Academic Year 2021-2022: Are College Campuses Ready?

In the eighteen months between the COVID-19 pandemic's initial impact on higher education and the start of the 2021-22 academic year, many events shaping and crystalizing ideological perspectives transpired across the nation and around the world. For the millions of college students returning to campus, as well as for faculty and staff, the environment of the academic year will be like no other they have ever encountered. The emotional upheaval of 2020-21 is sure to affect the views and experiences of those returning to campus. This report explores how well prepared colleges and universities are to support students as they readjust to in-person learning and rising national polarization in the wake of several grave challenges encountered since the onset of the pandemic. The report is based on a national survey of 140 senior college and university administrators that was conducted in late spring 2021. In general, the survey findings point to campus prioritization of issues that were salient before the pandemic: engaging in more meaningful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts; supporting student well-being (including mental health); fostering students' sense of belonging; providing more financial aid and improving retention efforts for underserved students; improving coordination across existing student services; and expanding the use of data analytics. However, findings also flag the potential for campuses to be caught off guard in dealing with issues exacerbated during the pandemic and now reflected in the nation's increasing polarization. [This report was co-produced by American University (AU).]