ResEdChat Ep 120: Yes, You’ve Got This: Fighting Imposter Syndrome in ResLife

Ever feel like you're faking it in housing? In this episode of ResEdChat, Crystal chats with Dr. A.J. Lauer, from Thriving Ibis Leadership Solutions, about imposter syndrome, identity, and the pressures of being the “expert” in res life. Tune in for real talk, empowering tips, and a reminder that yes, you belong here. If you have a topic idea or want to engage in the community discussion, use the hashtag #ResEdChat.

ResEdChat Ep 118: Reflecting on Transitions In and Out of Residence Life with Dr. Cory Shapiro

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Dustin is chatting with Cory about his career journey in a variety of roles across different functional areas, many of which have been at the same institution. Cory shares reflections and advice on how best to determine what it is your looking for professionally, the value of finding a good mentor, and leveraging different resources to ensure you're making sound decisions about your career.

ResEdChat Ep 117: Challenge and Support: Growth Minded Supervision of Resident Assistants

In this episode of ResEdChat, join Noah and Nick Stanford, Senior Academic Advisor at Miami University's College of Engineering and Computing to talk about RA supervision and the concept of "challenge and support" as it relates to that conversation. They discuss challenging RAs to grow as individuals and people, the intricacies of that work, share impactful stories, and offer practical advice for helping RAs not only be successful at their jobs but to grow as students and people as well.

ResEdChat Ep 116: Staying Connected to Your Work! with Bernard Nichols

In student affairs, especially Housing and Residence Life, we do what I like to call "shadow work"—outside the classroom, in late-night conversations, in the spaces where students grow into themselves. In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Host Jasmine Nettles and guest Bernard Nichols talk about understanding "why" we do what we do, what keeps us going, and how our personal values and lived experiences have shaped the way we show up for students.

ResEdChat Ep 115: Sacred Spaces: Supporting Spirituality and Meaning-Making in Campus Housing

Supporting students and staff in their spiritual and meaning-making journeys is an important but often overlooked part of residence life.  In this episode of ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Dr. Cherjanét Lenzy, Associate Provost for Student Life & Thriving at Fielding Graduate University, and they explore how housing professionals can navigate conversations around religion, spirituality, and meaning-making and build partnerships that enhance the residential experience.

ResEdChat Ep 114: Storytelling with Data: Engaging Residential Staff in Assessment Practices

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, we rebroadcast a past webinar discussing storytelling through data and assessment with panelists from the University of South Carolina and University of South Florida. Through this session, the panelists explore best practices to collect, interpret, and present data to campus partners and departmental leadership to create buy-in and provide the “why” to students and staff. Additionally, panelists share how innovative curriculum assessment strategies can enhance the student experience and support departmental and institutional priorities.

ResEdChat Ep 113: Strategies for Transitioning from a Residential to a Divisional Curriculum

We're pleased to welcome Erin to the show this week to have her share reflections on the work at University of Oklahoma did over the past few years to expand their residential curriculum to their entire division of student affairs. She examines how to identify and take advantage of windows of opportunity for change making and the ways to leverage communities to keep ourselves afloat in turbulent times.

ResEdChat Ep 112: Dollars & Decisions: Budgets and Financial Management in Housing

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Dr. T.J. Logan, Executive Director at Brailsford & Dunlavey,  to break down the financial side of residence life and housing—demystifying common budget terms, sharing best practices, and exploring how financial transparency can strengthen your team.  Whether you're just starting with budgeting or refining your expertise, this episode will provide valuable insights to boost your confidence!

ResEdChat Ep 111: Examining the Ongoing Importance of Professional Organizations with Brian Hopkins

We're pleased to welcome Brian to the show this week to talk about his journey that led him to joining ACPA in a professional capacity as well as what he sees as the ways professional organizations are creating relevant opportunities for learning, camaraderie, and authentic connections for higher education staff members all over the world. *You may notice that there was a minor audio issue in the middle of this episode, which required us to swap mics. We appreciate your patience and understanding!

RA*Chat Ep 109: Through the Lens: Reflecting on College and the Power of Community

In this episode, host Crystal sits down with Director of Photography Justin Kosman, whose career has taken him worldwide, working with brands like Red Bull, Vans, and ESPN. Reflecting on his time as a resident, student-athlete, and English Literature major, Justin shares the lessons and regrets that shaped his path to success. Tune in for powerful insights on embracing challenges, fostering belonging, and how RAs can play a pivotal role in building community and connection.

ResEdChat Ep 108: Safe Spaces, Strong Communities: Supporting LGBTIA Students in Housing

In this episode, join host Crystal and Travis Tucker, Assistant Dean and Director of the Carl A. Fields Center for Equality and Understanding at Princeton University, as they explore how campus housing staff can better support LGBT students by addressing privacy, community, and inclusivity. They discuss impactful policies, staff training, and partnerships, share success stories, and offer practical advice for creating spaces where students who identify as LGBTIA thrive.

ResEdChat Ep 107: When the Answer Is No: Navigating the Internal Candidate Experience

In this episode, Crystal sits down with Dr. Jeremy Moore, Dean of Students at Naropa University, who shares the unique challenges and opportunities of being an internal candidate for housing and residence roles. Our guest shares his personal stories on navigating the hiring process, receiving, and utilizing feedback, and managing the transition after not being selected. Whether you're an aspiring internal candidate or a hiring manager, this conversation offers valuable insights.

ResEdChat Ep 106: Leveraging Newsletter Campaigns to Foster and Assess Student Learning with Crys Arellano-Fryer

We're pleased to welcome Crys to the show this week as they discuss with Dustin their email newsletter campaign initiative at their institution that seeks to provide relevant resources to students consistently. Crys also details the tools they use to develop the emails and the various strategies they use as collaborates with their colleagues to develop the content of each newsletter.

ResEdChat Ep 105: Balancing Act: Pursuing a Doctorate While Leading in Housing

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Deanna Hughes, Associate Director of Residential Education at the University of South Florida-Tampa Campus, to discuss the art of balancing life as a housing professional, doctoral student, mom, and partner. Deanna shares valuable insights on time management, building support systems, navigating dissertation research, and embracing balance through simple joys like walking, journaling, and bowling. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with practical advice for managing it all!

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

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.

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