Housing and Residence Life: Community & Engagement | Competencies & Learning | Care & Case Management | Assessment
As an RA or student staff member, you'll encounter a wide range of student issues. Some that feel familiar, and others that might catch you completely off guard. One area that often goes unnoticed but can have a significant impact on student well-being is eating and eating habits. For many college students, especially those living... Continue Reading →
Congratulations on stepping into the RA role! You are in for a very exciting ride, everyone’s experience is different but I am confident yours will be unique and special in its own way. Something that is pretty consistent across universities though is that you will begin to have 1-on-1 meetings with your supervisor. A 1-on-1... Continue Reading →
The end of the academic year is one of the busiest times for college students, with exams, presentations, and end of year projects all due simultaneously. In addition there is the end of year social buzz, with students trying to cram in the last get-togethers and parties before everyone leaves for summer break. Emotions are... Continue Reading →
Conflict is part of living in community. Whether it’s two roommates clashing over cleaning habits or a resident group disagreeing over event planning, tension is a natural part of group dynamics. As a student staff member in residence life, you’re likely the first person residents turn to when these issues arise. And sometimes, the way... Continue Reading →
Conflict is a normal part of community living, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to handle. As an RA or student staff member, you're often the first line of support when tensions rise. Whether it’s a minor roommate squabble or something that escalates quickly, knowing how to navigate these situations with confidence and care makes... Continue Reading →
Being an RA or student staff member isn’t easy, but it’s so worth it. You’re not just checking tasks off a list. You’re shaping communities, growing into a stronger version of yourself, and setting yourself up for success way beyond college. It's one of the most powerful opportunities you’ll have to build leadership skills you’ll carry with you for... Continue Reading →
Your schedule is packed with duty shifts, programming, and supporting your residents. It's easy to forget to take care of yourself amidst all these responsibilities. But remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. Taking time for self-care isn't just beneficial. It's essential. Consider the idea of tearing yourself to a DIY Wellness Retreat. No need for expensive getaways;... Continue Reading →
When I first became a Resident Assistant, I thought it would just be a fun job to help pay for college. I had no idea that it would end up teaching me some of the most important skills I still use every single day. If you’re an RA or a student staff member right now,... Continue Reading →
If you’ve ever walked into your building early in the morning and noticed how clean the floors are, or how quickly something gets fixed after you submit a maintenance request, that’s the work of your custodial and facilities teams. These folks are the unsung heroes of our residence halls—and they can be some of your... Continue Reading →
As political conversations become more frequent on campus, whether sparked by debates on television, viral social media posts, or upcoming elections, they often find their way into the residence hall. For many students, these discussions are an important part of exploring their values and shaping their identities. But when opinions collide, conversations can quickly shift... Continue Reading →
Hey there, I just wanted to take a minute to tell you something that I wish someone had told me when I was in your shoes: Being an RA is going to change your life. Right now, it might feel like a lot of late-night duty rounds, roommate drama, bulletin boards you threw together at... Continue Reading →
Service trips are more than just an opportunity to travel. They’re a chance to grow as a leader, build authentic relationships, and make a meaningful impact. Whether you're organizing an alternative break, a local volunteer day, or a community engagement project, your leadership can turn a simple trip into a profound journey of growth and... Continue Reading →
Gratitude is a powerful force in any community, and as an RA or student leader, it’s one of the easiest ways you can make your floor feel more connected and supportive. November is National Gratitude Month, which makes it the perfect time to be intentional about recognizing and appreciating the people around you. Practicing gratitude... Continue Reading →
As an RA or student staff member, one of your most important jobs is helping residents feel like they belong. While this might seem straightforward, the truth is, your efforts contribute to something much deeper: helping students define and experience “home” in the residence halls. But what does “home” mean in a college environment? The... Continue Reading →
Icebreakers and teambuilders are classic tools in any reslifer's toolkit. But they don’t always go as planned. Sometimes a well-meaning activity crashes and burns. Sometimes the vibe is just off. That’s okay. A big part of being a successful facilitator is knowing how to adapt in the moment. This post breaks down common activity misfires... Continue Reading →
Part of the role of RAs and student staff members is to get to know and support residents. A key strategy in doing this is to have intentional conversations. Rather than just ask about the weather or focus on surface-level chats, each interaction is an opportunity to connect with and help residents. This is what... Continue Reading →
If you’ve ever watched Ted Lasso, you know he’s not your typical leader. He’s positive, patient, and fiercely believes in the people around him even when things get tough. Honestly, if Ted Lasso were looking for a side hustle, he would make an amazing RA. Being a student leader means facing hard conversations, supporting your community,... Continue Reading →
College is one of the most intense times of self-discovery, questions, and big life transitions. As an RA or student staff member, you’ve probably seen this firsthand: a resident staying up late wrestling with questions about their identity, or someone trying to figure out where they belong after leaving home for the first time. A... Continue Reading →
