The Southwest Association of College & University Housing Officers (SWACUHO) was chartered in 1966 after discussions by various housing officers regarding the need for a regional association at the national conference the previous year.  The first SWACUHO meeting was hosted at Southern Methodist University February 25-26, 1966.

MISSION
The Southwest Association of College & University Housing Officers (SWACUHO) supports a diverse, inclusive, and successful membership by providing opportunities to connect, engage, and grow in the housing profession.

VISION
To create a community where engagement and developmental opportunities support the professional growth of SWACUHO stakeholders, in support of residential student success.

FOCUS AREAS
In support of our mission and vision, SWACUHO has identified is committed to the following focus areas.

Development
Providing opportunities and resources that advance education and research to support the development and success of members.

Connection
Facilitating interactions and partnerships that increase engagement, professional growth, relationships, and a sense of belonging.

Equity, Access, & Inclusion
Recruit a diverse membership while establishing a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community where members' identities are supported to engage and flourish authentically.

Pathways
Allocating time, resources, and opportunities that support member engagement in meaningful professional experiences and recognizing their contributions to the profession.

GOALS/OUTCOMES

Development

• Establish a resource repository accessible to all members
• Diversity programmatic offerings to be more inclusive of a wide variety of disciplines and experience levels within the housing profession
• Align programmatic offerings with relevant professional organization competencies and standards
• Continue to offer scholarships to support members' professional development

Connection

• Ensure effective communications across the region and to membership
• Create a mentoring program for membership at various experience levels across the association
• Effectively market the benefits of the association to members and other stakeholders
• Support and promote developmental opportunities offered by institutions within the region and other professional organizations

Equity, Access, & Inclusion

• Assertively recruit a diverse membership and work to remove barriers to access, inclusion, engagement, and a sense of belonging for members
• Establish networking opportunities for member interest and affinity groups
• Increase inclusivity of the association through education, policies, processes, leadership opportunities, marketing and communications, and interactions

Pathways

• Establish virtual engagement opportunities
• Offer experiences, opportunities, and education for members to progress into leadership roles within the association
• Increase association transparency and accountability to members and stakeholders

For more information on the history of SWACUHO, please visit our SWACUHO History Book.