Housing and Residence Life: Community & Engagement | Competencies & Learning | Care & Case Management | Assessment
Gratitude is a powerful force in any community, and as an RA or student leader, it’s one of the easiest ways you can make your floor feel more connected and supportive. November is National Gratitude Month, which makes it the perfect time to be intentional about recognizing and appreciating the people around you. Practicing gratitude... Continue Reading →
As an RA or student staff member, one of your most important jobs is helping residents feel like they belong. While this might seem straightforward, the truth is, your efforts contribute to something much deeper: helping students define and experience “home” in the residence halls. But what does “home” mean in a college environment? The... Continue Reading →
Icebreakers and teambuilders are classic tools in any reslifer's toolkit. But they don’t always go as planned. Sometimes a well-meaning activity crashes and burns. Sometimes the vibe is just off. That’s okay. A big part of being a successful facilitator is knowing how to adapt in the moment. This post breaks down common activity misfires... Continue Reading →
Part of the role of RAs and student staff members is to get to know and support residents. A key strategy in doing this is to have intentional conversations. Rather than just ask about the weather or focus on surface-level chats, each interaction is an opportunity to connect with and help residents. This is what... Continue Reading →
If you’ve ever watched Ted Lasso, you know he’s not your typical leader. He’s positive, patient, and fiercely believes in the people around him even when things get tough. Honestly, if Ted Lasso were looking for a side hustle, he would make an amazing RA. Being a student leader means facing hard conversations, supporting your community,... Continue Reading →
College is one of the most intense times of self-discovery, questions, and big life transitions. As an RA or student staff member, you’ve probably seen this firsthand: a resident staying up late wrestling with questions about their identity, or someone trying to figure out where they belong after leaving home for the first time. A... Continue Reading →
As a Resident Assistant or student staff member, you’re more than just a community builder. You’re often a mentor and guide during pivotal moments in your residents’ college journeys. One such moment is when students consider moving from on-campus housing to an off-campus living situation. For many, this will be their first experience with independent... Continue Reading →
Going back home after living in the residence halls can be a mixed bag. On one hand, it’s exciting seeing family, catching up with old friends, sleeping in your own bed. But on the other hand, it’s not always as easy or comforting as it sounds. For some students, returning home can bring up unexpected... Continue Reading →
Being an RA or student staff member puts you in a unique position to shape the culture and community your residents experience every day. One of the most meaningful parts of your role is making sure everyone feels like they belong, including students who identify as LGBTQIA+. While you might not always know exactly what... Continue Reading →
As an RA or student staff member, you may be looking for ways to connect with your residents and create a positive, welcoming environment. One underused but incredibly powerful tool for connection is music. Music is something nearly everyone has an opinion on. It’s emotional. It’s nostalgic. It can energize, calm, uplift, or give voice... Continue Reading →
Everyone loves food. It brings people together in ways that feel natural and relaxed, which makes it a powerful (and often underused) tool for building community in the residence halls. Whether you're a seasoned RA or just getting started, using food in your programming doesn’t have to mean pizza and paper plates. With a little... Continue Reading →
We’ve all been there. You spend an hour crafting a beautiful flyer, taping it up around the hall, and then… crickets. No one shows up. No one even mentions it. It’s like it never existed. So what gives? The truth is, in a world where your residents are constantly bombarded with visuals (from TikToks to Snap stories... Continue Reading →
As a Resident Assistant or student staff member, you're more than just a resource. You’re a mentor, a first responder, a role model, and, at times, a shoulder to cry on. While you're trained to handle a variety of issues, one topic that often doesn't get enough attention is grief. Understanding grief and how it shows... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
