The influence of the global health crisis and systemic racism on the return to campus are enormous. With differing experiences, opinions, and ideas about what is needed, individuals are challenged to understand their own and others' lived experiences in 2020. Campuses should be prepared for the emotional healing and systemic changes needed in higher education. It is important for campus leaders to recognize that campuses will be places of collective trauma. Moving forward, according to the authors, campuses are likely to see more urgent concerns about food and housing insecurity, and physical, mental, and emotional health needs. Addressing these concerns will require significant levels of community and psychological support. In considering the current context, it is important for practitioners to communicate with students both immediate and long-term plans for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts and COVID-19 precautions, while acknowledging areas of uncertainty. It is critical for leaders to be aware of the emotional pulse of the campus and how trauma has manifested among various communities on campus. Leaders should be aware that emotions shift over time, and new strategies may need to be developed in order to navigate emerging emotions.