Innovation Isn't About What's New; It's About What Works

More than 200 staff from the Division of Student Affairs gathered Thursday for a morning of bold ideas, practical tools and one clear message: meaningful innovation starts with alignment, not novelty.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeremy Battjes set that tone in his opening remarks at the division's 2026 Innovation Summit. Battjes said that today's students navigate far greater complexities than previous generations: mental health challenges, financial pressures, identity exploration, digital overload and career uncertainty.

"Innovation in higher education is not about novelty — it's about alignment," he said. "It's about ensuring our policies, programs and services align with how students actually live, learn and engage today."

Keynote speaker Amelia Parnell, president of NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, built on that theme, framing innovation as a mindset rooted in meeting students where they are. She pointed to on-campus student employment as a standout example, one that bridges classroom learning and real-world experience while deepening students' sense of belonging.

"Student employment on campus really excites me because it is one of the most impactful ways to connect learning inside and outside the classroom, without students ever having to leave campus," Parnell said. "There is so much potential there."

Attendees chose from sessions covering AI in student affairs, professional development, student voice in program design and data-informed decision making, among other topics.

Chris Butler, senior director of Information Technology for the division, presented AI in Student Affairs: Experimentation to Transformation, offering an overview of available tools and outlining how they can be used responsibly to support student and staff success.

While perceptions of artificial intelligence are mixed, Butler noted that secure tools licensed by the university hold potential to be capacity multipliers freeing up staff to focus on student belonging and well-being.

"Some future uses center on how we can further personalize the student journey and employ predictive support interventions," Butler said. "These applications will free up our staff to focus more on mentorship, crisis response, complex problem-solving and community building."

The summit also showcased presentations highlighting division initiatives already making an impact, including the Offices of Career Connections' Career-Readiness Alignment for Student Employment initiative; Hill Haven, a new partnership between the Sexual and Relationship Violence Center and Counseling and Psychological Services that expands confidential student support; and V.O.I.C.E. (Voter Outreach, Involvement and Civic Engagement), a community of students who are advancing civic engagement on campus.

Roundtable discussions on onboarding, information sharing, student involvement and environmental responsibility rounded out the program.

Lori L. Lander, assistant vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and summit chair, said the event reflects the division's commitment to organizational culture and staff growth, a priority affirmed by recent employee engagement survey results.

"We hope the summit inspired participants to think boldly, work collaboratively and explore new ways to strengthen both the staff and student experience," Lander said.