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!
Navigating Service and Assistance Animal Policies in Campus Housing
In recent years, the presence of service and assistance animals in college and university housing has grown considerably. As institutions strive to accommodate a diverse range of student needs, understanding the legal landscape and implementing clear, fair policies is essential for residence life professionals. This article provides an overview of the governing laws, definitions, policy... Continue Reading →
Addressing A Hidden Crisis: Food and Housing Insecurity In The Residence Halls
For many professionals working in college housing, the assumption is that students living in residence halls (with access to dining plans) are among the most food and housing secure on campus. However, this assumption often overlooks the nuanced realities of food and housing insecurity that persist even within the residence halls. These are critical issues... Continue Reading →
Fostering Inclusive Campus Communities: Supporting Students with Disabilities in Residence Life
Creating an inclusive environment for students with disabilities in residence life is more than a legal or procedural obligation. It's a commitment to equity, dignity, and belonging. Residence life professionals are in a unique position to influence the campus experience for students with disabilities through intentional practices that promote accessibility, awareness, and identity development. The... Continue Reading →
How Are We Checking For DEI Competency When Hiring ResLife Staff?
Right now, many of us are still hiring or planning for next year’s recruitment during the short window we call summer. This hiring marathon brings in the people who make everything possible. I love seeing candidates go through our process, sharpening their interview skills, and hopefully getting a position. The excitement of Spring orientation for... Continue Reading →
ResEdChat Ep 69: Exploring White Accountability Groups and Racial Justice in Residence Life with Dr. Kathy Obear
In this episode of Roompact’s 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.
Bringing Culturally Responsive Approaches to Your Residence Life Assessment (Part 4)
Other Posts in This Series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 Within Student Affairs, assessment is often an expectation of everyone’s work. Whether you are someone in an entry level role or have been around the block for 20 academic years, assessment likely comes up. I believe it is critical... Continue Reading →
Creating Inclusive Environments: Strategies for Building Community and Belonging in College Student Housing
Guest Post by Alex Baker, Student Affairs Professional In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, creating inclusive environments is not just a moral imperative but also a modern necessity. Inclusivity is not just a concept for policymakers and senior leadership; it's a practice that can and should be implemented at every level. This article aims... Continue Reading →
Bringing Culturally Responsive Approaches to Your Residence Life Assessment (Part 3)
Other Posts in This Series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 Within Student Affairs, assessment is often an expectation of everyone’s work. Whether you are someone in an entry level role or have been around the block for 20 academic years, assessment likely comes up. I believe it is critical... Continue Reading →
Bringing Culturally Responsive Approaches to Your Residence Life Assessment (Part 2)
Other Posts in This Series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 Within Student Affairs, assessment is often an expectation of everyone’s work. Whether you are someone in an entry level role or have been around the block for 20 academic years, assessment likely comes up. I believe it is critical... Continue Reading →
Bringing Culturally Responsive Approaches to Your Residence Life Assessment (Part 1)
Other Posts in This Series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 Within Student Affairs, assessment is often an expectation of everyone’s work. Whether you are someone in an entry level role or have been around the block for 20 academic years, assessment likely comes up. I believe it is critical... Continue Reading →
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.
Well-intended Expectations, Unintended Consequences: Exploring Black RA Experiences at PWIs [Webinar Recording]
Student employment is a growing trend, with over half of college students working while attending school. Recognizing that Resident Assistant (RA) roles are campus employment opportunities with attractive compensation, these positions often draw in students who come from historically underrepresented racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. While some studies highlight the benefits of the RA role, this session will explore nuances of Black RAs experience regarding expectations and work functions. This session webinar will provide actionable recommendations to housing departments and campus leaders.
The Black Woman in Residence Education
Black women make up 64.1% of bachelor’s degrees earned by Black college students. When it comes to masters degrees, the figure becomes 71.5%. As for doctoral, medical, and dental degrees, 65.9% of them have been obtained by black women. In other words, Black women have arrived on the scene of higher education, and we have... Continue Reading →
Taking Gender out of the Housing Process [Webinar Recording]
Housing processes are tedious and complicated no matter how you run them and often include gender as a primary marker. As more students arrive on our campuses who identify outside of the gender binary... our processes need to shift. In this presentation, we will discuss how one campus has eliminated gender to enhance the housing process and give autonomy to all students.
ResEdChat Ep 37: Understanding the Experiences of Indigenous Students On Campus
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Host Crystal lay speaks with Nate Armenta from Northern Arizona University about ways that college and university staff can support Native and Indigenous students and staff. Nate speaks on language, culture, land acknowledgments, and the importance of access to education for Native and Indigenous students.
ResEdChat Ep 33: Keith Edward’s New Book, “Unmasking: Toward Authentic Masculinity”
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Keith Edwards to discuss his new book, Unmasking: Toward Authentic Masculinity. "Based on more than fifteen years of research, Keith E. Edwards, PhD, illuminates men’s masking, unmasking, and becoming to help men develop their own authentic masculinity. He also shares strategies to help us all better engage the men in our lives with empathy, reach them with compassion, effectively hold them accountable, and help them to become the men they aspire to be."



