Housing and Residence Life: Community & Engagement | Competencies & Learning | Care & Case Management | Assessment
When you think about your role as an RA or student staff member, one of your core responsibilities is building community. That includes connecting residents with one another, creating a sense of belonging, and making sure every voice is valued. But there’s one group of residents who often get overlooked in our programming and community-building... Continue Reading →
Creating an inclusive environment for students with disabilities in residence life is more than a legal or procedural obligation. It's a commitment to equity, dignity, and belonging. Residence life professionals are in a unique position to influence the campus experience for students with disabilities through intentional practices that promote accessibility, awareness, and identity development. The... Continue Reading →
If you’re an RA or student staff member working in residence life, you already know that building a vibrant, inclusive community can start with a social program. But what happens when your budget is… let’s say, "lean"? Don’t worry. You’re not alone. You don’t have to settle for boring or uninspired events. With a little... Continue Reading →
Community building on a budget? You don't need to spend a lot of money to create meaningful memories and moments for your residents. Try these strategies: Reuse and Recycle Supplies Keep a stash of basic materials like markers, poster board, paints, scissors, and glue. Think about what can be reused across multiple programs. For example,... Continue Reading →
As an RA or student staff member, you’re often the first point of contact for residents who are figuring out how to feel at home on campus. However, not every student shows up with the same set of experiences or feels immediately included in campus life. For Indigenous students, the transition to college can come... Continue Reading →
Opening the residence halls each year is one of the most exciting (and stressful) times for student staff. It sets the tone for the entire year, making those first few days and weeks critical for building trust, community, and a sense of belonging. You have an incredible opportunity to create a welcoming environment that feels... Continue Reading →
Residence life professionals have long emphasized the importance of the first-year experience, but what about our second-year students? The sophomore year presents unique challenges that, if left unaddressed, can impact academic success, sense of belonging, and retention. Institutions continue to rife their approaches on how to intentionally support these students during a pivotal time in... Continue Reading →
As an RA or student staff member, you’re no stranger to difficult conversations. Maybe it’s mediating a roommate conflict, talking to a resident about noise complaints, or addressing a policy violation. No matter how much training you get, these conversations can still feel awkward or uncomfortable. That’s where a technique called "third-thinging" comes in. It can make... Continue Reading →
Lately, it feels like journaling has become super popular again. You might see it all over social media. People using journals to set goals, save memories, or even just collect stickers and random scraps from their day (shoutout to junk journaling fans!). Maybe it's time to try out a new habit. One that could seriously... Continue Reading →
If you’re a Resident Assistant or in a similar role under a different name, you already know that the role involves more than unlocking doors and putting up bulletin boards. At its core, your job is about creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment where students can thrive. And one of the best ways to... Continue Reading →
You pick up A LOT of transferable skills as an RA or student staff member. Many of these skills are useful to highlight as you apply for future jobs beyond graduation. One of the ways you'll sell your skills and abilities to potential employers is through your resume. When crafting a resume that includes your... Continue Reading →
Unionization efforts by student staff, including Resident Assistants (RAs), are becoming more common. Increasing numbers of undergraduate (and graduate) student employees are organizing for better compensation, clearer job expectations, and fairer accountability practices. You may already be seeing early signs of interest in unionization on your campus. Whether or not your student staff have initiated... Continue Reading →
Congrats on your new role! Of course, before you get started, you need to learn and get train for your job. Staff training is an exciting (and often exhausting) time where you'll have the opportunity to learn a lot of new information, meet and develop relationships with your team members, and begin preparing your community... Continue Reading →
Chances are you may have an international student on your floor or in your community. Although they may face some of the seem challenges as your domestic residents, International students on U.S. college campuses face a unique set of challenges. These challenges can also differ based on your resident’s country of origin, their command of... Continue Reading →
