At Roompact, we strive to provide educational content and services that go beyond just the use of our software. The following is a professional development curriculum that was developed for RAs and related student staff positions. This sequenced curriculum outlines different weeks of content and includes related professional development sessions that you can use in your staff meetings. We’ve also integrated this into our software, giving our Roompact schools an extra added benefit!
The following is our “first draft” and we will continue to improve and iterate this over time. So if you notice some weeks without content, we’re working on it! 🙂
A special thanks to Kassidy Giles, our 2023 ACUHO-I Intern, for generating much of this content.
Outcomes For This Curriculum:
Student staff will be exposed to content that…
- helps them improve their performance in their role.
- discusses timely resident issues that may be surfacing in their communities.
- provides resources that they can utilize in fulfilling their duties.
How To Use This Curriculum:
For Roompact Schools: Every week, inside the software, Roompact will post a piece of content for the student staff (staff members with an “RA” permission level) to engage with. We’ve also included some optional companion staff development activities related to the weekly topic that you could facilitate in a staff meeting.
For Schools Not Using Roompact’s Software: Although you won’t benefit from the guided curriculum in the software, you can share out content links from our student staff content and/or utilize the Pro-D in a Bag facilitation guides to design your own in-staff activities. Some content in this curriculum is Roompact-software specific, but some of it is generalist in nature and would apply to any student staff team.
A Note Regarding Campus Differences and Context:
When developing this curriculum, we recognized that not all schools are on the same schedule. Some schools may start earlier or later, and some schools are on semesters while others may be on quarters. To account for this, we attempted to sequence the content in such a way that it would still be applicable regardless of individual school calendars.
We also recognize that each school may structure and name their student staff roles differently. We’ve also attempted to construct a generalized curriculum that will be as broadly applicable as possible.
Overview:
Content is organized into weeks. For Roompact schools, the content announcement in our software will run each week from Monday to Sunday.
- Week 1: Why Is Development Important? – (8/7/23)
- Week 2: (1) What’s So Important About Bulletin Boards and Door Decs?; (2) Door Dec Contest – (8/14/23)
- Week 3: (1) Why Am I Taking On This Role?; (2) Door Dec Design and Ideas – (8/21/23)
- Week 4: (1) Who Am I Working For?; (2) Door Dec Contest – (8/28/23)
- Week 5: (1) What Is My Mission Statement?; (2) Student Staff Support Portal – (9/4/23)
- Week 6: (1) What Leadership Skills Do I Want to Develop?; (2) Door Dec Contest – (9/11/23)
- Week 7: Why is Customer Service Important? – (9/18/23)
- Week 8: How Do I Set Boundaries? – (9/25/23)
- Week 9: (1) Who Is My Supervisor? Why Do We Have 1:1s?; (2) Door Dec Contest Winners – (10/2/23)
- Week 10: How Do I Conquer Time Management? – (10/9/23)
- Week 11: (1) Careers in Student Affairs Month; (2) Poster Contest – (10/16/23)
- Week 12: How Can I Connect With My Teammates? – (10/23/23)
- Week 13: Poster Design Tips – (10/30/23)
- Week 14: Poster Contest – (11/6/23)
- Week 15: Poster Design and Ideas – (11/13/23)
- Week 16: [None] – (11/20/23)
- Week 17: [None] – (11/27/23)
- Week 18: RA Chat 54: Transferable Skills (12/4/23)
- Week 19: Poster Contest – (12/11/23)
- Week 20: [None] – (12/18/23)
Break
- Week 21: Poster Contest Winners – (1/8/24)
- Week 22: Bulletin Board Contest – (1/15/24)
- Week 23: Bulletin Board Design and Ideas – (1/22/24)
- Week 24: Icebreakers and Teambuilders – (1/29/24)
- Week 25: Bulletin Board Contest – (2/5/24)
- Week 26: Bulletin Board Tips – (2/12/24)
- Week 27: Why Do We Do Assessment? – (2/19/24)
- Week 28: RA Chat Ep 57: I was an RA – (2/26/24)
- Week 29: Bulletin Board Contest – (3/4/24)
- Week 30: RA Transferable Skills – (3/11/24)
- Week 31: [None] – (3/18/24)
- Week 32: [None] – (3/25/24)
- Week 33: [None] – (4/1/24)
- Week 34: Bulletin Board Contest Winners – (4/8/24)
- Week 35: Community Closure Activities – (4/15/24)
- Week 36: [None] – (4/22/24)
- Week 37: [None] – (4/29/24)
- Week 38: [None] – (5/6/24)
- Week 39: [None] – (5/13/24)
- Week 40: [None] – (5/20/24)
START
Week 1:
Why Is Development Important?
