Housing and Residence Life: Community & Engagement | Competencies & Learning | Care & Case Management | Assessment
When you're in the thick of duty rotations, roommate conflicts, and late-night conversations, it's easy to put yourself last. But you (your energy, your emotions, your connections, your purpose) are not a side note to your student staff role. They're the foundation. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s strategic. It allows you to show... Continue Reading →
As a student staff member (and a peer helper), you have an important role, but you’re not a counselor, doctor, or security officer. Some situations will rightfully be beyond what you can or should handle alone. Knowing when to refer a resident to professional help (and how to do it sensitively) is a crucial skill. It’s not a failure... Continue Reading →
You’ve done your first, maybe second year as an RA and you’re starting to think, “hmmm, maybe I want to do this another year.” If that is you, let me give you some advice. The Student Affairs field is a little torn on whether RAs and student leadership positions should have to reapply every year... Continue Reading →
When students move into campus housing, one of the very first impressions they receive isn’t the room itself. It’s the door. That rectangular slice of space becomes their nameplate, their welcome sign, and often, their first connection to the community around them. This is where your door decs come in. Whether you’re designing for a... 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 →
As an RA or student staff member, you'll encounter a wide range of student issues. Some that feel familiar, and others that might catch you completely off guard. One area that often goes unnoticed but can have a significant impact on student well-being is eating and eating habits. For many college students, especially those living... Continue Reading →
Congratulations on stepping into the RA role! You are in for a very exciting ride, everyone’s experience is different but I am confident yours will be unique and special in its own way. Something that is pretty consistent across universities though is that you will begin to have 1-on-1 meetings with your supervisor. A 1-on-1... Continue Reading →
The end of the academic year is one of the busiest times for college students, with exams, presentations, and end of year projects all due simultaneously. In addition there is the end of year social buzz, with students trying to cram in the last get-togethers and parties before everyone leaves for summer break. Emotions are... Continue Reading →
Conflict is part of living in community. Whether it’s two roommates clashing over cleaning habits or a resident group disagreeing over event planning, tension is a natural part of group dynamics. As a student staff member in residence life, you’re likely the first person residents turn to when these issues arise. And sometimes, the way... Continue Reading →
Conflict is a normal part of community living, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to handle. As an RA or student staff member, you're often the first line of support when tensions rise. Whether it’s a minor roommate squabble or something that escalates quickly, knowing how to navigate these situations with confidence and care makes... Continue Reading →
Being an RA or student staff member isn’t easy, but it’s so worth it. You’re not just checking tasks off a list. You’re shaping communities, growing into a stronger version of yourself, and setting yourself up for success way beyond college. It's one of the most powerful opportunities you’ll have to build leadership skills you’ll carry with you for... Continue Reading →
Your schedule is packed with duty shifts, programming, and supporting your residents. It's easy to forget to take care of yourself amidst all these responsibilities. But remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. Taking time for self-care isn't just beneficial. It's essential. Consider the idea of tearing yourself to a DIY Wellness Retreat. No need for expensive getaways;... Continue Reading →
When I first became a Resident Assistant, I thought it would just be a fun job to help pay for college. I had no idea that it would end up teaching me some of the most important skills I still use every single day. If you’re an RA or a student staff member right now,... Continue Reading →
If you’ve ever walked into your building early in the morning and noticed how clean the floors are, or how quickly something gets fixed after you submit a maintenance request, that’s the work of your custodial and facilities teams. These folks are the unsung heroes of our residence halls—and they can be some of your... Continue Reading →
As political conversations become more frequent on campus, whether sparked by debates on television, viral social media posts, or upcoming elections, they often find their way into the residence hall. For many students, these discussions are an important part of exploring their values and shaping their identities. But when opinions collide, conversations can quickly shift... Continue Reading →
Hey there, I just wanted to take a minute to tell you something that I wish someone had told me when I was in your shoes: Being an RA is going to change your life. Right now, it might feel like a lot of late-night duty rounds, roommate drama, bulletin boards you threw together at... Continue Reading →
Service trips are more than just an opportunity to travel. They’re a chance to grow as a leader, build authentic relationships, and make a meaningful impact. Whether you're organizing an alternative break, a local volunteer day, or a community engagement project, your leadership can turn a simple trip into a profound journey of growth and... Continue Reading →
