Why Are Working Parents Staying in Student Affairs?

Higher education work norms have long been unsustainable in their substantial demands on employees’ time. Student affairs professionals often feel overworked and undercompensated. This qualitative study of 25 working parents in the United States analyzes their orientation toward work and attrition with a particular focus on the 2020–2022 time period. Family concerns shape their commitments to student affairs. Institutions should be more mindful of the family and care work responsibilities facing employees.