Housing and Residence Life: Community & Engagement | Competencies & Learning | Care & Case Management | Assessment
On March 29, 2026, with ten seconds left on the clock, University of Connecticut (UConn) men’s basketball team was trailing Duke by three points in the Elite Eight. (If you’re not a sports person, stay with me. It’ll make sense soon). Silas Demray Jr. from UConn made one of two free throws knocking the lead... Continue Reading →
This episode of RA*Chat features insights from Tim Turner, offering advice to help RAs navigate move-out with confidence and care. From handling damage-related conversations and conducting thorough room checks to managing residents' emotions, Tim emphasizes the importance of clear communication, accomplishments, and getting support from peers and supervisors. He also shares strategies for managing stress during this busy season while still creating a positive and supportive closing experience for residents.
The semester is winding down, and if you’re like most RAs or student staff members, you’ve probably reached that point where the finish line feels both agonizingly close and impossibly far away. One minute you’re worried about your own final exams and summer internship plans, and the next, you’re staring down a mountain of key... Continue Reading →
Resident Advisors (RAs) are first and foremost community builders. One of the simplest and most useful frameworks you can use to understand how your residents grow as a group is Tuckman’s stages of group development. This includes five stages (four of which I'm focusing on here): forming, storming, norming, (performing), and adjourning. In university housing,... Continue Reading →
So, you're not going to be a live-on student staff member anymore. The day comes for every RA or student leader when the keys get handed in, the last door gets closed, and campus life becomes a memory instead of your everyday reality. Here’s the thing: there’s more to this next chapter than just finding... Continue Reading →
The end of the academic year is one of the busiest times for college students, with exams, presentations, and end of year projects all due simultaneously. In addition there is the end of year social buzz, with students trying to cram in the last get-togethers and parties before everyone leaves for summer break. Emotions are... Continue Reading →
As a Resident Assistant or student staff member, you’re more than just a community builder. You’re often a mentor and guide during pivotal moments in your residents’ college journeys. One such moment is when students consider moving from on-campus housing to an off-campus living situation. For many, this will be their first experience with independent... Continue Reading →
Going back home after living in the residence halls can be a mixed bag. On one hand, it’s exciting seeing family, catching up with old friends, sleeping in your own bed. But on the other hand, it’s not always as easy or comforting as it sounds. For some students, returning home can bring up unexpected... Continue Reading →
In this RA*Chat episode, join host Anthony to discuss the complexities of move-out season for RAs and student staff members--from juggling school and work, to being prepared and planning ahead. Guest Naomi Semb-Lovejoy shares insights on managing this hectic time while supporting yourself and others.
As the academic year winds down, college students prepare to transition into summer, new opportunities, or even graduation and moving into a professional role. While this time can be filled with excitement, it can also bring uncertainty, nostalgia, and even sadness. As a student staff members or RA, you play a crucial role in helping... Continue Reading →
As the year slowly comes to a close, you are eying the finish line. You have focused all year on your residents. You hosted programs (likely including an ice cream night), created bulletin boards, been a listening ear in times of crisis, and supported students through some of their worst moments while on call. Through... Continue Reading →
As the end of the term approaches, it brings a number of rites of passage and end-of-the-year celebrations--from banquets to award ceremonies to graduations. Residents are also preparing for finals, saying goodbye to friends, planning for summer work and internships, and, for some, leaving school for the last time. As a RA or student staff member... Continue Reading →