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Welcome To A Development Series Created Just For YOU
At Roompact, we strive to not just be a software provider, but a company that helps staff using our software in all aspects of their work. As a part of this commitment, we’ll be sharing occasional articles, videos, and resoruces to help you in your job and to help you do your job better. Whether you are an RA, or a student staff member by another name, this is designed for you. Click the button to learn more.
Student staff will be able to:
- Identify how concepts of student development apply to their work.
- Articulate the purpose of the developmental posts being shared in Roompact’s software.
Week 2:
(1) What’s So Important About Bulletin Boards and Door Decs?
(2) Door Dec Contest
(1) Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
What’s So Important About Bulletin Boards and Door Decs?
Whether you are creative or not, bulletin boards and door decs are oftentimes a task in which you may ask yourself: Why am I doing this? Take a peek at this post to truly learn a key reason why creating meaningful bulletin boards and door decs is a valuable task to your role.
Students will be able to:
- Articulate why bulletin boards and door decs are important to in building community.
Companion Staff Development Activity:
There is not currently a staff development activity for this topic.
Additional Resources:
(2) Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Enter the RA “Top Ten” Door Dec Contest and WIN!
Roompact is holding its annual RA door dec contest! The team at Roompact will judge all submissions and choose the “top 10” winners. Winners will receive a $50 gift card to Etsy. Enter by September 30.
Click the link to find out the rules and how to enter.
Week 3:
(1) Why Am I Taking On This Role?
(2) Door Dec Design and Ideas
(1) Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Identifying Your RA Spark
Being an RA is such an exciting experience. You get to build community, create a team, gain leadership experience, and so much more! Reflecting and understanding why you wanted to become an RA can help you as you begin to create goals for yourself as a student leader. This activity will think about your “why”.
Students will be able to:
- Identify why they wanted to become an RA
- Critically reflect on the goals they want to achieve for the Fall semester.
- Build connections to how the RA/Student Staff role can them prepare for future personal and career success.
(2) Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Inspiration For Your Door Decs
Does your institution have you design door decs for your residents? Get some inspiration!
This resource page includes tips and examples of amazing door decs designed by other student staff members around the world.
Week 4:
(1) Who Am I Working For?
(2) Door Dec Contest
(1) Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Who makes up your Residence Life Department?
So you’re hired and working, but do you really know everything you need to know about who you’re working for? Take some time to do a little research into your department.
Students will be able to:
- Learn more about their residence life department
- Articulate the department’s mission
- Identify departmental resources and benefits
(2) Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Enter the RA “Top Ten” Door Dec Contest and WIN!
Roompact is holding its annual RA door dec contest! The team at Roompact will judge all submissions and choose the “top 10” winners. Winners will receive a $50 gift card to Etsy. Enter by September 30.
Click the link to find out the rules and how to enter.
Week 5:
(1) What Is My Mission Statement?
(2) Student Staff Support Portal
(1) Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
On a mission to know your mission?
A personal mission statement serves as a compass that can guide your actions, decisions, and interactions as an RA/Student Staff. It helps you articulate your purpose and clarify the impact you wish to make in the lives of your residents. Read more to discover how to create your own personal mission statement.
Students will be able to:
- Understand how mission statements guide goal-setting
- Create a personal mission statement
(2) Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Looking for Help Using Roompact’s Features?
We have a support portal that includes guided feature walkthroughs, screenshots, and videos that can help you learn about Roompact’s software and use it better and more efficiently. If you ever need to access our support resources, just click on Help in the sidebar menu and click on the button for the Support Portal.
Week 6:
(1) How Can I Develop My Leadership Skills?
(2) Door Dec Contest
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Forget About the “Golden Rule.” Let’s Talk About the “Green Rule.”
You are a student leader now! Naturally, this means that you are about to gain access to experiences that will pour into your leadership skill development. Read this post to identify why and what leadership skills are valuable to your personal and professional growth.
Students will be able to:
- Reflect on their current leadership skills.
- Articulate leadership skills that the RA role will help them develop.
Companion Staff Development Activity:
COMING SOON
Additional Resources:
There are not currently additional resources for this topic.
(2) Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Enter the RA “Top Ten” Door Dec Contest and WIN!
Roompact is holding its annual RA door dec contest! The team at Roompact will judge all submissions and choose the “top 10” winners. Winners will receive a $50 gift card to Etsy. Enter by September 30.
Click the link to find out the rules and how to enter.
Week 7
Why is Customer Service Important?
