Housing and Residence Life: Community & Engagement | Competencies & Learning | Care & Case Management | Assessment
“Why wouldn’t you be allowed to? You’re an adult?” “What do you mean you need permission? You’re out of the house?” “No, I definitely hear a slight accent when you speak!” These are all quotes I’ve heard directed towards first generation and/or students of color. They’re almost always without malice, but they sting nevertheless. This... Continue Reading →
Between classes, duty shifts, club meetings, and trying to remember the last time you did your laundry, life can get a lot. If your brain feels like a tab with 27 open browsers, it’s time to declutter with some planning power tools. The following are some calendar tips, hacks, and templates you can use. How... Continue Reading →
As student staff member, your role in the roommate agreement process is more than distributing a form and checking a box. A successful roommate agreement isn’t just about getting it done, it’s all about helping residents have the conversations that lead to understanding, compromise, and shared accountability. When done well, the roommate agreement becomes a... Continue Reading →
If you’ve ever wondered how to better support first-generation college students living on your floor, you’re in the right place. These students are blazing trails, often navigating college life without the same family experience or guidance others might have. That can mean they face some unique challenges, and as an RA or student staff member,... Continue Reading →
Residence life is about building community and supporting all students who call your hall home. Among those students are individuals with a wide range of disabilities with some visible and others not immediately apparent. Understanding how to effectively support these residents is essential for creating an inclusive, welcoming environment. You might wonder how best to... Continue Reading →
Understanding student identities is essential, but applying that knowledge is where the real work begins. As an RA or student staff member, being able to articulate, explore, and reflect on identity isn’t just a training module, it’s a daily practice, showing up in everything from the way you mediate a roommate conflict to how you... Continue Reading →
with your DJ, Tamarah Humphreys Being a Student Leader living and working at a college or university during the Summer term is a unique time to be on campus. Unique parts of the Summer Student Staff Member experience can include: different work tasks, a different team than in the past, a different supervisor, and oftentimes... Continue Reading →
Deciding whether to pursue a graduate degree is a significant step in your career and personal journey, no matter the field of study. It's a decision that requires careful consideration of your goals, priorities, and personal circumstances. This is no exception when it comes to considering Student Affairs Masters programs. Here’s a guide to navigate... Continue Reading →
In this RA*Chat episode for student staff members, join us to discuss some tips on being a newly hired Resident Assistant! Desiree A. Valdez Chavez gives actionable advice and reflective insights as an experienced student affairs professional.
Stepping back into the Resident Assistant or student staff member role for a second (or even third) year is both a privilege and a challenge. You’re no longer the newcomer. You bring with you experience, insight, and the unique opportunity to deepen your impact on your residents, your team, and yourself. But with familiarity can... Continue Reading →
While drinking may be a common part of the college social scene, it doesn’t have to define campus life. In fact, one of the most effective ways to shape a healthy and inclusive floor culture is by offering engaging, alcohol-free alternatives that encourage connection and well-being. As a student leader, you have the opportunity to... Continue Reading →
College life often comes with newfound freedom, and that includes alcohol. About half of full-time college students report drinking in the past month, and nearly 30% report binge drinking (5+ drinks per occasion for men, 4+ for women) (NIAAA). This makes alcohol a visible part of the campus scene. At the same time, students drink... Continue Reading →
Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room or having all the answers. For Resident Assistants and student staff members, leadership is more often about how you show up: the way you build community, support others, and make decisions rooted in values. That’s where the Social Change Model of Leadership really shines. Originally developed for college... Continue Reading →
So, you're not going to be a live-on student staff member anymore. The day comes for every RA or student leader when the keys get handed in, the last door gets closed, and campus life becomes a memory instead of your everyday reality. Here’s the thing: there’s more to this next chapter than just finding... Continue Reading →
Email might feel old-school compared to texting or messaging apps, but it remains one of the most important tools in professional communication. As a student staff member, your communication reflects not just your own approach, but also the culture and professionalism of your residence life team. And while it might be tempting to treat emails... Continue Reading →
When you're in the thick of duty rotations, roommate conflicts, and late-night conversations, it's easy to put yourself last. But you (your energy, your emotions, your connections, your purpose) are not a side note to your student staff role. They're the foundation. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s strategic. It allows you to show... Continue Reading →
As a student staff member (and a peer helper), you have an important role, but you’re not a counselor, doctor, or security officer. Some situations will rightfully be beyond what you can or should handle alone. Knowing when to refer a resident to professional help (and how to do it sensitively) is a crucial skill. It’s not a failure... Continue Reading →
You’ve done your first, maybe second year as an RA and you’re starting to think, “hmmm, maybe I want to do this another year.” If that is you, let me give you some advice. The Student Affairs field is a little torn on whether RAs and student leadership positions should have to reapply every year... Continue Reading →
