In this episode of Roompactโs ResEdChat, Crystal is joined by Trinity Brooks, an Assistant Hall Director at Indiana State University, as they discuss the experience of being Black women in Housing. Together, they explore the importance of community, and the necessity of having crucial conversations, while sharing stories related to navigating housing as Black individuals. Trinity also offers tips for non-Black colleagues and departments on how to provide support and transparency in recruitment processes and inclusion efforts.
ResEdChat Ep 76: Looking Ahead to ICA 2024 with Drs. LaFarin Meriwether & DeAndre Taylor
This week we're digging in with LaFarin and DeAndre about what to expect from the upcoming Institute on the Curricular Approach (ICA) happening this October in Chicago. As the co-chair's of this year's event, we explore each of our guests' background with ICA, what they're planning for this year, and how folks can get involved.
ResEdChat Ep 75: Reflecting on the ACPA Presidency with Heather Shea
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.
ResEdChat Ep 74: Supervising a Remote ACUHO-I Intern with Paul Gordon Brown
We welcome Paul back to the show this week to discuss his experience creating and overseeing a remote ACUHO-I internship program at Roompact. He shares his reflections on this initiative and advice for others curious about embarking on a similar endeavor.
ResEdChat Ep 73: Beyond Room and Board: Supporting Students’ Basic Needs
In this episode of ResEdChat, join host Crystal Lay, and Guest Judy Juarez Crawford, Director of Student Basic Needs at University of California-Riverside, as they discuss basic needs and food and housing insecurity. Judy provides numerous suggestions on how campuses can support students and staff in an area often plagued by stigma. She also offers valuable insights into how we should respond to student staff in recruitment processes who rely on the role for room and board.
ResEdChat Ep 72: Integrating Wellness into a Residential Curriculum with Sean Watson
We're pleased to welcome Sean Watson to the show this week and discuss the purpose and process of implementing a wellness focus to your residential curriculum. Sean shares a wealth of knowledge and passion on this topic to help understand the nuances of how best to approach this intricate work.
ResEdChat Ep 71: Introducing Our 2024 ACUHO-I Summer Intern, Seferine Baez!
We're honored to be able to have another amazing intern, Seferine, this summer at Roompact. As usual, we wanted to introduce her further to our community with a deeper discussion on the podcast. She speaks with Dustin about how she found out about the position, what she'll be working on, and what fun plans she's looking forward to for the summer.
ResEdChat Ep 70: Cultivating Connection:ย Addressing Loneliness in Housing
When we consider the experiences of our on-campus students, our focus revolves around fostering community, facilitating connections, and aiding in transitions. But do we specifically consider the issue of loneliness? In this episode of ResEdChat, join Crystal and Dr. Carl Dindo, Director of NAUโs Counseling Center, as they explore the concept of loneliness. Carl offers practical tips and abundant resources on how to cultivate a culture of connection for both our students and ourselves.
ResEdChat Ep 69: Exploring White Accountability Groups and Racial Justice in Residence Life with Dr. Kathy Obear
In this episode of Roompactโs 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.
ResEdChat Ep 67: Recognizing the Emotions and Support Needed to Successfully Navigate a Student Staff Union Petition with Jean MacKimmie
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Stewart chats with Jean MacKimmie, the Director of Residential Life at University Massachusetts Amherst as they explore the potential emotional impacts of student staff unionization drives.ย They explore Jean's experience at University Massachusetts Amherst over two decades ago when the RA team became the first successful Resident Advisor unionization in the US and what her experiences have been since then working in this environment.ย Hear first hand from Jean, as she details sage advice that she has provided other campuses that have faced similar events, and discover the support required for all levels of staff.ย Roompact invites you to join to hear why Jean is regarded as THE expert when it comes to student staff unions!
ResEdChat Ep 66: Cultivating Community: Sense of Belonging, Wellness, and Connection in Student Living Spaces
In this episode of Roompactโs ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Liz Toombs, a Certified Interior Decorator and Owner of PDR Interiors. Liz shares her thoughts on several topics, including Greek Life, the connection between student living spaces and wellness, and the importance of belonging for college students. She offers tips on the dos and don'ts that come along with designing spaces and supporting students who are members of fraternities and sororities.
RA*Chat Ep 65: โLeadership is an Actโ: A Conversation on RAs and Leadership
In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, Crystal sits down for an insightful dialogue with Edwin Serrano, a Senior Learning & Development Specialist at the University of Southern California. Edwin offers his unique perspective on leadership, tackling the age-old debate of whether leaders are born or made. He offers invaluable advice to Resident Assistants (RAs) on harnessing their leadership capabilities to navigate the landscape of internships and job opportunities. Additionally, he provides RA supervisors with practical strategies to foster leadership growth within their student staff teams. Moreover, Edwin candidly shares his personal journey of self-discovery, recounting how he cultivated confidence and unearthed a vocation that resonates deeply with his passions.
ResEdChat Ep 64: Utilizing Microsurveys in Residential Education with Paul Gordon Brown
We welcome Paul back as our guest this week to explore the concept of "microsurveys". He explains what they are, how they can be used, and why residential education professionals should implementing them into their departmental strategy.
ResEdChat Ep 63: The Value of Private-Public Partnerships in Residence Life with Cassandra Acin
Cassie joins the podcast this week to chat with her old friend, Dustin, about her unique professional background as well as her current work at American Campus Communities partnering with universities to create engaging resident communities. They also explore her experience as part of the student run leadership organization, NACURH.
ResEdChat Ep 62: Strategies to Foster Resident Assistant Belonging with Ashtyn Davis
Belonging is important not just for residents, but the student staff who work in the residence halls to create that community and sense of belonging for others. Current University of Oklahoma graduate student, Ashtyn Davis, joins Dustin on this week's episode to explore this concept and ways to foster more belonging amongst RAs, such as the tool Ashtyn developed called the Resident Assistant Sense of Belonging Assessment (or RASBA).
ResEdChat Ep 61: We Have a Place for You! – Getting Involved with Your Regional Housing Organization
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal engages in a conversation with Dr. Brian Moffitt, the Executive Director of Housing and Dining at the University of Colorado Denver and President of AIMHO, and Dr. Gregory R. Thompson, Director of Residence Education at the University of Iowa and Past President of UMR-ACUHO. Join them as they talk about their proudest moments serving as Presidents of their respective regions. The guests also delve into their experiences with regional involvement, offering valuable tips for individuals aspiring to engage in similar opportunities.
ResEdChat Ep 60: Dr. Amanda Knerr on Creating a Compelling Departmental Vision
We're pleased to welcome Amanda to the show this week to share her thoughts on how best to create a vision for your department that this detailed, relevant, and inspiring. She chats with Dustin about disrupting some of the paradigms around creating a vision and how to utilize it consistently to both guide your work and showcase its impact.