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Have you been a victim to bad customer service?
Customer service is an essential skill to use in the RA role. RAs use customer service skills while acting as the primary point of contact for residents and developing community. Use this post to reflect on how your personal customer service experiences will potentially impact how you provide customer service to your residents.
Students will be able to:
- Reflect on good and bad customer service experiences
- Identify why customer service is important to the RA role
Companion Staff Development Activity:
There is not currently a staff development activity for this topic.
Week 8:
How Do I Set Boundaries?
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
3am Door Knocks and Boundaries
As a student leader, you are on the frontlines of supporting your residents. This means that they will come to you to ask questions, handle crisis, and build community. Though this is such an important part of your role, it is essential to learn how to care for yourself as well! One way to do that is through boundary setting. Read this post to find out more!
Students will be able to:
- Understand the importance of setting boundaries
- Identify at least two boundaries an RA wants to set for themselves
Companion Staff Development Activity:
There is not currently a staff development activity for this topic.
Additional Resources:
Week 9:
(1) Who Is My Supervisor? Why Do We Have 1:1s?
(2) Door Dec Contest Winners
(1) Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Your supervisor is a human, too.
Believe it or not, your supervisor is more than just your supervisor. They have interests and things that bring them joy. As an RA, you will work closely with them almost on a daily basis and have 1:1 meetings with them regularly. Because of this, it is essential to invest some time in your 1:1 meetings to develop your relationhsip with them. But how do you do that? And what’s the purpose of a 1:1?
Students will be able to:
(2) Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Announcing the Roompact Door Dec Contest Winners!
Roompact’s door dec competition is now closed and we’re ready to announce the winners! Thank you to all who entered! Your ideas are now a resource for future RAs to use for inspiration. Check out the link below to see ALL the entries.
Week 10:
How Do I Conquer Time Management?
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
I just need more time in the day!!!
Sometimes we all feel like this. But rather than lament there not being enough hours in a day, it’s better if we set our time up strategically. This is where time management skills come in handy. Lookign to enhance yours? Read on…
Student staff will be able to:
- Audit their current use of time.
- Recall time management strategies that can help them in their daily lives.
- Apply time management strategies.
Week 11:
(1) Careers in SA Month
(2) Poster Contest
(1) Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Interested In A Career in Residence Life?
October is “Careers in Student Affairs” Month, an opportunity to learn more about the field and if it might be the right career path for you. Most student affairs professionals started their careers as resident assistants or working in residence life. If you’re interested in continuing to work in residence life, we’ve got some tips to help you decide.
Student staff will be able to:
- Articulate why they may want to pursue a career in residence life.
- Evaluate whether a career in residence life is right for them.
Companion Staff Development Activity:
There is not currently a staff development activity for this topic.
Additional Resources:
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Enter the RA “Top Ten” Poster Contest and WIN!
Roompact is holding its annual RA poster contest! The team at Roompact will judge all submissions and choose the “top 10” winners. Winners will receive a $50 gift card to Etsy. Enter by December 15.
Click the link to find out the rules and how to enter.
Week 12:
How Can I Connect With My Teammates?
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
You’ll Get By with a Little Help From Your Friends
Supporting residents is much easier when you work on a team of RAs that have a united front. Achieving a united front, however, does not come naturally. It often takes time building meaningful, trustworthy relationships with your peers. Read more to learn about the art of building connections on your team.
Student staff will be able to:
- Understand why it is useful to invest time building peer to peer relationships.
- Challenge themselves to spend intentional time with a teammate.
Week 13:
Poster Design Tips
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
8 Tips For Creating Eye-Catching Posters And Flyers
Want to “up your game” when it comes to the posters and flyers you design? Modern design programs can help by providing beautiful and engaging templates, but it also helps to know a few design basics. Read some tips to help make your design more engaging and eye-catching.
Week 14:
Poster Design and Ideas
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Enter the RA “Top Ten” Poster Contest and WIN!
Roompact is holding its annual RA poster contest! The team at Roompact will judge all submissions and choose the “top 10” winners. Winners will receive a $50 gift card to Etsy. Enter by December 15.
Click the link to find out the rules and how to enter.
Week 15:
Poster Design and Ideas
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Inspiration For Your Posters
Need inspiration and design tips for how to make your posters and flyers the best they can be?
This resource page includes tips and examples of amazing posters designed by other student staff members around the world.
Week 16:
None
Week 17:
None
Week 18:
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
In Their Own Voice: The Transferable Skills of an RA
With all the skills you learn as an RA or student staff member, how does this translate into your future career work? Hear Keneise Evans talk about how her role as a student staff member has continued to influence the way she approaches her work today.
