Housing and Residence Life: Community & Engagement | Competencies & Learning | Care & Case Management | Assessment
Every strong program begins with a question: What do my residents need right now? Maybe they're feeling lonely and craving connection. Maybe stress is high and sleep is low, or maybe there’s an identity, wellness, or academic topic that’s begging for attention. Before you reserve the lounge, pause for a moment. This is your moment... Continue Reading →
Between classes, duty shifts, club meetings, and trying to remember the last time you did your laundry, life can get a lot. If your brain feels like a tab with 27 open browsers, it’s time to declutter with some planning power tools. The following are some calendar tips, hacks, and templates you can use. How... Continue Reading →
As student staff member, your role in the roommate agreement process is more than distributing a form and checking a box. A successful roommate agreement isn’t just about getting it done, it’s all about helping residents have the conversations that lead to understanding, compromise, and shared accountability. When done well, the roommate agreement becomes a... Continue Reading →
If you’ve ever wondered how to better support first-generation college students living on your floor, you’re in the right place. These students are blazing trails, often navigating college life without the same family experience or guidance others might have. That can mean they face some unique challenges, and as an RA or student staff member,... Continue Reading →
Residence life is about building community and supporting all students who call your hall home. Among those students are individuals with a wide range of disabilities with some visible and others not immediately apparent. Understanding how to effectively support these residents is essential for creating an inclusive, welcoming environment. You might wonder how best to... Continue Reading →
Understanding student identities is essential, but applying that knowledge is where the real work begins. As an RA or student staff member, being able to articulate, explore, and reflect on identity isn’t just a training module, it’s a daily practice, showing up in everything from the way you mediate a roommate conflict to how you... Continue Reading →
While drinking may be a common part of the college social scene, it doesn’t have to define campus life. In fact, one of the most effective ways to shape a healthy and inclusive floor culture is by offering engaging, alcohol-free alternatives that encourage connection and well-being. As a student leader, you have the opportunity to... Continue Reading →
College life often comes with newfound freedom, and that includes alcohol. About half of full-time college students report drinking in the past month, and nearly 30% report binge drinking (5+ drinks per occasion for men, 4+ for women) (NIAAA). This makes alcohol a visible part of the campus scene. At the same time, students drink... Continue Reading →
As an RA or student staff member, your job is not just to promote events but to do it in service of building community. This means that you need to ensure your advertising can be understood, accessed, and appreciated by everyone who lives in your space. This is called "inclusive design" or "universal design." Designing... Continue Reading →
Color is one of the most powerful design tools you have. Before a single word is read, color sets the tone, sparks interest, and gives your audience an emotional cue about what to expect. Whether you're hanging a poster in the hallway or sharing a digital flyer online, the colors you choose can make or... Continue Reading →
