Housing and Residence Life: Community & Engagement | Competencies & Learning | Care & Case Management | Assessment
This April marked 25 years since I graduated from my undergraduate institution, The Florida State University (forever and always, Go Noles!). This is important to note because I served as a RA there. I have lived and learned a lot since then so my advice is both rooted in wisdom and practical knowledge from doing this work... Continue Reading →
In this RA*Chat episode, join host Anthony to discuss the complexities of move-out season for RAs and student staff members--from juggling school and work, to being prepared and planning ahead. Guest Naomi Semb-Lovejoy shares insights on managing this hectic time while supporting yourself and others.
It’s that time of year again! Another summer has come and gone, and if you’re reading this, you’ve decided to return for another year as an RA. Whether your previous experience as an RA was a breeze or more of a maelstrom, Roompact’s bloggers are here to help! What’s my piece of advice, you ask?... Continue Reading →
Have you ever had a crush on someone? When I did an internet search for “romantic relationships” the first suggestion that popped up was “romantic relationships in the workplace” followed by “romantic relationships in the workplace policy”. This is a common issue! It can be tricky to navigate having a crush on a coworker. It’s... 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 →
The year of and after an election can be especially tense and full of big feelings. With the current administration making changes and throwing out new decisions what feels like everyday, things can feel unstable and uncertain. Whether you support the current president, detest him, or don’t have strong feelings, so much change is hard... 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 →
A common opportunity for RAs and student staff members is to assist with the hiring of new staff members. This could be new RAs, desk assistants, or even some professional staff members. Regardless of what position is being hired for, being able to conduct an interview is a useful skill to develop–not only can you... Continue Reading →
If you’ve ever thought of this question, you’re not alone. A lot of Resident Advisors (or any student staff members for that matter) who love their roles wonder if their passion can translate into a full-time career. It’s no secret that many people in the field of Student Affairs land here because of their positive... Continue Reading →
Roompact's bulletin board competition is now closed and we're ready to announce the winners. We received over 100 entires (!), so picking ten was incredibly difficult. Some boards did an excellent job at educating residents, while others were just beautiful! We tried to select a diverse group of winners that reflected the diversity of the... Continue Reading →
Writing information or incident reports is a crucial responsibility for Resident Assistants in Housing. As a student staff member, you often witness and observe more issues than graduate or professional staff due to your direct engagement with residents. By writing clear and concise reports, you serve as the eyes and ears of your Hall Director,... Continue Reading →
Last month, I wrote about my general experience researching, applying to, and working while in graduate school. (Check out Part 1 in this series.) In this month’s post, I continue to explore my graduate school experience by highlighting the core courses (and some important electives!) that I still benefit from today. Foundations and Functions Known... Continue Reading →
For many of us, a career in housing wasn’t part of our 5 year plan, 10 year plan, or really any plan at all. Working for a college housing program is an incredibly niche career, and it’s not something you get much serious exposure to unless you were an RA or an incredibly involved resident.... Continue Reading →
In this episode, host Crystal sits down with Director of Photography Justin Kosman, whose career has taken him worldwide, working with brands like Red Bull, Vans, and ESPN. Reflecting on his time as a resident, student-athlete, and English Literature major, Justin shares the lessons and regrets that shaped his path to success. Tune in for powerful insights on embracing challenges, fostering belonging, and how RAs can play a pivotal role in building community and connection.
~ Blog Posts Written By RAs for RAs ~ So if you’re anything like me, these past few months have been a bit…stressful at best. There’s nothing quite like the crushing reality of having to now either get a job or go back to more school, with graduation caps and uncertainty looming in the distance.... 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 →
