Category: Podcast

This podcast series is a digital variety hour of presentations, webinars, and interviews on topics of interest to residence life and education professionals who work in college and university housing.

ResEdChat Ep 73: Beyond Room and Board: Supporting Students’ Basic Needs

ResEdChat Ep 73

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 70: Cultivating Connection: Addressing Loneliness in Housing

ResEdChat Ep 70

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

ResEdChat Ep 69

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

ResEdChat Ep 68 - Disability

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

ResEdChat Ep 67 - RA Unionization

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!

ResEdChat Ep 66: Cultivating Community: Sense of Belonging, Wellness, and Connection in Student Living Spaces

ResEdChat Ep66

In this episode of Roompact’s ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Liz Toombs, a Certified Interior Decorator and Owner of PDR Interiors. Liz shares her thoughts on several topics, including Greek Life, the connection between student living spaces and wellness, and the importance of belonging for college students. She offers tips on the dos and don'ts that come along with designing spaces and supporting students who are members of fraternities and sororities.

RA*Chat Ep 65: “Leadership is an Act”: A Conversation on RAs and Leadership

ResEdChat Ep 65 - Leadership is an Act

In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, Crystal sits down for an insightful dialogue with Edwin Serrano, a Senior Learning & Development Specialist at the University of Southern California. Edwin offers his unique perspective on leadership, tackling the age-old debate of whether leaders are born or made. He offers invaluable advice to Resident Assistants (RAs) on harnessing their leadership capabilities to navigate the landscape of internships and job opportunities. Additionally, he provides RA supervisors with practical strategies to foster leadership growth within their student staff teams. Moreover, Edwin candidly shares his personal journey of self-discovery, recounting how he cultivated confidence and unearthed a vocation that resonates deeply with his passions.

ResEdChat Ep 62: Strategies to Foster Resident Assistant Belonging with Ashtyn Davis

ResEdChat 62 - Ashtyn Davis

Belonging is important not just for residents, but the student staff who work in the residence halls to create that community and sense of belonging for others. Current University of Oklahoma graduate student, Ashtyn Davis, joins Dustin on this week's episode to explore this concept and ways to foster more belonging amongst RAs, such as the tool Ashtyn developed called the Resident Assistant Sense of Belonging Assessment (or RASBA).

ResEdChat Ep 61: We Have a Place for You! – Getting Involved with Your Regional Housing Organization

ResEdChat Ep 61

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal engages in a conversation with Dr. Brian Moffitt, the Executive Director of Housing and Dining at the University of Colorado Denver and President of AIMHO, and Dr. Gregory R. Thompson, Director of Residence Education at the University of Iowa and Past President of UMR-ACUHO. Join them as they talk about their proudest moments serving as Presidents of their respective regions. The guests also delve into their experiences with regional involvement, offering valuable tips for individuals aspiring to engage in similar opportunities.

RA*Chat Ep 57: I was an RA: Community, Connection, and Customer Service

ResEdChat 57

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal engages in a conversation with Emma Rash, who serves as a Security Analyst for a Defense Contractor. Her current role involves ensuring the safety of people, much like her previous experience as a Resident Assistant (RA). She generously shares her personal journey, discussing how she found her voice, built confidence, and learned valuable lessons about setting boundaries. Emma offers valuable advice to Resident Assistants, including emphasizing the importance of self-care by reminding us that we cannot effectively help others when our own cup is empty.

ResEdChat Ep 56: Authenticity, Adaptability, and Support: Having Effective 1:1’s with Student Staff

ResEdChat 60

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal engages in conversation with Camille (Mimi) Sullivan, an Associate Director of Residential Education at Sonoma State University. They delve into the art of conducting effective one-on-one meetings with RAs. Mimi offers invaluable insights on the content of these meetings, the optimal frequency for conducting them, and strategies for rebounding from a "challenging" one-on-one session. Mimi emphasizes the significance of tailoring these meetings to address individual needs, the value of authenticity in your interactions, and the importance of clear and open communication.

Up ↑