I’ll admit it—I’m a Millennial. And while that means I’m not the most credible source when it comes to understanding Gen Z, I have spent enough time in Higher Education to see how student engagement has shifted over the years. Now that I’ve stepped away from the world of learning outcomes and passive programming, I can see the bigger picture: The Curricular Approach, in its current form, isn’t working for Gen Z.
Before you come for me with pitchforks, let me be clear: I’m not saying the Curricular Approach is a total failure. It was designed with good intentions—to provide structured, intentional learning outside the classroom. And, some institutions have fine tuned it to catch it up to the modern age. But the reality is, Gen Z students aren’t responding to it the way educators hoped. The question is: Why? And more importantly, how do we fix it?
Understanding Gen Z – What Makes Them Different?
First, let’s talk about what sets Gen Z apart from previous generations. If we don’t understand their needs and behaviors, we can’t expect our programming to be successful.
1. They’re Digital Natives – These students grew up with YouTube, TikTok, and Google at their fingertips. If they want to learn something, they don’t wait for an RA-led program to teach them—they watch a 90-second TikTok tutorial.
2. They Value Individualized Learning – Unlike Millennials, who grew up with structured classroom settings and a “sit and listen” approach, Gen Z thrives on self-directed learning. They’re used to algorithms curating content specifically for them, which makes one-size-fits-all programming feel impersonal and outdated.
3. Their Attention Spans Are Shorter – Okay, technically, their attention spans aren’t shorter—they’re just better at filtering out what they don’t find valuable. If a program feels too long, irrelevant, or like a thinly veiled lecture, they’ll disengage fast (if they even show up to begin with).
4. They Prioritize Authenticity & Mental Health – Gen Z has an incredible bullshit detector. If something feels performative, they won’t buy into it. They’re also the most mental health-conscious generation yet, meaning they won’t participate in programming that feels like extra work or emotional labor.
How the Curricular Approach Is Missing the Mark
So, where is the Curricular Approach falling short? Here are a few ways:
- It’s (sometimes) Too Structured & Predictable – Many institutions rely on rigid learning outcomes that don’t allow for organic student engagement. Gen Z doesn’t want to attend yet another program that feels like an extension of a syllabus.
- It’s (sometimes) More Lecture Than Experience – We’ve all seen the classic “RA stands in front of a PowerPoint” program. Gen Z isn’t here for it. They learn best through interactive, experience-based engagement, not passive listening.
- It (sometimes) Lacks Immediate Payoff – Unlike Millennials, who might have attended programs because “it looks good on a resume,” Gen Z wants immediate, tangible value. If they don’t see how it benefits them right now, they won’t show up.
- It (sometimes) Relies Too Heavily on Passive Learning – Bulletin boards, newsletters, and email campaigns? That’s not engagement. Gen Z skims (or ignores) these entirely. They need real, meaningful interaction to stay invested.
How to Fix It – Making the Curricular Approach Work for Gen Z
You don’t need to scrap the Curricular Approach—you just need to adapt it. Here’s how:
- Embrace Micro-Engagement – Instead of long, structured events, try:
- Shorter programs (15-30 minutes instead of an hour)
- Interactive Instagram polls and TikTok-style education
- Gamification (scavenger hunts, trivia, digital badges)
- Prioritize Experience Over Lecture – Make programming hands-on and immersive rather than lecture-based. Try:
- Escape rooms with learning objectives
- Peer-led discussions (Gen Z trusts their peers more than authority figures)
- Simulation-based learning (real-life budgeting exercises, crisis response games)
- Make It Optional—but Irresistible – Gen Z doesn’t want to be forced to engage, but they will if it’s fun. Try:
- Creating FOMO—hype events on social media, use exclusive sign-ups
- Using student influencers (popular RAs, club leaders) to spread the word
- Offering instant perks (snacks, swag, social incentives)
- Focus on Real-Life Relevance – If it doesn’t feel immediately useful, they won’t care. Programs should:
- Teach practical skills (networking, self-care, personal finance)
- Offer mental health-friendly engagement (quiet events, journaling)
- Align with what they actually care about (social justice, career growth, relationships)
The Curricular Approach isn’t doomed—it just needs a refresh. If we want Gen Z to engage, we have to meet them where they are: in short-form content, interactive experiences, and programming that actually respects their time.
As a Millennial, I get that I’m not in their world the way current students are. But I also know that when I was an RA, Res Life looked a lot different. And from the outside looking in, I can’t help but wonder: Are we trying to make students fit the Curricular Approach when we should be making the Curricular Approach fit students? If we don’t evolve, we’ll lose them. It’s time to adapt—because Gen Z isn’t waiting around for us to catch up.
