Residence life and education, residential curriculum and curricular approaches, student housing, and technology.
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal talks with Kristen Rollins about how gatherings and various forms of communication in residence life can move beyond routine to become catalysts for change. Kristen shares lessons on leading transformation in student affairs, emphasizing the power of honoring people’s time, presence, and humanity to create lasting cultural shifts.
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal talks with DeVante Parker from UC Berkeley about why fun isn’t optional—it’s essential. From wrestling metaphors to low-cost team strategies, DeVante shares how joy, structure, and care can transform Residence Life culture.
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.
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 In student affairs and higher education, unlearning refers to the intentional process of letting go of outdated beliefs, assumptions, or practices to make space for the "new."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.
In residence life, building community is foundational. Yet, achieving it necessitates cultivating an environment where students and staff feel psychologically safe. Psychological safety, a concept rooted in organizational behavior and leadership theory, refers to an environment of rewarded vulnerability. It is a culture where individuals feel safe to speak up, take risks, and be themselves... Continue Reading →
In the evolving landscape of residence life, emotional intelligence and authentic connection are becoming increasingly vital components of effective leadership. One concept that has gained significant traction in both academic and professional spaces is vulnerability—not as a weakness, but as a profound measure of courage. For professionals in student housing, embracing vulnerability offers a path... Continue Reading →
You’ve got the inside jokes, flexible deadlines, and quick-wit in the group chat. You’re relatable, approachable, and your RAs like you… but are you actually supervising? Supervising students is more than just being fun or chill. It’s about co-creating relationships that foster guidance, support, and accountability. By avoiding true supervision in the name of being... Continue Reading →
It’s that time of year. Students are cramming for final exams, holding their last student org events, and carrying stuff out of their residence halls by the laundry basketful. Over in professional staff world, we’re holding closing staff meetings, gearing up for move-out, and suddenly— somehow —the inbox feels like it’s bursting at the seams.... Continue Reading →
This meeting could have been an email. How many times have you said this? How many times have you heard this? Within higher education, we’re notorious for having standing meetings that are often longer than they need to be, knowing that the information could have been communicated via email. Amidst the chaos that was my... Continue Reading →
In 2021, I was a part of a trio that did keynote speeches at the 2021 (virtual) SEAHO conference. Thanks again COVID! We were supposed to be in Charleston, SC but instead, I was in my makeshift home office staring at a computer screen and talking, what felt like, to myself. Each of the people... Continue Reading →
During my time in Residence Life as a Hall Director, I was located exclusively in the midwest region, specifically in Minnesota and Iowa. The Upper Midwest Region - Association of College and University Housing Officers (UMR-ACUHO) was the organization that I was predominantly involved with. But, while I was a Hall Director for four and... Continue Reading →
Winter break provides a well-deserved respite for students and staff alike and, for some teams, a much-needed restart as you head into a new semester together. After the long break, RAs return with renewed energy but may feel disconnected from their team or uncertain about the semester ahead. Using the time set aside for Winter... Continue Reading →
When you hear the word silo, what comes to mind? For me, I immediately think of the Midwest and a tall structure housing grain or feed or something that is very unfamiliar to this Floridian turned North Carolinian. However, there may be no need to travel to the Midwest, there could be silos right there... Continue Reading →
We're pleased to welcome Jeanette to the show this week where she and Dustin discuss the importance and methods of utilizing the ACUHO-I Standards in our departmental processes. Jeanette also shares some reflections on recently earning her doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Soooo…if anyone knows how to slow down time, now would be the time for you to utilize those talents. I mean it is already July which means it's basically August and it feels like tomorrow we will be officially welcoming our students back to our campuses. While I know we cannot slow down time, I... Continue Reading →
Summertime in education (but not the good kind where you get summer off) presents many opportunities during the break. Although the campus might be quieter during these months, it also poses a challenge in deciding how best to use our time. Should we rest and recuperate from the academic year's demands, or should we plan... Continue Reading →
Ahhh summer…where have you been all of my professional life? I always love when colleagues from around campus see me and ask, is this your down time? Do you ever really get a summer break? I usually just nervously scoff and say yeah I guess June is our “down time” but who am I kidding?... Continue Reading →
We're thrilled to have the one and only Heather Shea on the podcast this week! Heather chats with Dustin about her time as ACPA President this past year, celebrating the organization's 100 year history, and her work on the Student Affairs Now podcast.
