Fostering student engagement in 2025: heard at ACUHO-I
Priorities, strategies, and spaces that make a difference
Each year, the Association of College and University Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-I) conference gives housing professionals a rare opportunity: to step back, connect with peers from around the globe, and take a close look at how we’re supporting today’s students. At this year’s event, our team at Treanor posed a key question to attendees at our booth:
“Given the evolving needs of today’s students, what are your top priorities for student engagement—and which strategies have worked best?”
With more than 40 sticky-note responses from student life professionals across the country, two themes rose to the top:
- A strong sense of belonging
- A commitment to holistic student wellbeing
Here’s what we heard, and how you can apply these insights to elevate student life on your campus.
Top priorities for today's student experience
Belonging and inclusion
Students thrive when they feel seen, valued, and connected. Respondents stressed that engagement starts with relationships and identity affirmation.
Key priorities mentioned:
- Encouraging authentic connections between students and staff
- Supporting diversity within residential communities
- Prioritizing inclusion beyond visibility — making students feel like they truly belong
- Creating cozier, small-scale social settings that feel safe and welcoming
Wellness and wellbeing
Mental, emotional, and physical health remain central to retention and success. Beyond reactive care, housing professionals are embracing a proactive approach to student wellness, with an emphasis on creativity, joy, and personal growth.
Key priorities mentioned:
- Training staff to approach students with empathy and openness
- Incorporating programming that brings fun and emotional release
- Designing spaces and initiatives that support rest, safety, and expression
Strategies that work
Strong relationships lead to strong communities. Many of the most effective strategies shared at ACUHO-I focused on connection intentional programming. Check out these strategies for what’s working on campuses right now.
People-first approaches
- Build authentic relationships between students, RAs, and professional staff
- Train RAs to be people-centric mentors, not just rule enforcers
- Make 1-on-1 connections a priority, helping students feel like they truly belong
- Be curious and responsive to each student’s unique background and needs
- Use tech as a bridge, then transition to in-person engagement
- Reach out creatively, beyond traditional methods and spaces
Operational tactics
- Design diverse and joyful programming that reflects students’ interests
- Meet students where they are—in dining halls, lounges, or clubs
- Encourage social interaction through door-knocking, casual invites, and co-created events
- Connect students to campus resources and interest-based communities like Living Learning Programs
“Student engagement more and more comes from spaces that bring out creativity and encourage interactivity!”
ACUHO-I attendee
Designing spaces that support engagement
The environment plays a critical role in how students connect, participate, and feel about where they live. These strategies will help you leverage your spaces to support student connectivity.
Spaces that foster belonging
- Right-sized personal rooms: Comfortable but not isolating
- Multipurpose and flexible-use rooms for study, events, and casual hangouts
- Cozy, small-group areas that invite conversation
- Creative spaces such as recording studios for music, podcasts, and artistic expression
Spaces that support wellbeing
- Interactive, creative environments that inspire and relax
- Safe, accessible areas with clear resource education
- Outdoor and landscaped zones for wellness programming
- Home-like touches in older buildings to create warmth and comfort
The big picture: why design matters for student success
Student housing professionals are on the frontlines of connection, wellbeing, and retention. As student expectations evolve, your work continues to stretch further, meet more needs, and make space for all students to thrive. Student engagement in 2025 is more than just showing up—it’s about connection, care, and community.
At Treanor, we believe architecture should reflect that same commitment. Design that encourages interaction. Spaces that promote joy. Environments that reflect who students are, and who they’re becoming.
Our Higher Education design team is proud to collaborate with student life professionals who understand that engagement isn’t just about filling rooms.
It’s about connection, care, and community.
Connect with us
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