Author: Crystal Lay

Crystal Lay (she/her) is a Residence Life professional with over 18 years of experience in Higher Education. Her professional interests include diversity and equity, retention of staff of color, and creating a sense of belonging for students. She enjoys learning, reading, cooking, and spending time with family.

ResEdChat Ep 103: Blueprints for Success: Women in Housing Facilities Management

ResEdChat Episode.103

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 93: Self-Awareness and Beyond: Emotional Intelligence for Housing Professionals

ResEdChat 93

As housing professionals, we help students navigate life’s ups and downs, trauma, and a wide range of incidents and emotions—all while striving to remain calm and composed. Crystal is joined by Dr. Joshua Fredenburg, President and Founder of the Circle of Change Leadership, as he explores the concept of emotional intelligence, sharing practical tips on how to cultivate self-awareness and apply it in daily housing situations.

ResEdChat Ep 91: The Power of Partnership: Working Together with Campus Police to Support Students

ResEdChat 91

Crystal is joined by Doreen Jokerst, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Safety and Chief of Police at CU Boulder.  In this episode, they explore the collaboration between housing professionals and campus police, highlighting the importance of open dialogue and mutual support in enhancing the student experience. We also discuss how to navigate challenging conversations about successful partnerships while being mindful of the influences of fear, lived experiences, and identity.

RA*Chat Ep 90: Nurturing Scholars: RAs’ Role in Supporting Academic Success

ResEdChat 90 RA

In this episode of Roompact’s RA Chat, Crystal is joined by Kathryn Palmieri, Managing Director at the Engineering Student Success Center and College of Science Student Success Center at San Jose State University. Join KP as they share tips on making the most of your campus resources, how to connect with your academic advisor for personalized guidance, and the best ways to create spaces in your residence halls that foster both community and academic success.

RA*Chat Ep 89: Shine Brightly Without Burning Out: Tips for Introverts in Housing

ResEdChat 89 RA

In this episode of Roompact’s RA Chat, Crystal is joined by Brooks Hetle, Associate Director of Residence Life at North Dakota State University and current President of the UMR-ACUHO region.  Join them as they unravel the myths surrounding introverts and their leadership potential, with Brooks sharing invaluable insights on how to care for yourself and recharge while juggling a student staff position full of social interactions and activities.

ResEdChat Ep 87: Cultivating Community: Supporting Latine Students in Housing

ResEdChat 87

In this episode of Roompact’s RA Chat, Crystal is joined by Dr. Geneva Reynaga Abiko, Founder and Executive Director, Borderlands Therapy Collaborative, PLLC and they talk about the importance of recognizing the unique identities within the Latine community and the significance of truly understanding and appreciating all students for who they are and identifying what each student needs to thrive on our college campuses.

RA*Chat Ep 80: First Impressions: The Crucial Role of RAs and Campus Partners on Move-in Day with Dr. Andy Johnson

ResEdChat Episode 80

In this episode of Roompact’s ResEdChat, Crystal is joined by Dr. Andy Johnson, Director for Operations & Outreach at the University of South Florida.  Andy shares insights on common questions students and families have as they prepare for campus move-in and highlights the numerous campus partners involved in this major production. Additionally, Andy and Crystal... Continue Reading →

ResEdChat Ep 79: Asking the Question: How Does it Feel to Work Here? with Dr. Erica Alcantara Aros

ResEdChat - Dr Erica Alcantara Aros

In this episode of Roompact’s ResEdChat, Crystal is joined by Dr. Erica Alcantara Aros, Leadership & Workplace Culture Consultant with Mentor Culture Consulting.  Erica defines workplace culture and explains how to assess it during a job interview. Erica and Crystal also discuss navigating boundaries for staff in live-in roles, being open to feedback, and thoughts... Continue Reading →

ResEdChat Ep 77: Candid Conversations: Insights from a Black Woman in Housing

ResEdChat Ep 72

In this episode of Roompact’s 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 73: Beyond Room and Board: Supporting Students’ Basic Needs

ResEdChat Ep 73

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 70: Cultivating Connection: Addressing Loneliness in Housing

ResEdChat Ep 70

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 NAU’s 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

ResEdChat Ep 69

In this episode of Roompact’s 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 66: Cultivating Community: Sense of Belonging, Wellness, and Connection in Student Living Spaces

ResEdChat Ep66

In this episode of Roompact’s 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: “Leadership is an Act”: A Conversation on RAs and Leadership

ResEdChat Ep 65 - Leadership is an Act

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 61: We Have a Place for You! – Getting Involved with Your Regional Housing Organization

ResEdChat Ep 61

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.

RA*Chat Ep 57: I was an RA: Community, Connection, and Customer Service

ResEdChat 57

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal engages in a conversation with Emma Rash, who serves as a Security Analyst for a Defense Contractor. Her current role involves ensuring the safety of people, much like her previous experience as a Resident Assistant (RA). She generously shares her personal journey, discussing how she found her voice, built confidence, and learned valuable lessons about setting boundaries. Emma offers valuable advice to Resident Assistants, including emphasizing the importance of self-care by reminding us that we cannot effectively help others when our own cup is empty.

ResEdChat Ep 56: Authenticity, Adaptability, and Support: Having Effective 1:1’s with Student Staff

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In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal engages in conversation with Camille (Mimi) Sullivan, an Associate Director of Residential Education at Sonoma State University. They delve into the art of conducting effective one-on-one meetings with RAs. Mimi offers invaluable insights on the content of these meetings, the optimal frequency for conducting them, and strategies for rebounding from a "challenging" one-on-one session. Mimi emphasizes the significance of tailoring these meetings to address individual needs, the value of authenticity in your interactions, and the importance of clear and open communication.

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