In this episode of Roompactās ResEdChat, Crystal is joined by Dr. Kathy Obear, President of the Center for Transformation and Change, to delve into her latest book, "Leading White Accountability Groups in Your Organization." Together, they examine the purpose and the importance of intentionality in creating white accountability groups, as well as the significance of establishing a confidential space for discussing whiteness for white identifying folx. Kathy shares valuable insights, practical tips, and resources to guide individuals and departments in addressing the impact of whiteness in the hope of moving closer to racial justice for those living and working on a college campus.
ResEdChat Ep 68: Understanding & Supporting Disabled Students On Campus with Ali Martin Scoufiled
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, we chat with Ali Martin Scoufiled who is completing her doctoral research into the experiences of disabled students on campus. In this episode we explore the spectrum of how (dis)ability shows up on campus and tangible steps residence life professionals can take to better support disabled students in the residence halls and as they navigate the college environment. If you have a topic idea or want to engage in the community discussion, use the hashtag #ResEdChat.
ResEdChat Ep 67: Recognizing the Emotions and Support Needed to Successfully Navigate a Student Staff Union Petition with Jean MacKimmie
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Stewart chats with Jean MacKimmie, the Director of Residential Life at University Massachusetts Amherst as they explore the potential emotional impacts of student staff unionization drives.Ā They explore Jean's experience at University Massachusetts Amherst over two decades ago when the RA team became the first successful Resident Advisor unionization in the US and what her experiences have been since then working in this environment.Ā Hear first hand from Jean, as she details sage advice that she has provided other campuses that have faced similar events, and discover the support required for all levels of staff.Ā Roompact invites you to join to hear why Jean is regarded as THE expert when it comes to student staff unions!
ResEdChat Ep 66: Cultivating Community: Sense of Belonging, Wellness, and Connection in Student Living Spaces
In this episode of Roompactās ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Liz Toombs, a Certified Interior Decorator and Owner of PDR Interiors. Liz shares her thoughts on several topics, including Greek Life, the connection between student living spaces and wellness, and the importance of belonging for college students. She offers tips on the dos and don'ts that come along with designing spaces and supporting students who are members of fraternities and sororities.
RA*Chat Ep 65: āLeadership is an Actā: A Conversation on RAs and Leadership
In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, Crystal sits down for an insightful dialogue with Edwin Serrano, a Senior Learning & Development Specialist at the University of Southern California. Edwin offers his unique perspective on leadership, tackling the age-old debate of whether leaders are born or made. He offers invaluable advice to Resident Assistants (RAs) on harnessing their leadership capabilities to navigate the landscape of internships and job opportunities. Additionally, he provides RA supervisors with practical strategies to foster leadership growth within their student staff teams. Moreover, Edwin candidly shares his personal journey of self-discovery, recounting how he cultivated confidence and unearthed a vocation that resonates deeply with his passions.
ResEdChat Ep 64: Utilizing Microsurveys in Residential Education with Paul Gordon Brown
We welcome Paul back as our guest this week to explore the concept of "microsurveys". He explains what they are, how they can be used, and why residential education professionals should implementing them into their departmental strategy.
ResEdChat Ep 63: The Value of Private-Public Partnerships in Residence Life with Cassandra Acin
Cassie joins the podcast this week to chat with her old friend, Dustin, about her unique professional background as well as her current work at American Campus Communities partnering with universities to create engaging resident communities. They also explore her experience as part of the student run leadership organization, NACURH.
ResEdChat Ep 62: Strategies to Foster Resident Assistant Belonging with Ashtyn Davis
Belonging is important not just for residents, but the student staff who work in the residence halls to create that community and sense of belonging for others. Current University of Oklahoma graduate student, Ashtyn Davis, joins Dustin on this week's episode to explore this concept and ways to foster more belonging amongst RAs, such as the tool Ashtyn developed called the Resident Assistant Sense of Belonging Assessment (or RASBA).
