When I first entered the field of Higher Education as a Residence Hall Manager, I remember feeling that there was no way I had time to collect data, find meaningful ways to communicate said data, and depending on the day, if I knew where to start in looking for data. Between ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents, supervising and supporting RAs, and finding out in new and unexpected ways just what “other duties as assigned” meant, data wasn’t a priority. Now that I have a much better idea on what data is and how it can be leveraged, I think back to those early days and realize it’s much simpler than I once believed it to be.
Think of data as a guiding light, helping us navigate the complexities of managing on-campus living and student success. Gathering data isn’t just a procedural task—it’s our way of tapping into the heartbeat of Residence Life. In this article, I want to explore three ways that data can really make a difference: Utilizing incident reports beyond conduct management, leveraging RA responsibilities as a source of information, and combining these (and other) data points for student support and improvement.
Utilizing Incident Reports Beyond Conduct Management
The first area I want to visit are incident reports. When I worked in Residence Life, I viewed IRs as nothing more than a source of information to help the conduct process move along. However, I now see them as something much more; an untapped potential for creating a safer and more supportive environment. Imagine tracking and analyzing all IRs that come in for one month in the semester. Are specific buildings or floors seeing more alcohol violations than others? Are there certain areas where you’re seeing a higher rate of vandalism than others? These are just two of many examples of how you can analyze the patterns in IRs to hopefully identify underlying issues and then beef up education efforts around that. Aggregating data from IRs can guide the development of targeted educational opportunities, which not only aids in preventing future incidents, but also contributes to the overall wellbeing of the community.
Leveraging RA Responsibilities as a Source of Information
We are all aware of the crucial role RAs play in shaping the overall experience of students. Their unique position enables them to gather valuable insights into the daily lives and challenges of the residents within their community. RAs are already connecting with their residents on both a small- and large-scale, and, they are likely already gathering data. They may not realize it though. Encourage your RAs to check in with their residents and ask questions similar in nature to each resident. As an example, as many of us are sitting in between midterms and finals, it could be a great opportunity to focus on academics. By asking questions specific to many facets of academic success (study skills, time management, stress management, etc.), RAs can quickly and easily gather information to inform opportunities to best support their residents.
Are you a user of Roompact’s software? Our Insights feature allows you to access data in just a few clicks! You can run reports before 1-1s, embed dashboards in weekly agendas, or prepare your end-of-the-year reports easily!
Combining Data Points for Broader Support
Residence Life holds a treasure trove of data, that, when gathered, compiled, and shared effectively, can underscore the important and critical work they do. One of the most important areas Residence Life staff can share data is…drum roll please…Residence Life. Sharing data within the Residence Life department, especially with RAs and other student staff, is crucial for fostering a unified, informed approach to enhancing the overall student living experience. When student staff have access to relevant data, they gain a deeper understanding of the trends, challenges, and successes within their community. When students and staff alike have a deeper understanding enabling them to tailor their interactions and initiatives to meet the actual needs of their residents. This transparency not only empowers student staff by validating their contributions to the department’s goals but also encourages a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Furthermore, involving student staff in data-driven discussions promotes a sense of ownership and engagement, motivating them to contribute actively to the department’s mission and to the overall well-being of their peers.
