In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, join our host Noah and guest Emma Grupe, Resident Director at Miami University of Ohio, to talk about the field and what it looks like to enter Residence Life without a degree in Student Affairs. As we all know, Student Affairs is typically not a job that people plan on entering, but what does it look like when you go at it from another angle all together? How do we do a job while learning how to do it at the same time? Join Noah and Emma as they tackle these questions and share stories and advice for new Residence Life Professionals.ย
ResEdChat Ep 137: Home Away from Home: International Student Transition
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, host Jasmine Nettles sits down with Trevis Belle to discuss the international student experience through the lens of student affairs, from enrollment to graduation. Whether you're looking to improve your efforts or looking to deepen your impact with their international student population, this conversation will offer powerful takeaways and practical ideas to do so. Trevis shares both personal and professional insights on the unique challenges international students faceโfrom cultural transition and visa pressures to finding community and accessing support. Weโll also explore how student affairs professionals can better serve international populations, create inclusive environments, and challenge assumptions about the "typical" student experience!
ResEdChat Ep 136: Kind, Clear, and Purposeful: Supervising with Intention
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal talks with Matt Nelson, Director of Residence Life at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, about what it means to lead with intention and care. Our guest shares how values like recognition, patience, and empathy shape their approach to supervision and offers practical, creative strategies to support diverse teams, build morale, and stay grounded as a leader.
RA*Chat Ep 135: Move-In Magic: First Impressions, Lasting Connections
In this episode of RA*Chat, get ready to own move-in weekend! Join Katherine Gallardo, an RA, as she spills the tea on prepping like a pro and nailing those make-or-break first moments with new residents and their families. From managing the chaos to creating instant connections, this episode will transform you from nervous newbie to... Continue Reading →
ResEdChat Ep 134: Elevating Your Marketing In College Student Housing with Ali Santander
We're pleased to welcome Ali onto the show for this week's episode! She speaks with Dustin about her journey into this work, and reflections on how best to approach the unique work of housing and residential life marketing. Ali details the importance of effective marketing as a tool to tell stories, build community, and achieve departmental goals.
ResEdChat Ep 133: Beyond the Interview: Equitable Practices for RA Recruitment
On this episode of ResEdChat, join our host Noah Montague, and guest Mathew Perry, Resident Director at Miami University of Ohio, to talk about RA recruitment. RA recruitment is one of the biggest endeavors that any Residence Life department goes through. And naturally, there are always things that go well and things that can go better. Noah and Perry discuss tangible ways to better recruit RAs and make theย processes more equitable for those in them.
ResEdChat Ep 132: The Courage to Unlearn: Shifting Mindsets in Higher Ed
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, host Jas sits down with Thomas Bruick to discuss "unlearning" and mindset change. In student affairs and higher education,ย unlearningย refers to the intentional process of letting go of outdated beliefs, assumptions, or practices to make space for the "new." It involves critical self-reflection, openness to change, and a commitment to slowing down our thoughts to make informed decisions. This process is especially relevant as institutions evolve to better serve and respond to societal shifts with our student populations.ย
ResEdChat Ep 131: New Book on the Three C’s Framework for ResLife Practice
We're pleased to bring you this bonus episode of ResEdChat where Paul shares more details about a brand new resource from Roompact to help residence education leaders create a framework for their practice. Focused on the "Three C's" of Community Development, Competencies, and Care, Paul explains how this eBook came to be and how he hopes professionals across the country will use it to elevate their work.
ResEdChat Ep 130: Living Where You Lead: Embracing Boundaries in Residence Life
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal talks with Markayla Clayton, a Community Director at the University of Oregon as they explore what it means to set and protect boundaries as a live-in professional. From saying no without guilt to communicating needs with supervisors and students, our Markayla shares real strategies for balancing presence with self-care.
RA*Chat Ep 129: Train Hard, RA Harder: Tips & Tricks for RA Training
In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, join Assistant Director Amanda Franklin as she shares insights, practical strategies, and real-life advice to help Resident Assistants (RAs) and Student Staff members in Res Life prepare for training and succeed in your role! Whether you're a first-time RA or an experienced leader, this podcast offers quick tips, engaging stories, and practical tools to boost your confidence and effectiveness. Get ready to make a lasting impact on your campus community!ย
ResEdChat Ep 128: Developing RA360.org: The Free Online Open-Source “RA Textbook”
For this week's episode, we're pleased to introduce our 2025 ACUHO-I Intern, Venus, and have her share more about the work she's been doing on the RA360 resource library. She details what has gone into this project up to this point and how she envisions teams using the content to support their student staff training and development efforts.
ResEdChat Ep 127: Elevating Staff Recruitment and Performance Management with Dr. Brittany McDaniel
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat podcast, guest host Dustin chats with Brittany to get insights from her diverse background working at a variety of institutions on how to develop an effective staff recruitment and performance management strategy. She outlines tips for supporting student staff as well as professional staff so that teams of any shape and size can reach their full potential.
ResEdChat Ep 126: Sober Spaces in Higher Ed: A New Path for Student Wellness
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, host Jas Nettles is joined by Hayley, the Recovery Program manager at Baylor. Recovery programs on college campuses aren't new but have definitely become more of trend that's designed to support students recovering from substance use disorders (SUDs). These programs, often part of student affairs or wellness initiatives, provide resources such as peer support, counseling, sober living spaces, and recovery-friendly social events. They aim to create a supportive environment that enables students to maintain their recovery while pursuing academic and personal goals.
ResEdChat Ep 125: Confidence in the Chaos: Supporting New Pros Through Crisis
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal talks with Dr. Joshua Maxwell, Director of University Housing at Colorado State University, about crisis response in residence life. They discuss his research on entry-level professionals and what shapes their responses to crises,ย from environmental factors to training to self-awareness. The conversation offers practical insights for both new professionals and those who lead them.
RA*Chat Ep 124: “So You’re an RA?” Advice for New Student Staff
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.
ResEdChat Ep 123: It’s All Greek to Me: Supporting FSL Affiliated Students on Campus
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat,ย join our host Noah Montague, and Guest Carter Roane, Resident Director at Miami University of Ohio, to talk about all things Greek Life, that is Fraternities and Sororities. Affiliated students have unique campus experiences and when they live in the halls, those experiences become all the more complex,ย exciting, and stigmatized. Noah and Carter explore fraternity and sorority life, discuss supporting students who are affiliated, share impactful stories, and provide practicalย advice to Residence Life Staff working with theย Greek community.
ResEdChat Ep 122: Living Learning Communities, The Ultimate Learning Partnership
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, join Noah and Tristan Morton to talk about Living Learning Communities (LLCs) and how they can be implemented to assist with community and identity development. Noah and Tristan explore different LLCs, structures, and theories as they relate to the topicย at hand, share impactful stories, and provide practicalย advice to Residence Life Staff.
ResEdChat Ep 121: The Superhero Complex in Student Affairs
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, we will be discussย "The Superhero Complex in Student Affairs." Theย superhero complexย refers to a mindset where student affairs professionals feel the need to "save the day" constantlyโtaking on excessive responsibilities, overworking, and sacrificing personal well-being in the name of student support. This can stem from a deep commitment to student success but often leads to burnout, lack of boundaries, and an unhealthy work culture where self-sacrifice is the norm.



