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 studentย 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.ย
ResEdChat Ep 142: From RD to AD: Transitioning from Entry to Mid-Level Roles
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Donovan Cyrus joins Jas to chat about making the leap into a mid-level role in housing and residence life earlier than most. Whether you're considering an early move up or mentoring someone who is, this conversation will offer insights and practical advice on breaking through perceived career timelines in student affairs.
ResEdChat Ep 141: The Generational Remix: From Decades Apart to One Team
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal talks with Dr. Megan Gerhardt, Professor at Miami University and author ofย 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
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
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
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.ย
ResEdChat Ep 137: Home Away from Home: International Student Transition
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 faceโfrom cultural transition and visa pressures to finding community and accessing support. Weโll 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
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.
RA*Chat Ep 135: Move-In Magic: First Impressions, Lasting Connections
In this episode of RA*Chat, get ready to own move-in weekend! Join Katherine Gallardo, an RA, as she spills the tea on prepping like a pro and nailing those make-or-break first moments with new residents and their families. From managing the chaos to creating instant connections, this episode will transform you from nervous newbie to... Continue Reading →
ResEdChat Ep 134: Elevating Your Marketing In College Student Housing with Ali Santander
We're pleased to welcome Ali onto the show for this week's episode! She speaks with Dustin about her journey into this work, and reflections on how best to approach the unique work of housing and residential life marketing. Ali details the importance of effective marketing as a tool to tell stories, build community, and achieve departmental goals.
ResEdChat Ep 133: Beyond the Interview: Equitable Practices for RA Recruitment
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 theย processes more equitable for those in them.
ResEdChat Ep 132: The Courage to Unlearn: Shifting Mindsets in Higher Ed
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,ย unlearningย 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.ย
ResEdChat Ep 131: New Book on the Three C’s Framework for ResLife Practice
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.
ResEdChat Ep 130: Living Where You Lead: Embracing Boundaries in Residence Life
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal talks with Markayla Clayton, a Community Director at the University of Oregon as they explore what it means to set and protect boundaries as a live-in professional. From saying no without guilt to communicating needs with supervisors and students, our Markayla shares real strategies for balancing presence with self-care.
RA*Chat Ep 129: Train Hard, RA Harder: Tips & Tricks for RA Training
In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, join Assistant Director Amanda Franklin as she shares insights, practical strategies, and real-life advice to help Resident Assistants (RAs) and Student Staff members in Res Life prepare for training and succeed in your role! Whether you're a first-time RA or an experienced leader, this podcast offers quick tips, engaging stories, and practical tools to boost your confidence and effectiveness. Get ready to make a lasting impact on your campus community!ย
ResEdChat Ep 128: Developing RA360.org: The Free Online Open-Source “RA Textbook”
For this week's episode, we're pleased to introduce our 2025 ACUHO-I Intern, Venus, and have her share more about the work she's been doing on the RA360 resource library. She details what has gone into this project up to this point and how she envisions teams using the content to support their student staff training and development efforts.
ResEdChat Ep 127: Elevating Staff Recruitment and Performance Management with Dr. Brittany McDaniel
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat podcast, guest host Dustin chats with Brittany to get insights from her diverse background working at a variety of institutions on how to develop an effective staff recruitment and performance management strategy. She outlines tips for supporting student staff as well as professional staff so that teams of any shape and size can reach their full potential.
ResEdChat Ep 126: Sober Spaces in Higher Ed: A New Path for Student Wellness
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, host Jas Nettles is joined by Hayley, the Recovery Program manager at Baylor. Recovery programs on college campuses aren't new but have definitely become more of trend that's designed to support students recovering from substance use disorders (SUDs). These programs, often part of student affairs or wellness initiatives, provide resources such as peer support, counseling, sober living spaces, and recovery-friendly social events. They aim to create a supportive environment that enables students to maintain their recovery while pursuing academic and personal goals.



