NACA Statement on the Rise in Campus Violence

The rise in and perpetuation of incidents of violence, intolerance, and hatred on college campuses nationwide continues to cause profound harm to our students, staff, and communities. In Utah, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, and multiple HBCUs in the South; the list grows longer every day. Lives have been lost, fear has taken root, and too many are experiencing isolation and despair. 

We see you. We hear you. We support you. As Campus Activities professionals, we understand that your work extends far beyond programming as you are called during these times of crisis to listen, to console, to heal, to resolve, and to fight on. As we process through the events occurring on our campus communities and in our world, let’s recognize some of us may need to talk it out, to be silent, to be mad, to be sad, to take a break, or to focus on something else. Care for your own mental health, just as you would encourage your students and communities to do. 

Lean on the NACA community. Remember, you don’t have to go through these challenging times alone. For those of you who are attending NACA conferences these next few months, let’s use these in-person experiences to check in with one another, recharge, and recenter the important work you do. If you’re unable to join an in-person experience, consider attending an upcoming Webinar or Cohort Meetup, and lean on those virtual spaces. You belong at NACA. 

Let’s leverage the transformative power of Campus Activities to uplift our communities. Research consistently shows that students who feel a sense of belonging are more resilient, engaged, and successful. As outlined in The Case for Campus Activities, belonging directly impacts mental health, academic success, and personal development. When students feel connected through meaningful involvement, they develop the empathy and collaborative spirit necessary to bridge divides and heal communities. We can leverage Campus Activities to: 

• Build bridges through programming that celebrates differences while finding common ground 
• Channel energy toward positive action that heals rather than divides 
• Strengthen the bonds of community that make our campuses resilient against hatred  

As you look for resources and solutions, we’d encourage you to:  

• Review the hundreds of speakers, educators, and workshop facilitators listed in the NACA 24/7 database who can aid you. 
• Utilize the Case for Campus Activities toolkit to help students and colleagues understand the transformative power of Campus Activities and belonging. 
• Attend upcoming NACA Conferences and participate in NACA webinars or Cohort Meetups to stay connected with your peers, learn about important topics, and lean on our community to process these difficult times together. 
• Explore the online Resource Library for programs, resources, articles, and best practices you can implement on your campus. 
• Develop your professional and personal growth using the NACA Competencies.  

NACA remains steadfast in supporting you as you foster welcoming campus environments. Your work as bridge builders and community healers serves the highest purposes of education. We are committed to creating spaces where you can thrive and contribute your unique gifts to advancing Campus Activities. Together, we will prove that the bonds of belonging are stronger than the forces of division. With you, we will continue to create college communities where everyone belongs.