A Message from OACUHO President Dorcas Mensah

Dear Colleagues,

As I officially begin my tenure as President of our esteemed association, I want to express gratitude for the trust and support I have received so far. I really appreciate the foundation that has been built by the past Presidents and Directors on who’s shoulders the 2024-2025 Board of Directors and I stand on.

From its inception, OAUCHO has influenced the advancement of student housing whilst setting a standard of excellence in our program delivery. In the spirit of collaboration, I and the Board of Directors are committed to advancing the profession of College and University student housing through the implementation of our new strategic plan.

With a shared vision of fostering an inclusive community of learning and engagement, we are excited to unveil our enhanced initiatives throughout the year, namely our Fall & Spring Conferences, affinity group programs, mentorship, webinars, and community of practices. The vision extends to our digital spaces to ensure intentional connections and increase the ease of access through our social media platforms, website, targeted listservs, online forums and The Pulse newsletter.

I would be remiss if I did not mention our shared commitment to maintaining equitable spaces and addressing racial injustices as it intersects with our members. Our approach to this work is collaborative, intersectional, intentional, and directed. Our collective focus is on reducing the oppression of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) communities at the intersections of their identities - with the recognition that all oppressions are linked and that the work is ongoing.

Together, we will continue making space for learning, challenging ideas, sharing best practices and cultivating a culture where the lived experience of persons matters as much as their credentials and expertise. I encourage each one of you to actively engage with OACUHO, take advantage of the opportunities available, and contribute to the vibrant community we have built. Your voices, insights, and contributions are invaluable to our collective success.

Thank you for entrusting me with the role of President. I look forward to learning and connecting with you. Wishing you a wonderful year with many opportunities to reconnect and build new connections with each other. 

Yours truly,

D. Mensah
24-25 OACUHO President