Crystal is joined by Doreen Jokerst, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Safety and Chief of Police at CU Boulder. In this episode, they explore the collaboration between housing professionals and campus police, highlighting the importance of open dialogue and mutual support in enhancing the student experience. We also discuss how to navigate challenging conversations about successful partnerships while being mindful of the influences of fear, lived experiences, and identity.
RA*Chat Ep 90: Nurturing Scholars: RAs’ Role in Supporting Academic Success
In this episode of Roompact’s RA Chat, Crystal is joined by Kathryn Palmieri, Managing Director at the Engineering Student Success Center and College of Science Student Success Center at San Jose State University. Join KP as they share tips on making the most of your campus resources, how to connect with your academic advisor for personalized guidance, and the best ways to create spaces in your residence halls that foster both community and academic success.
RA*Chat Ep 89: Shine Brightly Without Burning Out: Tips for Introverts in Housing
In this episode of Roompact’s RA Chat, Crystal is joined by Brooks Hetle, Associate Director of Residence Life at North Dakota State University and current President of the UMR-ACUHO region. Join them as they unravel the myths surrounding introverts and their leadership potential, with Brooks sharing invaluable insights on how to care for yourself and recharge while juggling a student staff position full of social interactions and activities.
ResEdChat Ep 88: “Why Roompact?” with Paul Gordon Brown
We're excited to welcome Paul back to the show this week to explore what qualities make Roompact as an education technology company unique. He shares with Dustin how the small but mighty team has navigated growth, partnerships, and funding to create a business that truly stands out from its peers.
ResEdChat Ep 87: Cultivating Community: Supporting Latine Students in Housing
In this episode of Roompact’s RA Chat, Crystal is joined by Dr. Geneva Reynaga Abiko, Founder and Executive Director, Borderlands Therapy Collaborative, PLLC and they talk about the importance of recognizing the unique identities within the Latine community and the significance of truly understanding and appreciating all students for who they are and identifying what each student needs to thrive on our college campuses.
ResEdChat Ep 86: Getting Involved with the ACPA CHRL with Drs. DeAndre Taylor & Leah Shaw
This week, we're excited to feature the ACPA Commission on Housing & Residential Life (CHRL) by talking with both the outgoing and incoming chairs, Drs. DeAndre Taylor and Leah Shaw respectively. They chat with Dustin about what CHRL is, how to get involved, and their reflections on their experiences so far.
ResEdChat Ep 85: Advice for ResLife to EdTech Career Transitions with Dustin & Paul
This week, we're bringing Dustin and Paul together to have a deep exploration of all the things any higher ed professional should consider before they make the switch into a career in education technology. They discuss everything from how to evaluate different company dynamics, corporate culture shock, and how to stand out to prospective employers.
ResEdChat Ep 84: Creating Moments of Magic for Roompact Schools with Matt Unger
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.



