The political and social unrest seen on college campuses last spring and that may potentially reignite this fall has little impact on college recruiting, according to results of a recent NACE quick poll.

Fifty-five percent of employers responding to the NACE Quick Poll on Campus Protests and University Recruiting for Fall 2024 said they are slightly or not at all concerned about the impacts of potential political or social unrest on college campuses, while just 14% are extremely or very concerned.

As a result of their unconcern, nearly 80% indicated they have no intention of altering their fall recruiting plans as a result of possible unrest, while another 12% are not sure if they will make changes.

Furthermore, two-thirds of responding employers indicated that student activism does not factor into hiring decisions, while another 28% are not sure.

The majority of college respondents (60%) reported not having protests on their campus in spring 2024. Still, in response and to prepare, 32% of career services respondents have developed plans in case of campus unrest this fall. These steps include providing increased security for recruiters during campus visits and moving to virtual if unrest occurs.

NACE conducted a quick poll from July 29 through August 13, 2024, to assess ways that campus recruiting may be impacted after the increase in campus protests and lockdowns last spring. Respondents included 142 employers and 336 colleges. Full results of the quick poll are available on NACEWeb.