Caring for caregivers within educational settings is key to guaranteeing the delivery of effective and comprehensive student services. Among these caregivers are Student Affairs Practitioners (SAPs), whose work shapes students’ development. With enormous responsibility comes great stress, emotional strain, and many competing demands and challenges. To be effective, resilient, and long-lasting in one's career, one must focus on their own well-being as well as being a supporter. This study explored how SAPs construct and narrate their self-care practices, with attention to both formal strategies (e.g., institutional programs) and informal strategies (including self-initiated approaches). This research used a narrative inquiry approach, which involved the collection and interpretation of the lived experiences of SAPs. The objective was to investigate how they managed their professional care responsibilities and personal well-being. It examined the significance they placed on self-care, the challenges they encountered in maintaining such practices, and their perspectives on the efficacy of these methods in fostering professional identity, stress reduction, and resilience The findings revealed key practices, including setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, fostering effective team collaboration, engaging in professional development, and cultivating positive relationships with students. At the same time, the study uncovered institutional gaps that compromise practitioner wellness, demonstrating the importance of workplace initiatives that build supportive and sustainable environments in higher education. This research contributes to the discussion on student affairs' well-being by amplifying the voices of practitioners and advocating for a culture of care that supports both students and the professionals who serve them.

Authors:
Mary Marjiemae Lorenzo, De La Salle University Manila, Philippines
Ajocrivipor Agojo, De La Salle University Manila, Philippines
Melvin Macuha, St. Paul University Manila, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Ms. Lorenzo is currently the Coordinator for the Council of Student Organizations under Student LIFE of the De La Salle University Manila, Philippines. Ms. Lorenzo is a licensed psychometrician, professional teacher and registered Guidance Counselor.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

Bookmark