Category: Podcast

This podcast series is a digital variety hour of presentations, webinars, and interviews on topics of interest to residence life and education professionals who work in college and university housing.

ResEdChat Ep 147: Connecting the Dots: Building a Professional Network

ResEdChat ep147

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, with Bernard Nichols, Assistant Director of Student Conduct at Johns Hopkins University, we explore the importance of professional networking and conference engagement for student affairs professionals. From cultivating meaningful relationships to making the most of conferences, listen to learn more about how to make the best impression with your professional presence. So let's discuss!

ResEdChat Ep 144: How to Nurture Creative Thinking in ResLife with Sean Watson

ResEdChat 144

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.

ResEdChat Ep 143: Everyone Can Be A Leader: Equity-Based Leadership in the Halls

ResEdChat 143

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. 

ResEdChat Ep 141: The Generational Remix: From Decades Apart to One Team

ResEdChat 141

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal talks with Dr. Megan Gerhardt, Professor at Miami University and author of Gentelligence. They explore how generational norms impact the way we live, work, and lead in campus housing, and why curiosity is the key to unlocking stronger, more connected teams. From late-night crisis responses to everyday communication breakdowns, Dr. Gerhardt offers fresh insight and practical tools to turn generational tension into opportunity.

RA*Chat Ep 140: From Strangers to Suitemates: Building Floor Culture

ResEdChat 140

In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, Sadie Billings shares her secrets for transforming random room assignments into genuine community. From awkward introductions to lifelong friendships! Discover proven strategies for building floor culture that extends far beyond the residence halls and creates connections that last. Guest: Sadie Billings (she/her), Academic Success Coordinator Host: Anthony Martinez Listen... Continue Reading →

ResEdChat Ep 139: How to Use Music to Connect and Engage with Students

ResEdChat 139

We're thrilled to kick off our yearly tradition of uplifting our latest cohort of amazing bloggers, starting off with Andrew Skelley from University of Pittsburgh. He chats with Dustin about what brought him to the writing team, and how he has brought his authentic self to his work by using music and other interests to forge unique bonds with the students he serves. Stay tuned until the end of the episode where Andrew shares a funny ghost story from his years in the halls.

ResEdChat Ep 138: Accidental ResLifer: Finding Your Place Without the SA Degree

ResEdChat 138

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, join our host Noah and guest Emma Grupe, Resident Director at Miami University of Ohio, to talk about the field and what it looks like to enter Residence Life without a degree in Student Affairs. As we all know, Student Affairs is typically not a job that people plan on entering, but what does it look like when you go at it from another angle all together? How do we do a job while learning how to do it at the same time? Join Noah and Emma as they tackle these questions and share stories and advice for new Residence Life Professionals. 

ResEdChat Ep 137: Home Away from Home: International Student Transition

ResEdChat 137

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, host Jasmine Nettles sits down with Trevis Belle to discuss the international student experience through the lens of student affairs, from enrollment to graduation. Whether you're looking to improve your efforts or looking to deepen your impact with their international student population, this conversation will offer powerful takeaways and practical ideas to do so. Trevis shares both personal and professional insights on the unique challenges international students face—from cultural transition and visa pressures to finding community and accessing support. We’ll also explore how student affairs professionals can better serve international populations, create inclusive environments, and challenge assumptions about the "typical" student experience!

ResEdChat Ep 136: Kind, Clear, and Purposeful: Supervising with Intention

ResEdChat 136

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal talks with Matt Nelson, Director of Residence Life at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, about what it means to lead with intention and care. Our guest shares how values like recognition, patience, and empathy shape their approach to supervision and offers practical, creative strategies to support diverse teams, build morale, and stay grounded as a leader.

ResEdChat Ep 133: Beyond the Interview: Equitable Practices for RA Recruitment

ResEdChat 133

On this episode of ResEdChat, join our host Noah Montague, and guest Mathew Perry, Resident Director at Miami University of Ohio, to talk about RA recruitment. RA recruitment is one of the biggest endeavors that any Residence Life department goes through. And naturally, there are always things that go well and things that can go better. Noah and Perry discuss tangible ways to better recruit RAs and make the processes more equitable for those in them.

ResEdChat Ep 132: The Courage to Unlearn: Shifting Mindsets in Higher Ed

ResEdChat 132

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, host Jas sits down with Thomas Bruick to discuss "unlearning" and mindset change. In student affairs and higher education, unlearning refers to the intentional process of letting go of outdated beliefs, assumptions, or practices to make space for the "new." It involves critical self-reflection, openness to change, and a commitment to slowing down our thoughts to make informed decisions. This process is especially relevant as institutions evolve to better serve and respond to societal shifts with our student populations. 

ResEdChat Ep 131: New Book on the Three C’s Framework for ResLife Practice

ResEdChat 131

We're pleased to bring you this bonus episode of ResEdChat where Paul shares more details about a brand new resource from Roompact to help residence education leaders create a framework for their practice. Focused on the "Three C's" of Community Development, Competencies, and Care, Paul explains how this eBook came to be and how he hopes professionals across the country will use it to elevate their work.

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