The ACUHO-I Leadership Academy provides an opportunity for housing and residence life professionals with 5–7 years of experience from diverse backgrounds to enhance their leadership skills and gain experiences that translate to advancement both on their home campuses and within the Association’s volunteer leadership pipeline.
The 2026–2027 cohort will be geared towards housing and residence life professionals who identify as first-generation college graduates. This 12-month academy offers a tailored experience at the annual conference, monthly cohort meetings, and individualized mentorship designed to foster professional growth, strengthen leadership skills, and enhance participants’ sense of belonging within both the field and the Association.
2026 Applicant Criteria
- 5–7 years of experience as a full-time professional in campus housing and residence life.
- Identifies as a first-generation college graduate working as a full-time campus housing and residence life professional.
- Approval to participate in the 12-month program (May 2026–May 2027).
- Support to attend the 2026 Campus Home. LIVE! experience, June 20–24, 2026, in Orlando, Florida (limited scholarship funding available).
Application Deadline
All applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET (U.S.) on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Program Focus Areas and Objectives
Career Advancement
- Build a professional network through engagement with peers, mentors, and leaders in the field.
- Learn from leaders in the field about career paths, leadership philosophies, and day-to-day leadership practice.
- Identify leadership pathways within ACUHO-I and the broader field of housing and residence life.
- Cultivate mentorship relationships as both a mentee and a future mentor.
Self-Efficacy
- Strengthen confidence by addressing barriers such as imposter syndrome and leadership myths.
- Develop strategies for self-advocacy, setting boundaries, and leading authentically.
- Develop a leadership portfolio to document skills gained and prepare for future opportunities.
Leadership Development
- Identify opportunities to contribute to ACUHO-I through committees, task forces, and leadership roles.
- Apply leadership theories and models to professional practice.
- Integrate ethics into leadership decision-making using real-world higher education scenarios.
- Develop a personal leadership vision.
Organizational Acumen
- Build leadership skills to navigate institutional and political structures.
- Strengthen confidence in leading teams, initiatives, and strategic efforts within ACUHO-I and on home campuses.