Residence life and education, residential curriculum and curricular approaches, student housing, and technology.
When I served as a hall director – sometimes even now – I often would fall prey to working through my lunch hour, scarfing down my lunch while scanning emails, putting the finishing touches on a committee document to guide a process, completing a student of concern report, or meeting with someone – the list... Continue Reading →
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Ryan Taylor-Gonzalez, Assistant Director of Learning and Assessment at CSU Monterey Bay, to talk about the transition from hall director to mid-level leader in housing. Ryan reflects on the growth, identity shifts, and leadership lessons that come with stepping into broader responsibility.
Imagine: This time last year, you told yourself that when the start of the new annual performance review cycle came around, you’d complete your self-review gradually, taking note of accomplishments each month, better equipping you with the ability to showcase your work over the last year. Instead, time got away from you and now you’re... Continue Reading →
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Jas chats with Sydney Rigdon, Assistant Director of Housing & Residence Life at Transylvania University. They explore why regional and state involvement matters, how professionals can find their way into their networks, and ways this engagement supports both individual growth and the broader field of student affairs. Let's discuss!
Earlier this month a Director of Residence Life from a former institution of mine reached out asking about benchmarking practices for the re-evaluation of their four-year fixed contract for live-in Residence Directors. He reached out asking if our live-in hall directors were on fixed-term contracts - limiting our Residential Community Coordinators to four years in... Continue Reading →
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, with Bernard Nichols, Assistant Director of Student Conduct at Johns Hopkins University, we explore the importance of professional networking and conference engagement for student affairs professionals. From cultivating meaningful relationships to making the most of conferences, listen to learn more about how to make the best impression with your professional presence. So let's discuss!
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal talks with Dr. Megan Gerhardt, Professor at Miami University and author of Gentelligence. They explore how generational norms impact the way we live, work, and lead in campus housing, and why curiosity is the key to unlocking stronger, more connected teams. From late-night crisis responses to everyday communication breakdowns, Dr. Gerhardt offers fresh insight and practical tools to turn generational tension into opportunity.
Unlock your potential by building intentional mentoring relationships and a personal "board of directors" to turn guidance into lasting success. Join Dr. Gregory R. Thompson, University of lowa, and the UMR Professional Development Committee as we dive deeper into mentorship through engaging discussion and practical tools.
Other duties as assigned. We see this catch-all in every job description, and within Residence Life we know all too well how true it tends to be. I used to think that this notion was included to protect departments from backlash when needing to give special projects and tasks to staff outside of their day-to-day... Continue Reading →
In the world of residence life, we spend a lot of time encouraging students to “get involved,” “build community,” and “live their values.” We organize programming, lead dialogues, and guide residents toward civic engagement with the hope that these experiences will help shape them into thoughtful, connected members of the broader society. But how often... Continue Reading →
When it comes to seeking out professional and personal development opportunities, I am like a frantic squirrel hunting for nuts. There is so much I want to learn and so many skills I want to add to my repertoire. I attend workshops, watch seminars, host a weekly trivia game at a local bar, I’ve collected... Continue Reading →
In the dynamic and emotionally nuanced environment of residence life, professionals are expected to lead, support, and mentor students while navigating their own complex personal and professional development. One often-overlooked challenge that many in the field face is imposter syndrome. The persistent feeling of self-doubt despite evident success or qualifications. But what is it? How... Continue Reading →
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.
I recently read The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer and percolated on the ideas of reciprocity in human connections. In "The Serviceberry: An Economy of Abundance," the author, a botanist by training, explores how ecological relationships can inspire a shift from extractive, scarcity-driven economies to systems rooted in reciprocity, mutual flourishing, and gratitude. Using the... Continue Reading →
December is upon us and you made it to the end of the line with your team. The end of the semester is typically a pivotal time for a Residence Life staff. This is often when transitions happen with team members, students and full-timers alike. And even if there aren’t staffing changes on your team,... Continue Reading →
Maybe I’m stuck in my own social media bubble, but it feels like there’s been a huge resurgence in journaling as a hobby within the last few years. Everywhere I look, I see people using journaling as a way to set and track goals, capture life’s memories, and even collect the random scraps and stickers... Continue Reading →
For those who work in residence life, supporting our student staff requires both structure and adaptability. Sometimes it feels like balancing logic with intuition—understanding policies while reading the unique personalities on our team. You’ve likely heard of Marvel’s newest hit TV series; Agatha All Along. In Agatha All Along, viewers are introduced to tarot cards... Continue Reading →
Gratitude is a powerful force in the workplace and, with the culture of Residence Life, is a point of emphasis when it comes to team dynamics. We’re constantly looking to affirm those who go above and beyond, recognizing their efforts and contributions to our team, department, and to the profession as a whole. It’s fitting... Continue Reading →
