Whether you are supervising students, graduate assistance, or full-time staff, identifying and sharing expectations are one of the most pivotal aspects of your role as a leader. It sets the tone in terms of how individuals are to perform within their role, ensuring that team dynamics remain positive and that tasks, whether they are door... Continue Reading →
Trust-Building Strategies for The ResLife Supervisor
Take a second to reflect on some of your most meaningful mentors and supervisors. What qualities did they have that you want to emulate as you supervise your own staff? Many leaders strive to have deep connections with the individuals that make up their team: this helps to take the supervisory relationship beyond simply serving... Continue Reading →
Do you suck as a Res Life Supervisor?ย
Have you ever asked yourself that question? If not, do it nowโฆlike for real pull up a mirror and ask that question. Or better yet, ask one of your staff members the question. If you are afraid of the answer, there might be a good reason why. I canโt imagine you were expecting to read... Continue Reading →
Out of the Loop in Residence Life: How to Receive Feedback Effectively
Have you heard of the yes-no-yes sandwich? What about using I statements during difficult conversations? How about the phrase, โPraise in Public, Punish in Private?โ I suspect your answer to one or all of these questions is yes as they all related to a popular topic for Residence Life Professionalsโfeedback. However, have you noticed that... Continue Reading →
ResEdChat Ep 56: Authenticity, Adaptability, and Support: Having Effective 1:1โs with Student Staff
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.
ResEdChat Ep 51: Jennifer Watley on Maximizing the HigherEd Graduate Student Experience
This week, Dustin chats with current Roompact blogger Jennifer about her experience as a higher ed graduate student balancing working on campus and her studies. She shares reflections on her journey so far, what she is looking forward to, and some advice on how best to support grad students.
A ResLife Supervisor’s Guide: Preparing for Performance Evaluations
This post is part of a three-part series on starting a supervisory relationship in residence life. Following a chronological timeline, this series is broken up into three parts:The Beginning: Staff Performance Begins with YouThe Middle: A ResLife Supervisor's Guide: Managing Performance Through InquiryThe End: Preparing for Performance Evaluations The end of the year has arrived... Continue Reading →
A ResLife Supervisor’s Guide: Managing Performance Through Inquiry
This post is part of a three-part series on starting a supervisory relationship in residence life. Following a chronological timeline, this series is broken up into three parts:The Beginning: Staff Performance Begins with YouThe Middle: A ResLife Supervisor's Guide: Managing Performance Through InquiryThe End: Preparing for Performance Evaluations In the previous segment, we explored how... Continue Reading →
A ResLife Supervisorโs Guide: Staff Performance Begins with You
This post is part of a three-part series on starting a supervisory relationship in residence life. Following a chronological timeline, this series is broken up into three parts:The Beginning: Staff Performance Begins with YouThe Middle: A ResLife Supervisor's Guide: Managing Performance Through InquiryThe End: Preparing for Performance Evaluations They say beauty is in the eye... Continue Reading →
ResEdChat Ep 24: Rachel Aho on Giving Constructive Feedback
In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Rachel talks with Dustin about the value of creating environments that encourage staff and students to give and receive constructive feedback to one another. Rachel shares advice for those who may feel reticent about doing this and some helpful resources to explore as well. If you have a topic idea or want to engage in the community discussion, use the hashtag #ResEdChat.
Supporting Staff Through the ResLife Job Search Season
It's job search season! For those of us with graduate assistants, and perhaps those with undergrads interested in the field (see my previous blog post!) these staff are beginning to plan out their job searches. The professional job search and the graduate school search have some significant differences and individuals going through these processes need... Continue Reading →
5 Key Behaviors To Go From ResLife Supervisor to Leader:ย Respect Their Expertise
This is a five part series based on best practices for supervisors. Each of these principles on their own can achieve great leadership, but all five will ensure it.1. Personalize Your Supervisory Style2. Communication is Key3. Know Who Works For You4. Acknowledge Their Work5. Respect Their Expertise The truth is that the higher you are... Continue Reading →
5 Key Behaviors To Go From ResLife Supervisor to Leader: Acknowledge Their Work
This is a five part series based on best practices for supervisors. Each of these principles on their own can achieve great leadership, but all five will ensure it.1. Personalize Your Supervisory Style2. Communication is Key3. Know Who Works For You4. Acknowledge Their Work5. Respect Their Expertise One of the least utilized tools in employee... Continue Reading →
5 Key Behaviors To Go From ResLife Supervisor to Leader: Know Who Works For You
This is a five part series based on best practices for supervisors. Each of these principles on their own can achieve great leadership, but all five will ensure it.1. Personalize Your Supervisory Style2. Communication is Key3. Know Who Works For You4. Acknowledge Their Work5. Respect Their Expertise Know Who Works For You It is extremely... Continue Reading →
3 ResLife Pro Quick Tips for Supporting New RAs and Student Staff in a New Year
For Pro Staff For Student Staff Roompact's "Quick Tips" series highlights ideas and suggestions you can put into your practice as either a professional staff or student staff member working in residence life and education. Click to read more from the series. And like that, the summer is over. Students and student staff will be... Continue Reading →
5 Key Behaviors To Go From ResLife Supervisor to Leader: Communication is Key
This is a five part series based on best practices for supervisors. Each of these principles on their own can achieve great leadership, but all five will ensure it.1. Personalize Your Supervisory Style2. Communication is Key3. Know Who Works For You4. Acknowledge Their Work5. Respect Their Expertise Communication is Key We all know that communication... Continue Reading →
5 Key Behaviors To Go From ResLife Supervisor to Leader: Personalize Your Supervisory Style
This is a five part series based on best practices for supervisors. Each of these principles on their own can achieve great leadership, but all five will ensure it.We have all had that one boss that weโve loved. The one that seemed to truly care about you, the person, as much as they cared about... Continue Reading →



