Residence life and education, residential curriculum and curricular approaches, student housing, and technology.
Every year, during Interview Week, I find myself having the same conversation with my returning RAs who are helping interview the next cohort. Usually, it happens at the table in between interviewing the candidates. I’ll smile and say something like, “Full circle, huh?” Just a year or two ago, they were the ones nervously sitting... Continue Reading →
"The Traitors" TV show highlights how confidence, rather than dishonesty, can lead players to failure, reflecting similar dynamics in Resident Advisor teams. Five archetypes illustrate how strengths can hide blind spots. The piece emphasizes the importance of clear communication and documentation to prevent unresolved issues, urging self-reflection and growth within teams.
January on campus tends to arrive with a mix of hope and pressure. It brings with it that new quarter/semester energy and, sometimes, new resolutions that feel motivating on January 1 but disheartening by the end of the first week. As Resident Advisors, you are not only navigating your own growth but also being role... Continue Reading →
Resident Advisors (RAs) are first and foremost community builders. One of the simplest and most useful frameworks you can use to understand how your residents grow as a group is Tuckman’s stages of group development. This includes five stages (four of which I'm focusing on here): forming, storming, norming, (performing), and adjourning. In university housing,... Continue Reading →
As a Resident Advisor (RA) or student staff member, you spent the beginning of your academic year helping residents create roommate agreements. You got them to sit down with you and created an informal contract that would serve as a living, breathing document. Nevertheless, even the best agreements can hit rough patches once real life... Continue Reading →
Imagine posting a story where you complain about some aspect of serving residents. Maybe you caption it, “If one more person knocks on my door I’m quitting.” Or, imagine you and your Resident Advisor (RA) friends dancing to a viral sound. The text on the screen reads, “Getting called out at 3am to clean vomit... Continue Reading →
Let’s be real: sometimes being an RA feels like you’re basically there for when something goes wrong. You’re the one who gets called when there’s a lockout, when someone’s too loud at 2 A.M., and when someone’s clothes get “stolen” from the laundry machine. And while those pieces of your job description can definitely feel... Continue Reading →
Let’s be real: almost everyone has enjoyed a quirky Buzzfeed quiz! These quizzes are addictive because they make self-discovery fun and weirdly accurate. What if we could bring that same energy into one of the most challenging parts of our job as student staff members? Personal assessments aren’t just enjoyable wastes of time. When used... Continue Reading →
In the span of around two years, AI is integrated everywhere, and there’s a good chance you have used it at least once. Yet, like any tool, using AI responsibly is key in your role as a student leader. This is especially the case when you’re upholding a position anchored by trust, communication, and connection. ... Continue Reading →
“Why wouldn’t you be allowed to? You’re an adult?” “What do you mean you need permission? You’re out of the house?” “No, I definitely hear a slight accent when you speak!” These are all quotes I’ve heard directed towards first generation and/or students of color. They’re almost always without malice, but they sting nevertheless. This... Continue Reading →
Deciding whether to pursue a graduate degree is a significant step in your career and personal journey, no matter the field of study. It's a decision that requires careful consideration of your goals, priorities, and personal circumstances. This is no exception when it comes to considering Student Affairs Masters programs. Here’s a guide to navigate... Continue Reading →
If you’ve ever thought of this question, you’re not alone. A lot of Resident Advisors (or any student staff members for that matter) who love their roles wonder if their passion can translate into a full-time career. It’s no secret that many people in the field of Student Affairs land here because of their positive... Continue Reading →
As a student staff member, you dedicate significant time to supporting your peers, learning on the job, and growing in ways that might not always be obvious. Whether you aim to pursue a career in student affairs, apply for an internship, or step into an entirely different field, your experience in this role is invaluable.... Continue Reading →
Before working in a professional role, I had heard a lot of abstract discourse on the workplace from social media and friends. When I first started, I was fresh out of graduate school as well as a variety of highly-supervised student staff roles. Early on, it became clear that there wasn’t a singular, right way... Continue Reading →
