Theoretical research on university students’ engagement with higher education institutions and implications for student administration

ABSTRACT : In the context of modern higher education, the nature of student engagement has evolved. Engagement is no longer understood merely as surface-level participation, but encompasses multiple dimensions, including behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement. This paper systematically organizes foundational theoretical frameworks such as Tinto’s Interaction Theory (1993), Astin’s Involvement Model (1984), Self-Determination Theory (SDT), and theories regarding the campus environment to provide a systematic overview of student engagement with contemporary higher education institutions. Especially in the post-COVID-19 era, students’ behaviors and psychological states have undergone significant changes, necessitating a clear understanding of the true nature of student engagement with higher education institutions as a theoretical foundation for current student management practices. The study also highlights implications for student management within higher education institutions, such as designing administrative procedures oriented toward service, managing students, building communities, and promoting a student-centered culture.