In tense moments of protest or conflict, student affairs professionals can find themselves on the line to navigate student demands or concerns against institutional policies. This session will introduce the 3 I's Framework (Invite, Identify, and Initiate) as a structured approach to responding to student demands with clarity, empathy, and direction. The framework focuses specifically on understanding the underlying needs driving student demands and developing responsive action plans. It supports administrators in moving beyond reactive decision-making and toward collaborative, trust-building engagement that honors both student voice and institutional realities.