ResEdChat Ep 61: We Have a Place for You! – Getting Involved with Your Regional Housing Organization
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal engages in a conversation with Dr. Brian Moffitt, the Executive Director of Housing and Dining at the University of Colorado Denver and President of AIMHO, and Dr. Gregory R. Thompson, Director of Residence Education at the University of Iowa and Past President of UMR-ACUHO. Join them as they talk about their proudest moments serving as Presidents of their respective regions. The guests also delve into their experiences with regional involvement, offering valuable tips for individuals aspiring to engage in similar opportunities.
ResEdChat Ep 60: Dr. Amanda Knerr on Creating a Compelling Departmental Vision
We're pleased to welcome Amanda to the show this week to share her thoughts on how best to create a vision for your department that this detailed, relevant, and inspiring. She chats with Dustin about disrupting some of the paradigms around creating a vision and how to utilize it consistently to both guide your work and showcase its impact.
ResEdChat Ep 59: Dr. Charlie Potts on Re-Engaging Men in Residential Education
We're kicking off the new year with a fascinating episode exploring masculinity and how institutions need to engage and retain men on campus. Charlie speaks with Dustin about his recent ACUHO-I magazine article that included research he recently completed on this topic.
ResEdChat Ep 58: Justin Mason on Using a Strengths Based Approach in Residence Life
In this final episode of the year, Dustin chats with Justin about his background leveraging the CliftonStrengths assessment to empower student and staff to do their best work. He shares how he discovered this tool and advice for others looking to utilize it.
RA*Chat Ep 57: I was an RA: Community, Connection, and Customer Service
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal engages in a conversation with Emma Rash, who serves as a Security Analyst for a Defense Contractor. Her current role involves ensuring the safety of people, much like her previous experience as a Resident Assistant (RA). She generously shares her personal journey, discussing how she found her voice, built confidence, and learned valuable lessons about setting boundaries. Emma offers valuable advice to Resident Assistants, including emphasizing the importance of self-care by reminding us that we cannot effectively help others when our own cup is empty.
ResEdChat Ep 56: Authenticity, Adaptability, and Support: Having Effective 1:1ās with Student Staff
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal engages in conversation with Camille (Mimi) Sullivan, an Associate Director of Residential Education at Sonoma State University. They delve into the art of conducting effective one-on-one meetings with RAs. Mimi offers invaluable insights on the content of these meetings, the optimal frequency for conducting them, and strategies for rebounding from a "challenging" one-on-one session. Mimi emphasizes the significance of tailoring these meetings to address individual needs, the value of authenticity in your interactions, and the importance of clear and open communication.
ResEdChat Ep 55: Natasha Monteith on Effective Student Affairs Assessment and Evaluation
Dustin welcomes Natasha, one of our faithful bloggers, to the show this week. She shares her perspective on how student affairs divisions need to approach assessment to better manage their teams as well as support their students.
RA*Chat Ep 54: I was an RA: Transferable Skills for Life and Career
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal engages in a conversation with Keneise Evans from the University of Iowa, delving into her experiences as a former Resident Assistant (RA) and the valuable skills she has carried with her throughout her career journey. Keneise generously shares insights into the skillset she developed during her RA days, including adept time management, effective budgeting, caring for others, and flexibility. Ā She speaks directly to RAs on how the skills cultivated as an RA can shape their own path to a fulfilling career.
ResEdChat Ep 53: Dr. Jeremy Moore on the Dynamics of Off-Campus Student Housing
Dustin chats with Jeremy about the various factors at play currently when it comes to off-campus student housing and how institutions can better support these students. He also discusses his unusual journey to his current position as Dean of Students at Naropa, a very unique institution in Colorado.
ResEdChat Ep 52: Working Abroad in Student Affairs, Housing, and Residence Life
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, guest host Stewart Robinette chats with two professionals who are currently working outside the United States at NYU Shanghai. They discuss how their careers took them there, what the differences are when operating a residence life program outside the United States, and the learning, experiences, and skills they gained along the way.