We have a special episode this week with the return of Roompact's fearless leader, Matt! He joins Dustin to talk about the premise of "magical moments" when it comes to customer service, how Roompact seeks to create these moments, as well as how other leaders can take inspiration from this example.
ResEdChat Ep 83: The Importance of Living Learning Communities with Chester Miller
This week, Dustin sits down with Chester to explore his background and the impact of Living Learning Communities (LLCs) on the student experience. He also shares how residence life professionals can launch or expand the proliferation and utilization of LLCs at their institution.
ResEdChat Ep 82: 2024 ACUHO-I Internship Reflections with Seferine Baez!
With the start of a new academic year means it is time to say goodbye to another ACUHO-I summer intern at Roompact. As has become tradition here, we welcomed Seferine back to the podcast to speak with Dustin about what she has worked on these past few months, what she's learned, and what she is looking forward to as she parts ways with Roompact.
ResEdChat Ep 81: Integrating ACUHO-I Standards Into Practice with Dr. Jeanette Zalba
We're pleased to welcome Jeanette to the show this week where she and Dustin discuss the importance and methods of utilizing the ACUHO-I Standards in our departmental processes. Jeanette also shares some reflections on recently earning her doctorate in Educational Leadership.
RA*Chat Ep 80: First Impressions: The Crucial Role of RAs and Campus Partners on Move-in Day with Dr. Andy Johnson
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
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 →
RA*Chat Ep 78: I was an RA: The Key is Excitement and Belief! with Brittney Henton
In this episode of Roompact’s RA*Chat, Crystal is joined by Brittney Henton, former RA and an Educational Services Representative in schools and libraries, and a Brand Partner with PaperPie (formerly Usborne Books & More). Brittney shares the things she learned as an RA and how they continue to influence her life as a wife, and... Continue Reading →
ResEdChat Ep 77: Candid Conversations: Insights from a Black Woman in Housing
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 76: Looking Ahead to ICA 2024 with Drs. LaFarin Meriwether & DeAndre Taylor
This week we're digging in with LaFarin and DeAndre about what to expect from the upcoming Institute on the Curricular Approach (ICA) happening this October in Chicago. As the co-chair's of this year's event, we explore each of our guests' background with ICA, what they're planning for this year, and how folks can get involved.
ResEdChat Ep 75: Reflecting on the ACPA Presidency with Heather Shea
We're thrilled to have the one and only Heather Shea on the podcast this week! Heather chats with Dustin about her time as ACPA President this past year, celebrating the organization's 100 year history, and her work on the Student Affairs Now podcast.
ResEdChat Ep 74: Supervising a Remote ACUHO-I Intern with Paul Gordon Brown
We welcome Paul back to the show this week to discuss his experience creating and overseeing a remote ACUHO-I internship program at Roompact. He shares his reflections on this initiative and advice for others curious about embarking on a similar endeavor.
ResEdChat Ep 73: Beyond Room and Board: Supporting Students’ Basic Needs
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 72: Integrating Wellness into a Residential Curriculum with Sean Watson
We're pleased to welcome Sean Watson to the show this week and discuss the purpose and process of implementing a wellness focus to your residential curriculum. Sean shares a wealth of knowledge and passion on this topic to help understand the nuances of how best to approach this intricate work.
ResEdChat Ep 71: Introducing Our 2024 ACUHO-I Summer Intern, Seferine Baez!
We're honored to be able to have another amazing intern, Seferine, this summer at Roompact. As usual, we wanted to introduce her further to our community with a deeper discussion on the podcast. She speaks with Dustin about how she found out about the position, what she'll be working on, and what fun plans she's looking forward to for the summer.
ResEdChat Ep 70: Cultivating Connection: Addressing Loneliness in Housing
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
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 68: Understanding & Supporting Disabled Students On Campus with Ali Martin Scoufiled
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, we chat with Ali Martin Scoufiled who is completing her doctoral research into the experiences of disabled students on campus. In this episode we explore the spectrum of how (dis)ability shows up on campus and tangible steps residence life professionals can take to better support disabled students in the residence halls and as they navigate the college environment. If you have a topic idea or want to engage in the community discussion, use the hashtag #ResEdChat.
ResEdChat Ep 67: Recognizing the Emotions and Support Needed to Successfully Navigate a Student Staff Union Petition with Jean MacKimmie
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Stewart chats with Jean MacKimmie, the Director of Residential Life at University Massachusetts Amherst as they explore the potential emotional impacts of student staff unionization drives. They explore Jean's experience at University Massachusetts Amherst over two decades ago when the RA team became the first successful Resident Advisor unionization in the US and what her experiences have been since then working in this environment. Hear first hand from Jean, as she details sage advice that she has provided other campuses that have faced similar events, and discover the support required for all levels of staff. Roompact invites you to join to hear why Jean is regarded as THE expert when it comes to student staff unions!



