Journal Unveils Digital Platform
The Journal of College and University Student Housing aims to meet evolving research needs with a new digital publishing platform. The delivery system, powered by Scholastica, will allow the Journal Board to publish more timely information and also better distribute articles through academic databases.
In recent years, the Journal published three issues each year: two with general peer-reviewed articles that come via submissions and one focused on a particular theme managed by guest editors. Under this new online-first model, the manuscripts will still be collected into issues, but before that, they will be published individually. Doing so will reduce the length of time between a manuscript being selected and it being published, which authors appreciate. In addition, it allows opportunities to fast-track specific articles if they speak to a timely topic.
Along with publishing manuscripts in an easy-to-read format, an additional benefit of Scholastica’s open-access platform is the way it feeds into academic databases. This will allow more readers and researchers to discover the Journal, which, in turn, will lead to its contributors being cited in other works, spotlighting their contributions to the body of knowledge and giving them more credibility.
Two new manuscripts have been published and are available. In addition, volunteers are adding manuscripts from the Journal archive. More information is available here.
Black Professionals Network Building Legacy
The ACUHO-I Black Professionals Network connects Black professionals working in housing and residence life and provides opportunities to connect, grow, and lead. Grounded in authenticity, advocacy, and a shared commitment to thriving within the student housing profession, the network has hosted virtual gatherings and storytelling spotlights as well as structured mentorship and thought-provoking conversations. In each, the focus has been to center Black voices, celebrate Black excellence, and support others at every stage of the journey.
A growing mentorship program, which provides a space for emerging professionals to connect with seasoned leaders in the field, is a network cornerstone. Through intentional pairings and ongoing support, the mentors and mentees cultivate impactful relationships, share lessons, and gain insight. For both sides of the mentoring relationship, the program has been a powerful way to invest in the future of Black leadership in housing.
The network also presents awards to individuals who exemplify excellence, advocacy, and innovation in their work. These awards honor the passion and persistence of Black professionals who are making meaningful change in their communities and on their campuses. Celebrating wins is as important as facing challenges, and these recognitions are a testament to the brilliance within the network.
The network also hosts a series of educational and social virtual roundtables designed to foster learning, build community, and spark connections. These spaces have brought members together to share knowledge, uplift one another’s experiences, and cultivate a sense of belonging beyond campus borders. Topics have included professional development and gathering with others to share questions and utilize the power of collective wisdom and support.
That work will switch to face-to-face interactions at this year’s Campus Home. LIVE! conference. On Saturday, June 28, network members will host a pre-conference session called “Don’t Break Your Soul: Holistic Well-Being for Housing Practitioners.” The session will invite professionals to explore their values, redefine success on their own terms, and establish sustainable practices prioritizing well-being. Then, on Monday, June 30, the network has organized a roundtable session called “Black in Housing: Bridging the Gap Between Professional Levels.” In this session, attendees will have a candid conversation about advancement, retention, and building equitable pathways for Black professionals in housing. This roundtable will spotlight shared challenges, amplify community solutions, and identify practical steps to strengthen mentorship pipelines and institutional support across professional levels.
More information is available on the ACUHO-I website or by contacting network chair Kiara Venegas.
Training Institute Celebrates Another Year
The 2025 Roelf Visser Student Housing Training Institute, held in Grabouw, South Africa, recently concluded five days of learning, reflection, and connection among housing professionals who gathered from around the world. This year was also noteworthy as it marked the final year for Derek Jackson serving as the institute’s co-director. He was joined by Lanché van Tonder from the University of Pretoria, who is also ACUHO-I’s Global Initiatives Director.
Jackson, the associate vice president of community building and director of housing and dining services at Kansas State University, has been involved with the institute since 2012. He became co-director in 2021 and has been instrumental in shaping and strengthening the event. In 2023, he received the ACUHO-I Presidential Service Award in recognition of his many contributions in this area.
The Roelf Visser Student Housing Training Institute, which features workshops on inclusive leadership, student wellbeing, and resilience, is one of the hallmarks of the relationship between ACUHO-I and the Southern Africa Chapter. Stephanie Carter-Atkins of Wake Forest University will take over as the co-director for the 2026 institute.
Welcome Home
ACUHO-I welcomes members who joined in March and April 2025.
Institutions
Claremont McKenna College (Claremont, California)
Independence Community College (Independence, Kansas)
University of Global Health Equity (Kigali, Rwanda)
University of Minnesota-Rochester (Rochester, Minnesota)
Individuals
Nicole Bowes (Kerville, Texas)
TJ Fedyk (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
Benjamin Meagher (Holland, Michigan)
Mijeong Park (Mangilao, Guam)
Cat Ramirez (Springfield, Ohio)
Zhuangli Yee (Singapore)
Industry Partners
Campus Comforts (Dover, Delaware)
HSP Bedding Solutions (Orwell, Ohio)
Instawork (San Francisco, California)