The Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) and the Center for University Excellence at American University (AU CUE) released a report today titled, “Academic Year 2021-2022: Are College Campuses Ready?”
The report reveals that as students return to in-person learning, US colleges and universities are directing most of their resources toward “supporting students’ well-being, financial needs, and mental health.” On the other hand, there is much less concern regarding the potential for “campus unrest, protests, or confrontations.”
While the report reveals that student protests and other forms of collective action were ranked low on college administrators' list of concerns, AAC&U reflected on this report with the hope that preparation for events like the ones listed above takes place.
During the time students spent learning online, transformative events such as, nationwide protests for racial justice, a polarized presidential election, a global health crisis, and the attack on the US Capitol occurred. This report serves as an informative tool for colleges and universities who may not have plans in place in the event that any form of collective action takes place.
