Hello ACUHO-I. I am writing this a mere 60 days before the start of Campus Home. Live!, the ACUHO-I conference and expo being held this year in Portland, Oregon. There will be even fewer days left by the time you read this. But, for college and university housing professionals, we know that there still is a lot to get done on our campuses during that timeframe. Halls will close, and students will head home. Renovation projects will break ground. Conferences will convene. Rooms will be assigned. Then, before you know it, student staff training will start up. New staff will be onboarded. Rooms will be reassigned. And then the students are back. Whew!
With all these deadlines and pressing projects, it may feel daunting to take any time to catch your breath, let alone pursue any professional development. Understanding that, ACUHO-I continues to put a great deal of time and effort into making sure our professional development resources live up to your needs and your expectations. I can assure you that the fruits of that labor will be on display in Portland.
During the often stressful times of our work, I understand that it can feel like a challenge just to get through the day-to-day. But when I am surrounded by other campus housing professionals in a conference auditorium, program session, or networking reception, I feel a surge of energy and confidence.
Campus Home. Live! is the conference designed to advance your work and career in campus housing by connecting you with forward-thinking professional leaders. Purposeful planning has created an event that provides an opportunity for campus housing professionals from all stages of their careers to communicate through shared experiences and collaboration.
For senior housing officers, it will be a chance to build connections, gain insights, and discover tools to help their institutions succeed. Mid-level professionals will gain new knowledge to build upon their experiences in a way that will support their continued advancement. Emerging professionals will be exposed to some of the most influential professional and business leaders who will ignite their excitement for learning and forging ahead as campus housing and residence life professionals. And all of us will join together to celebrate our successes and the influential, impactful, and successful work we do to create exemplary student experiences.
During the often stressful times of our work, I understand that it can feel like a challenge just to get through the day-to-day. But when I am surrounded by other campus housing professionals in a conference auditorium, program session, or networking reception, I feel a surge of energy and confidence. It transforms me from survival mode into thriving mode. It charges my professional batteries and empowers me as the new academic season begins.
I hope that you will be able to join me in Portland for Campus Home. Live! this June 26–29 to have your batteries charged as well. The volunteers have assembled a rich slate of presentations, topped off with captivating speakers for the plenary sessions. If you see me in the hallways, be sure to say hello. Hearing from you inspires me as well.
— Leon McClinton, ACUHO-I President
Talking Stick magazine takes its name from the symbol of international friendship presented to ACUHO-I in 1973 by the Ohiat Band of the British Columbia Indian Nation. The talking stick, or speaker’s staff, is hand-carved, and the inscription explains, “It is a sign of authority carried when proclamations are to be made or a meeting of chiefs is in session. It is a token of common heritage both to Canadians and Americans.”
