By President Beth Eppinger

Greetings, SWACUHO! Since the annual conference in Norman in February, SWACUHO Leadership has been busy with continuing the work of our organization. Committee chairs have been trained, and committee meetings have started. During our Executive Board meetings, we have discussed legislative matters that affect our campuses and the student housing professionals who work there. We do not have all the answers to the rapid-fire changes in how diversity, equity, and inclusion are managed in the academy. However, after serious consideration, we have removed the SWACUHO Diversity Statement from our website, and we have removed the Equity, Access, and Inclusion section from our strategic plan. Change is ongoing, and this will likely include a repurposing of the Diversity and Social Justice Committee. As your president, I will continue to engage with other regional leaders and ACUHO-I leadership as we continue to monitor policies that may impact our membership.

These changes are occurring to ensure our members may freely engage with our organization as part of an extension of the good work they are doing on their campuses. Our member institutions will be able to host and participate with SWACUHO events with no barriers. It is understood there are different interpretations of how to comply with policies. Feelings you have around this topic are valid. Regardless of differences, what I have always experienced in our organization is that we can find common ground, and I look forward to a renewed focus on those areas as an organization. SWACUHO is more than words on a page. Our 60 years of history inform our future, and we will continue to adapt as an organization. SWACUHO is resilient, and I firmly believe you are as well. SWACUHO will continue to provide educational opportunities coupled with care and empathy.

I hope move-out and closing goes well for you and your campus. I know summer is a different kind of work, but just as busy. May you find time to rest and prepare for the fall semester. It will be good to see you and your colleagues at summer events such as the Mid-Level Summit, Arkansas Drive-in, or Campus Home Live!

If you would like to discuss this blog post or any SWACUHO matters, please reach out to President Beth Eppinger at president@swacuho.org.