The COVID-19 crisis presented unique challenges for senior student affairs officers (SSAOs). Through interviews with a diverse group of 23 SSAOs, this study investigated SSAOs perceptions of this crisis as different from other crises. SSAOs identified several characteristics that made this crisis unique: no playbook to use as a guide, the everchanging nature of the pandemic, the duration, involvement of external entities, and intensity. Our findings highlight the importance of self-care, developing and sustaining partnerships, and balancing flexibility and guiding values when managing crises. Although COVID-19 is no longer a significant concern for student affairs leaders, the lessons learned from experiencing the pandemic remain relevant.