In our field, there are a lot of buzz words that we use. While some are helpful, some dictate how we move about in the work. I want to explore some of those sayings and how they land for me. As you read through, think of a time when you have used or heard these... Continue Reading →
Surviving or Thriving in Housing? Maybe Both!
I remember the first time I heard the saying: surviving or thriving. I was an Assistant Director at a school in Northern California and we would talk about the importance of our students thriving and not just surviving. There was an urgency and a passion and I totally bought into it! In my opinion, surviving... Continue Reading →
ResLife, Rest, and Reflection. Looking ahead to 2023.
The end of the semester comes at us like the down track on a rollercoaster. Weโve climbed and persisted up the track and hit some peaks this fall. As we gleefully enjoyed a winter break, it went by so quickly. Before we can fully catch a breath weโre ascending another climb into spring opening. As... Continue Reading →
Giving Ourselves Grace When Working in Student Housing
What does your morning routine entail?ย Mine involves getting multiple humans ready for the day. Lunch?ย Check. Clothes? Check. Does everyone smell good?ย Yes. Then it is out the door. Generally you may be able to say that mornings in my home are busy.ย One of the things that I look forward to as a... Continue Reading →
ResEdChat Ep 16: Crystal Lay and Reflections on a Career in Residence Life
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, we talk with Crystal about her decades of experience working in Residence Life all the way from her time as a student. She shares reflections about crisis response, setting boundaries, and being able to bring your best self to work. If you have a topic idea or want to engage in the community discussion, use the hashtag #ResEdChat.
If These Halls Could Talk: Crafting Your Residence Life Story
Itโs the time of year when I begin to think about the importance of stories and traditions. Do you have stories or moments that stick with you? Do you have traditions that you have passed onto others in your family or friendship groups? What about in your workplace? Stories are โa description, either true or... Continue Reading →
The Oxymoron of a “Smooth Transition” in Residence Life
Going to college is often viewed as an exciting time for students who are leaving behind everything they've known to begin a new journey into emerging adulthood. This time can also be a source of fear and stress for that very same reason. Entering a new setting involves learning the culture and its expectations, new... Continue Reading →
ResLife Mom: Living In, With Children
The other day I was unpacking a box and I found a certificate from a presentation I had co-presented at a GLACUHO Regional Housing Conference in 2008. It was called, โSuperwoman: Being a Live in Mom and/or Partner.โ At the time I was a new mom and wife and a residence hall director. There... Continue Reading →
To All The ResLife Jobs I Have Loved Before
For most of us, this year has been a roller coaster of emotions, events, and big life decisions. On my social media many of my long time friends and colleagues are celebrating leaving the field or finding new roles at different institutions. What I like about the posts is that all of them are reporting... Continue Reading →
5 Things Res Life Professionals Should Keep in Mind When Setting New Semester Resolutions
Welcome to 2022 Roompact Readers! With every new year comes new resolutions, but as residence life professionals, we know that each semester is also an opportunity for new ideas and improvements. While the new year lends itself to refreshed inspiration, many New Yearโs resolutions fall short by the end of the first month. Here are... Continue Reading →
ResEdChat Ep 9: Camille Bonar Reflecting on her 2021 ACUHO-I Internship Experience
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, we bring back our ACUHO-I Summer 2021 Intern, Camille Bonar, to reflect on how her internship has been. We discuss working from home, differences in expectations versus reality for a position, and what you can think about before beginning an internship to set you up for success. If you're a current grad or undergrad, or a supervisor of an intern, check out what we learned from Camille's experience.



