We're pleased to welcome Erin to the show this week to have her share reflections on the work at University of Oklahoma did over the past few years to expand their residential curriculum to their entire division of student affairs. She examines how to identify and take advantage of windows of opportunity for change making and the ways to leverage communities to keep ourselves afloat in turbulent times.
ResEdChat Ep 112: Dollars & Decisions: Budgets and Financial Management in Housing
In this episode ofย Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Dr. T.J. Logan,ย Executive Director at Brailsford & Dunlavey,ย ย to break down the financial side of residence life and housingโdemystifying common budget terms, sharing best practices, and exploring how financial transparency can strengthen your team. ย Whether you're just starting with budgeting or refining your expertise, this episode will provide valuable insights to boost your confidence!
ResEdChat Ep 111: Examining the Ongoing Importance of Professional Organizations with Brian Hopkins
We're pleased to welcome Brian to the show this week to talk about his journey that led him to joining ACPA in a professional capacity as well as what he sees as the ways professional organizations are creating relevant opportunities for learning, camaraderie, and authentic connections for higher education staff members all over the world. *You may notice that there was a minor audio issue in the middle of this episode, which required us to swap mics. We appreciate your patience and understanding!
ResEdChat Ep 110: How to Use Pod Mapping to Amplify Your Curricular Approach
This week, Dustin chats with Sarah about her efforts to utilize pod mapping as a way to elevate the curricular approach at her institution. Sarah details the ways to and the importance of building sustainable coalitions at an institution to make sure there is consistent, collective efforts to aid in achieving learning outcomes for students.
RA*Chat Ep 109: Through the Lens: Reflecting on College and the Power of Community
In this episode, host Crystal sits down with Director of Photography Justin Kosman, whose career has taken him worldwide, working with brands like Red Bull, Vans, and ESPN. Reflecting on his time as a resident, student-athlete, and English Literature major, Justin shares the lessons and regrets that shaped his path to success. Tune in for powerful insights on embracing challenges, fostering belonging, and how RAs can play a pivotal role in building community and connection.
ResEdChat Ep 108: Safe Spaces, Strong Communities: Supporting LGBTIA Students in Housing
In this episode, join host Crystal and Travis Tucker,ย Assistant Dean and Director of the Carl A. Fields Center for Equality and Understanding at Princeton University, as they explore how campus housing staff can better support LGBT students by addressing privacy, community, and inclusivity. They discuss impactful policies, staff training, and partnerships, share success stories, and offer practical advice for creating spaces where students who identify as LGBTIA thrive.
ResEdChat Ep 107: When the Answer Is No: Navigating the Internal Candidate Experience
In this episode, Crystal sits down with Dr. Jeremy Moore, Dean of Students at Naropa University, who shares the unique challenges and opportunities of being an internal candidate for housing and residence roles. Our guest shares his personal stories on navigating the hiring process, receiving, and utilizing feedback, and managing the transition after not being selected. Whether you're an aspiring internal candidate or a hiring manager, this conversation offers valuable insights.
ResEdChat Ep 106: Leveraging Newsletter Campaigns to Foster and Assess Student Learning with Crys Arellano-Fryer
We're pleased to welcome Crys to the show this week as they discuss with Dustin their email newsletter campaign initiative at their institution that seeks to provide relevant resources to students consistently. Crys also details the tools they use to develop the emails and the various strategies they use as collaborates with their colleagues to develop the content of each newsletter.
ResEdChat Ep 105: Balancing Act: Pursuing a Doctorate While Leading in Housing
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Deanna Hughes, Associate Director of Residential Education at the University of South Florida-Tampa Campus, to discuss the art of balancing life as a housing professional, doctoral student, mom, and partner. Deanna shares valuable insights on time management, building support systems, navigating dissertation research, and embracing balance through simple joys like walking, journaling, and bowling. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with practical advice for managing it all!
ResEdChat Ep 104: Harnessing Pulse Check Assessments of Student Learning with Chad Lystad
We're welcoming Chad to the show this week to share with Dustin how his team at Concordia College was able to utilize quick student surveys to gather authentic and timely insights. Chad also details how his fellow staff members and student leaders were able to take action on the feedback to further their work enabling student learning in alignment with their curriculum.
ResEdChat Ep 103: Blueprints for Success: Women in Housing Facilities Management
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, we explore what it means to advocate for yourself and thrive in housing facilities, a field that is predominantly male. Crystal is joined by guest Michelle Sujka, Associate Director of Housing, Facilities Operations, from the University of Cincinnati, who shares how curiosity, strong relationships, and supportive supervisors have helped shape her career. Michelle offers advice to women aspiring to enter facility roles, discusses breaking stereotypes, and highlights the importance of creating opportunities for other women and students.
ResEdChat Ep 102: Navigating Change Management & Assessment Implementation with Danielle Parker
This week, Dustin is joined by Danielle to discuss her recent work beginning to implement an assessment plan at her institution. She reflects on accomplishing similar work in prior roles and gives advice to others on how best to navigate the emotional and logistical aspects of this work.
ResEdChat Ep 101: Paul Gordon Brown on Structuring Intentional Conversations
We're pleased to welcome back Paul into the guest spot this week as he chats with Dustin about utilizing intentional conversations as a simple, effective tool to create supportive environments for residents. They explore how to integrate intentional conversations, ways to overcome challenges, and resources to learn more.
ResEdChat Ep 100: Podcasting Reflections with Crystal, Dustin, and Paul
In this milestone 100th episode of show, hosts Paul, Dustin, and Crystal gather for a reflective roundtable discussion. They share candid insights about their podcasting journey, from navigating technical hiccups to learning from a diverse range of guests. Whether you're a podcasting newbie or a seasoned host, this episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt anecdotes from behind the scenes.
ResEdChat Ep 99: Care & Connection: Enhancing Your Resident Support with Roompact with John Hughey
In this episode of Roompactโs ResEdChat, Paul sits down with John Hughey from the University of Mary Washington to discuss how they are leveraging Roompact's software to aid the work of their Coordinated Care Team and their Behavioral Intervention Team.
ResEdChat Ep 98: Achieving Supervisory Success with Dr. Stephanie Carter-Atkins
This week, we're featuring the final episode in this year's series of episodes featuring our guest writer cohort. Dustin speaks with Stephanie about her journey refining her supervisory style and building her confidence as a leader, sharing a plethora of great advice and resources!
ResEdChat Ep 97: Strategies for Supporting Homesick Students with Colin Varnet
This week, we're featuring current Roompact writer (and current Resident Assistant), Colin in conversation with Dustin to give his firsthand perspective on how to best identify and support students experiencing homesickness.
ResEdChat Ep 96: How to Leverage Appreciative Inquiry with Alex Baker
This week, we're featuring another edition in this year's series of episodes featuring our guest writer cohort. Dustin speaks with Alex about the concept of appreciative inquiry and how he sees it applying to the work residence life professionals do every day. Alex shares how utilizing appreciative inquiry is a way to harness affirmative positivity and bring a strengths based approach to how we work with colleagues and students.



