Caring, dedication, and participation; are the three links that are used to describe how NACURH members work to lead, serve, and create a community on many of our campuses. Join NACURH Advisor, Jamie Lloyd, and NACURH Regional Advisor, Tommy Newsome, II, as they each talk about their journey from being student leaders to now serving as professional staff advisors in the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH). They offer sage advice on being a good advisor, recruiting student leaders to your Community Councils and RHA Boards, and exactly what NACURH is about!
ResEdChat Ep 39: Using the Doctorate To Amplify the Voices of Students and Staff
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Guest Host Crystal Lay speaks with Drs. Kawanna Leggett and Erik Sorenson, and future Dr. Alvin Mangosing about each of their decisions to pursue a doctoral degree and how they are using what they have learned to enhance the experience of their staff and students. They also highlight the importance of each person making educational and career decisions that make sense for themselves. Finally, they each provide their thoughts on whether one needs a doctoral degree to do our work in college student housing and residence life.
ResEdChat Ep 37: Understanding the Experiences of Indigenous Students On Campus
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Host Crystal lay speaks with Nate Armenta from Northern Arizona University about ways that college and university staff can support Native and Indigenous students and staff. Nate speaks on language, culture, land acknowledgments, and the importance of access to education for Native and Indigenous students.
ResEdChat Ep 33: Keith Edward’s New Book, “Unmasking: Toward Authentic Masculinity”
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Keith Edwards to discuss his new book, Unmasking: Toward Authentic Masculinity. "Based on more than fifteen years of research, Keith E. Edwards, PhD, illuminates men’s masking, unmasking, and becoming to help men develop their own authentic masculinity. He also shares strategies to help us all better engage the men in our lives with empathy, reach them with compassion, effectively hold them accountable, and help them to become the men they aspire to be."
ResEdChat Ep 31: Chana Bailey and Norton Mitchell on Partnering with Custodial and Facilities Staff
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Host Crystal lay speaks with Chana Bailey and Norton Mitchell of UC Berkeley about how residence life and housing staff can partner and build relationships with custodial and facilities staff. Learn more about their unique roles on campus and how to build trust to reach mutual goals.
ResEdChat Ep 29: Dr. Gregory Thompson on Campus Politics and Building Relationships
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal chats with "Dr. G" about the complexities of campus politics. We delve deeper with our guest on how to understand and navigate a campus organization--both the explicit and implicit expectations and norms. Along the way there are many practical strategies and tips on how to get a handle on campus politics and relationship building in your own work.
Stuff We Say in College Student Housing
In our field, there are a lot of buzz words that we use. While some are helpful, some dictate how we move about in the work. I want to explore some of those sayings and how they land for me. As you read through, think of a time when you have used or heard these... Continue Reading →
Surviving or Thriving in Housing? Maybe Both!
I remember the first time I heard the saying: surviving or thriving. I was an Assistant Director at a school in Northern California and we would talk about the importance of our students thriving and not just surviving. There was an urgency and a passion and I totally bought into it! In my opinion, surviving... Continue Reading →
Planning Your Pro Dev-o as a Student Housing Professional
With spring semester comes conference season and that means it is about that time when folx start planning to attend the many events hosted by campuses and organizations. You may already be asking yourself and your colleagues, what conferences will you be attending? In full self-disclosure, anticipation and excitement builds as I wait for the... Continue Reading →
Giving Ourselves Grace When Working in Student Housing
What does your morning routine entail? Mine involves getting multiple humans ready for the day. Lunch? Check. Clothes? Check. Does everyone smell good? Yes. Then it is out the door. Generally you may be able to say that mornings in my home are busy. One of the things that I look forward to as a... Continue Reading →
If These Halls Could Talk: Crafting Your Residence Life Story
It’s the time of year when I begin to think about the importance of stories and traditions. Do you have stories or moments that stick with you? Do you have traditions that you have passed onto others in your family or friendship groups? What about in your workplace? Stories are “a description, either true or... Continue Reading →
The Oxymoron of a “Smooth Transition” in Residence Life
Going to college is often viewed as an exciting time for students who are leaving behind everything they've known to begin a new journey into emerging adulthood. This time can also be a source of fear and stress for that very same reason. Entering a new setting involves learning the culture and its expectations, new... Continue Reading →
ResLife Mom: Living In, With Children
The other day I was unpacking a box and I found a certificate from a presentation I had co-presented at a GLACUHO Regional Housing Conference in 2008. It was called, “Superwoman: Being a Live in Mom and/or Partner.” At the time I was a new mom and wife and a residence hall director. There... Continue Reading →
To All The ResLife Jobs I Have Loved Before
For most of us, this year has been a roller coaster of emotions, events, and big life decisions. On my social media many of my long time friends and colleagues are celebrating leaving the field or finding new roles at different institutions. What I like about the posts is that all of them are reporting... Continue Reading →
The Weight and Benefits of Fostering Belonging in ResLife
“Belonging is the feeling of security and support when there is a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and identity for a member of a certain group. It is when an individual can bring their authentic self to work. When employees feel like they don’t belong at work, their performance and their personal lives suffer.” Cornell University Take... Continue Reading →
Residence Life and Diversity: Oil and Water?
“Are you sure you’re in the correct field?” “Have you thought about going into diversity work?” “Be careful before you end up on an island!” “Wow, that is really powerful, maybe we should leave that to the experts in multicultural affairs!” “You look so professional when your hair is straightened.” “You should work at an... Continue Reading →
Hopes and Fears: Building Community in Residence Life as Covid Recedes
Hopes and Fears is an icebreaker game that can be used to help process through new beginnings or periods of transition. Typically, a facilitator will pass out an index card--one side will be for the participant to list "hopes" and the other side for "fears." It is supposed to be a moment of vulnerability and... Continue Reading →