Residence life and education, residential curriculum and curricular approaches, student housing, and technology.
🍂 The Start Of A New Year 🍂 We released a ton of software updates this summer (make sure you didn't miss them) and we've got even more to share! Read on. We also had a lot of fun this summer working on content. From the more serious (like our updates to RA360.org) to the silly... Continue Reading →
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal talks with DeVante Parker from UC Berkeley about why fun isn’t optional—it’s essential. From wrestling metaphors to low-cost team strategies, DeVante shares how joy, structure, and care can transform Residence Life culture.
Roompact's door dec competition is now closed and we're ready to announce the winners. We received 85+ entries (!), so picking ten was incredibly difficult. We tried to select a diverse group of winners that reflected the diversity of the submissions themselves. Thank you to all who entered! Your ideas are now a resource for... Continue Reading →
Do you love video games? Me too, and I am willing to bet a lot of your residents do as well. Instead of fearing video games as something that takes residents away from meeting others or getting out of their rooms, you can use video games to your advantage - by involving them in programming!... Continue Reading →
You’ll have to indulge me, as I have been worrying a lot about the state of the nation lately, and one of the ways I can feel like I am doing something worthwhile is by thinking about how my work in residence life has supported students being good people when they leave our halls. When... Continue Reading →
In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, Learn how to address conflict with confidence and compassion while building genuine accountability on your floor. Turn those policy violation moments into opportunities for growth! It's time to stop being scared and start being the community leader your residents need. Join us on Roompact as Kaitlyn Charette, a coordinator at... Continue Reading →
IT'S HERE! Roompact is holding its annual residence hall "poster" contest! This contest is open to student staff (RAs, CAs, etc.) at schools who currently use Roompact's software on their campus. Send us the best posters (or social media images... or similar type "advertisements") you've created this year (for an informational/educational campaign, a program, a... Continue Reading →
In this energizing episode of ResEdChat, host Dustin Ramsdell reconnects with Sean Watson — a returning guest and now a Roompact blogging team member — to explore how ResLife pros can nurture creativity both in and outside of work. Sean shares why creativity isn't just for artists and how embracing play, structure, and self-expression can actually make you better at your job. From performing poetry to writing emails with flair, this conversation is an honest and inspiring look at the power of creativity in student affairs and beyond.
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 →
In all honesty, the title of this blog post should be, The Years I Hired Off-Cycle, but that doesn’t match Jenny Han’s Will Belly Choose Conrad? energy, so here we are. When I first began working professionally in the field, hiring, on-boarding and training for both professional live-in hall directors and student leaders followed a... Continue Reading →
During the first year of being a RA, you are typically focused on learning the role, balancing being a RA on top of school and other commitments, and building your confidence in your new position. Now that you’ve learned the ropes, it’s time to start using your time as a RA to help you grow... Continue Reading →
On this episode of ResEdChat, join our host Noah Montague and guest Ayanna Ross, Associate Director of Residence Life at Miami University of Ohio, to talk about student leadership development. Student leadership is integral to the college student experience, but how does it look in residence halls? How does identity come into play for students and staff as they are growing as leaders? Are we really doing enough? Noah and Ayanna discuss these topics, share insights into leadership theory, tell stories, and talk about tangible ways to help students grow as leaders while they are living with us in the halls.
As an Resident Assistant or student staff member, being able to write incident reports is an important skill to have. This is because in your role you will frequently be the first responder when different incidents occur. Housing departments need to abide by both government and their institutions policies regarding tracking conduct trends and student... Continue Reading →
When you think about RA or other student staff training, what do you imagine? Long days split into 60-minute increments, each with a traditional slideshow and ubiquitous lecture-style presentation? A few standard 15-minute breaks where staff wander aimlessly, eyes glassy, as they search for energy drinks or meaning in life? Even two or three consecutive... Continue Reading →
Welcome to the new and exciting world of being a RA! As you are going through intense trainings, busy move-in scheduling, and the start of the school year, things may seem a little crazy in your new role. Although your schedule and responsibilities may be a bit hectic right now, the beginning of a new... Continue Reading →
I love a good program calendar. Brightly colored posters, grids of events, deadlines, themes. They give the impression of structure, of energy, of things happening. But here’s the question: Do those calendars actually add up to a coherent experience for residents? Too often, I think the answer is no. A busy calendar doesn’t necessarily mean... Continue Reading →
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Donovan Cyrus joins Jas to chat about making the leap into a mid-level role in housing and residence life earlier than most. Whether you're considering an early move up or mentoring someone who is, this conversation will offer insights and practical advice on breaking through perceived career timelines in student affairs.
A sentiment that has long been a question of mine – why do application and interview processes for entry level positions feel like you’re interviewing for something much more serious, and why do these processes have so many steps? With multiple rounds, meeting with various people, and sometimes involving a presentation or writing sample submission,... Continue Reading →
