Residence life and education, residential curriculum and curricular approaches, student housing, and technology.
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.
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.
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
“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 →
“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 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 →
