trust when community members face uncertainty. At the Colin Powell School, structured approaches like faculty training and collaboration with task forces ensure that institutions respond effectively without over-reliance on conversation alone.
3. Invest in Staff and Faculty Development
Faculty and staff are on the frontlines of guiding students through turbulent times. Institutions must empower them with tools and training to lead effectively.
Bobby Derival provided a candid reflection on moments when he felt unprepared to respond to complex situations or felt at odds with institutional decisions. During the webinar, he emphasized:
“There are times when you’re put on the spot in a way that you can’t fully prepare for. It’s in those moments where aligning with the broader mission becomes critical.”
Bobby described how a staff retreat at the Colin Powell School became a pivotal moment for addressing these challenges. The retreat provided a structured opportunity for leaders to explore these tensions, find clarity on their roles, and develop a shared understanding of how to balance personal values with institutional policies and behavior.
Sarah Stroup emphasized that resilience begins with how adults model engagement during moments of conflict. She observed that many students view dialogue as synonymous with demobilization and resist participating in discussions. Sarah noted:
“Adults on campus cannot show up in defensive mode—that models an aversion to conflict.”
Sarah explained that fostering a culture of conflict transformation involves patience and persistence:
“It’s a slow process, but we’re seeing students open up to these conversations, which signals a shift in how they view dialogue and engagement.”
4. Prioritize Transparency and Collaboration
Transparent communication is essential to building trust during uncertain times. Sarah Stroup highlighted:
“Trust is built through small, consistent actions. Be honest about challenges and willing to take actionable steps.”
Sarah emphasized the importance of establishing networks of collaboration as a key strategy for fostering resilience. At Middlebury College, these networks bring together diverse stakeholders—including faculty, staff, and students—to share perspectives and collectively address challenges, ensuring that trust-building becomes a shared responsibility.
Take the Next Step Toward a Resilient Campus
Resilience doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of deliberate, ongoing efforts to foster trust, unity, and preparedness. CDI offers tailored resources and tools to help campuses build a thriving, connected community. In our resource library, you’ll find strategies for fostering dialogue, case studies on successful campus initiatives, and evidence-based frameworks to navigate disruptions effectively.
If you’d like to explore how CDI’s offerings can support your campus goals, schedule a consultation with our Partnerships Team to discuss how we can work together.
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