The Framework Recognises the Expertise, Impact and Leadership of Student Affairs Professionals Across Irish Higher Education
Student Affairs Ireland (SAI), the national professional body for student affairs and student services professionals across higher education in Ireland, officially launched the Professional Competencies Framework for Student Affairs Professionals in Ireland at the SAI Summer Seminar 2026, hosted by Dublin Business School.
The Framework was officially launched by Dr Ross Woods, Senior Manager, Teaching and Learning, Student Success, Health and Wellbeing at the Higher Education Authority (HEA), marking a significant milestone in the ongoing development and recognition of student affairs as a profession within Irish higher education.
Dr Woods, noted “The publication of the SAI Professional Competencies Framework comes at an opportune moment. This framework not only articulates but also acknowledges the expertise, commitment and experience of the student affairs profession in Ireland. Student affairs professionals play a vital and often unseen role in delivering on national policy objectives in areas such as student success and health and wellbeing. This framework helps make the implicit explicit, recognising work that is often overlooked but is essential to the academic mission of institutions.”
The launch took place as part of the SAI Summer Seminar 2026, themed:
“Student Services as a Profession: Expertise, Impact and Leadership in Irish Higher Education.”
The theme reflects the growing contribution student affairs professionals make to student success, wellbeing, belonging, engagement and retention across Ireland’s higher education institutions.
Welcoming delegates from across the sector, SAI President, Linda Barry highlighted the increasingly important role student affairs professionals play in supporting students and strengthening institutions.
“Across our institutions, student affairs professionals are making an increasingly significant contribution to student success, wellbeing, belonging, engagement and retention. We support students through transition and challenge, create opportunities for connection and development, and contribute directly to the success of our institutions.
The Professional Competencies Framework represents the expertise, commitment and collective wisdom of our professional community. While informed by international best practice, it remains firmly rooted in the culture, priorities and values of Irish higher education. Most importantly, it reflects the lived experience of our members, those who support, advise, empower and advocate for students every day.
As we launch the Framework today, we are doing more than introducing a document. We are affirming the value of our profession, recognising the expertise that exists across our sector, and strengthening a shared commitment to excellence in student support and engagement.”
The Professional Competencies Framework has been developed through a multi-year national consultation process led by the Student Affairs Ireland, Special Interest Group (SIG) on Professional Competencies. The group was chaired by Dr Colleen Doyle (University College Dublin) and comprised Daniel Caldwell (Atlantic Technological University), Dr Lisa Fortune (Carlow College, St Patrick’s), Maria Keane (University College Cork), and Dr Niamh Nestor (University College Dublin). The development process was supported by extensive engagement with Student Affairs professionals from institutions throughout Ireland and informed by international expertise, including the work of Dr Andrew Ryder from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Speaking on behalf of the Professional Competencies SIG, Dr Colleen Doyle said:
“This Framework is the result of years of collaboration, consultation and commitment from Student Affairs professionals across Ireland. It reflects both international best practice and the unique context of Irish higher education. Most importantly, it captures the expertise, values and impact of colleagues who work every day to support student success, wellbeing, belonging and engagement.
The Framework provides a shared foundation for professional practice, leadership, reflective learning and advocacy, helping to articulate the significant contribution Student Affairs professionals make to higher education in Ireland.”
Designed as a practical professional development resource, the Framework supports individuals at all stages of their careers while helping institutions better recognise, develop and articulate the value of student affairs work. It also provides a shared language for professional practice and contributes to the continuing professionalisation of the sector.
The launch also reflects the wider work of Student Affairs Ireland in supporting professional excellence across the sector. Throughout the year, SAI members contribute to national research, publications, professional development initiatives, policy discussions and communities of practice that strengthen the student experience across Irish higher education.
