Questions and uncertainty about the political climate and changing economic conditions have started to affect how campus housing departments approach staffing, budgets, operations, and professional development according to findings from a recent ACUHO-I straw poll.
The 2025 Current Impacts Straw Poll, conducted last month, surveyed senior housing officers across the United States. Among the findings was news that several institutions have responded to executive orders and state legislation by adjusting programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, there remains a strong desire for continued professional development and training.
Staffing Impacts:
- Hiring Plans: overall, 55.6% of institutions reported no impact on hiring plans, while 44.4% indicated their hiring plans have been affected.
- Sector Differences: Private institutions reported higher impacts on hiring plans compared to public institutions.
- Bed Capacity: Institutions with more than 7,500 beds reported the highest percentage of impacted hiring plans.
Budget Adjustments:
- Fiscal Years 25 & 26: Budget adjustments were reported at both the college/university and departmental levels for both years, with private not-for-profit institutions experiencing more changes than public institutions.
- Professional Development: Funding for professional association memberships, volunteering, and training has been reduced, with many institutions reporting significant cuts.
Training and Program Changes:
- DEI Content: Many institutions have adjusted, eliminated, or rebranded DEI training and programs due to executive orders and state legislation.
- Operational Functions: Many institutions reported operational impacts, which include renaming or rebranding identity-based programs and increased legal and compliance oversight.
Takeaways:
- Public institutions appear to be less impacted by staffing and budget changes compared to private institutions.
- Institutions with 3,000-5,000 beds report limited impacts on hiring and budget adjustments.
- There is a strong desire for continued engagement in professional development and training, with a preference for asynchronous courses and low-cost, regional or drive-in events.
ACUHO-I is committed to supporting its members by providing resources and advocating for their needs as they meet the evolving needs of the campus housing profession.
The full poll results are available to download below. A follow-up survey will be conducted later this year.
About ACUHO-I: The Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I) is the leading organization for campus housing professionals. ACUHO-I provides innovative resources, professional development, and advocacy to support the success of its members and the students they serve.