Week 19:
Poster Contest
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Enter the RA “Top Ten” Poster Contest and WIN!
Roompact is holding its annual RA poster contest! The team at Roompact will judge all submissions and choose the “top 10” winners. Winners will receive a $50 gift card to Etsy. Enter by December 15.
Click the link to find out the rules and how to enter.
Week 20:
None
BREAK
Week 21:
Poster Contest Winners
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Announcing the Roompact Poster Contest Winners!
Roompact’s poster competition is now closed and we’re ready to announce the winners! Thank you to all who entered! Your ideas are now a resource for future RAs to use for inspiration. Check out the link below to see ALL the entries.
Week 22:
Bulletin Board Contest
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Enter the RA “Top Ten” Bulletin Board Contest and WIN!
Roompact is holding its annual RA bulletin board contest! The team at Roompact will judge all submissions and choose the “top 10” winners. Winners will receive a $50 gift card to Etsy. Enter by March 31.
Click the link to find out the rules and how to enter.
Week 23:
Bulletin Board Design and Ideas
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Inspiration For Your Bulletin Boards
Does your institution have you design bulletin boards for your residents? Get some inspiration!
This resource page includes tips and examples of amazing bulletin boards designed by other student staff members around the world.
Week 24:
Icebreakers and Teambuilders
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Icebreakers and Teambuilders Ideas
Thinking of new icebreaker and teambuilders can be a bit of a chore, but they’re an important part of building community. We’ve got you covered. If you’re looking to mix it up, check out these 46 ideas that can get you started.
Week 25:
Bulletin Board Contest
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Enter the RA “Top Ten” Bulletin Board Contest and WIN!
Roompact is holding its annual RA bulletin board contest! The team at Roompact will judge all submissions and choose the “top 10” winners. Winners will receive a $50 gift card to Etsy. Enter by March 31.
Click the link to find out the rules and how to enter.
Week 26:
Bulletin Board Tips
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
7 Tips For Creating Engaging And Educational Bulletin Boards For Your Residence Hall Floor
Looking to “up” your bulletin board game? We’ve got some tips that can help you design eye-catching boards that your residents will appreciate and notice. Don’t forget to apply these tips and enter our contest, too!
Week 27:
Assessment
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
As a Student Staff Member, You May Ask, “Why Do We Do Assessment?”
Fill out this form! Have students complete this survey! Whenever you’re asked to help with assessment efforts, it may leave you wondering why. Read on to learn about the back end about why this important, what happens with the data you collect, and how you can help improve the student experience.
Week 28:
RA Chat Ep 57: I was an RA
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
In Their Own Voice: The Transferable Skills of an RA
In this episode of Roompact’s RA*Chat, we sit down 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.
Week 29:
Bulletin Board Contest
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Enter the RA “Top Ten” Bulletin Board Contest and WIN!
Roompact is holding its annual RA bulletin board contest! The team at Roompact will judge all submissions and choose the “top 10” winners. Winners will receive a $50 gift card to Etsy. Enter by March 31.
Click the link to find out the rules and how to enter.
Week 30:
RA Transferable Skills
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
How Your “RA Skills” Can Help You Land A Job After College
The RA position is both a job and leadership opportunity. Many of the skills you gain in an RA or student staff position can be incredible useful to your future career. When thinking about writing your resume, applying for jobs, and interviewing, think though how you can market these “transferable skills.” This article will get you started.
Student staff will be able to:
- Identify the transferable skills they gained in their roles.
- Articulate transferable skills in resumes and in interviews.
Companion Staff Development Activity:
Additional Resources:
Week 31:
None
Week 32:
None
Week 33:
None
Week 34:
Bulletin Board Contest Winners
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Announcing the Roompact Bulletin Board Contest Winners!
Roompact’s bulletin board competition is now closed and we’re ready to announce the winners! Thank you to all who entered! Your ideas are now a resource for future RAs to use for inspiration. Check out the link below to see ALL the entries.
Week 35:
Community Closure Activities
Posted for RA-level staff in Roompact Software:
Closing Time… Helping Residents Say Goodbye To Your Community
As the end of the academic year approaches, it’s time to start thinking about how you can help your residents reflect on their year, say goodbye to the community, and look forward to the future. These ideas will help get you started in planning for your final floor meeting and closure celebrations and activities.
Student staff will be able to:
- Set and write outcomes for their final floor meeting and closure activities.
- Plan final floor meetings and closure activities that help them reach their outcomes.
