Residence life and education, residential curriculum and curricular approaches, student housing, and technology.
Every year, during Interview Week, I find myself having the same conversation with my returning RAs who are helping interview the next cohort. Usually, it happens at the table in between interviewing the candidates. I’ll smile and say something like, “Full circle, huh?” Just a year or two ago, they were the ones nervously sitting... Continue Reading →
By Kate Pilcher Returning to the RA role often comes with a quiet, unspoken pressure: you should know this by now. You’ve already navigated your way around campus, duty, rounds, roommate conflicts, crisis protocols, and the sometimes emotionally taxing labor that comes with supporting residents. Due to exposure and experience, returning RAs are frequently seen... Continue Reading →
In 2014, Taylor Swift dropped the album “1989”. I won’t forget this because it was my first year of college. I met a Swiftie in my residence hall, Brianna, and asked her if I could burn a copy of the album. From that moment, my friendship with Brianna was written in permanent ink. This year,... Continue Reading →
What houseplant are you? Identify your plant self and find some care tips to help you thrive in your Student Leader role. Snake Plant This student leader needs no extra attention from their supervisor. They will get their work done. Their one on ones are quick because they don’t have questions and they don’t like... Continue Reading →
Stepping back into the Resident Assistant or student staff member role for a second (or even third) year is both a privilege and a challenge. You’re no longer the newcomer. You bring with you experience, insight, and the unique opportunity to deepen your impact on your residents, your team, and yourself. But with familiarity can... Continue Reading →
Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room or having all the answers. For Resident Assistants and student staff members, leadership is more often about how you show up: the way you build community, support others, and make decisions rooted in values. That’s where the Social Change Model of Leadership really shines. Originally developed for college... Continue Reading →
Being an RA or student staff member isn’t easy, but it’s so worth it. You’re not just checking tasks off a list. You’re shaping communities, growing into a stronger version of yourself, and setting yourself up for success way beyond college. It's one of the most powerful opportunities you’ll have to build leadership skills you’ll carry with you for... Continue Reading →
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.
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.
As a student staff member you are stepping into a role that allows you to wear many hats. A frequent saying you may hear is the Golden Rule in the realm of Residence Life: You are a student first, then a student staff member second. This means that you should focus on your academic priorities... Continue Reading →
