ResEdChat by Roompact

This episode of RA*Chat features insights from Tim Turner, offering advice to help RAs navigate move-out with confidence and care. From handling damage-related conversations and conducting thorough room checks to managing residents' emotions, Tim emphasizes the importance of clear communication, accomplishments, and getting support from peers and supervisors. He also shares strategies for managing...

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, join our host Noah Montague and guest, Emily Abrams, Assistant Director of Dow STEM Scholars at Michigan State University, as they talk about crip theory and its implications for Residence Life Staff and for the halls themselves. Student Development Theories give us language through which to understand and implement our work and crip theory is no different,...

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, we welcome Dr. Shirley O'Brien, Foundation Professor for the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at EKU. This episode explores the collaborative partnership between the Occupational Therapy and Housing & Residence Life department to develop and implement the Colonels Mentoring Colonels Peer Mentor Program, an initiative to suppo...

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Aaron Lucier, Interim Director of Housing & Residential Life at the University of South Carolina Upstate. Aaron reflects on what mattered most, how the field has evolved, and the lessons learned along the way. From leadership and identity to the moments that sustained them, this conversation offers insight and guidance for the ne...

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Host Paul sits down with one of our 2026 Roompact Fellows, Kaleigh Mrowka, to discuss student learning and curriculum, restorative practices, and encouraging campus dialogue. An interesting through-line develops which can give residence hall professionals multiple strategies and elements to incorporate in their work of making meaningful spaces for resident...

In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, join Da Zhane’ Sinclair for advice when everything goes wrong in the middle of the night, and how you respond. This episode dives into the high-pressure reality of on-call life, unpacking how to make quick, confident, and policy-aligned decisions when it matters most for students! From managing emergencies to navigating resident conflict, we explore strategie...

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, join our host Noah Montague and guest Pamela Ianiro, Area Coordinator at the University of Cincinnati, as they talk about and explore residence life traditions. From door decs to behind closed doors, Residence Life professionals around the country engage with traditions, but where do these traditions really come from? What was their purpose originally? What...

In this special episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, we have a rebroadcast from one of our more recent webinars. We started our monthly webinar series back in October of 2025 and if you are a Roompact member, you can participate in these live. For non-Roompact members, we make the recording available after the fact on our website. In this webinar we’ll go over the 3C Framework for Residence Life Pract...

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.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Host Paul sits down with one of our 2026 Roompact Fellows, Erin Long, to discuss all things co-curricular learning. Erin recently completed her PhD at the University of Texas at Austin and her dissertation focused on students perceptions of co-curricular learning and its implications for practice. Professionals who have curriculum and learning elements in t...

In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, we sit down with Jose Rivera to break down how to distinguish typical roommate conflict from situations that require higher-level intervention. The conversation covers documentation best practices, referrals, collaboration with professional staff, and how to balance empathy with policy enforcement. Especially in complex, real-world situations, RAs like you fa...

In this episode of ResEdChat, join our host Noah Montague and guest Keresa Murray, Resident Director at Ohio University as they talk about navigating conflict in the Residence Halls. Far too often, students and people at large avoid conflict whether it be out of fear, polarization, or even safety. That said, conflict and navigating disagreement are a crucial part of life and thus a crucial part of...

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!

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal is joined by Jennifer Pridemore, Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual, for a practical and compassionate conversation about financial wellness for live-in housing professionals. Together, they explore how living on campus shapes financial habits, the importance of planning early, and ways to build healthy, realistic money practices. This episode...

In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, we we are joined by Marcus Zacarias (UC Berkeley) to solve the puzzle of low attendance and low energy. The secret? It doesn’t require a massive budget or hours of planning. We dive deep into the art of micro-programming and intentional conversations. Discover how RAs and student staff members can maintain community momentum even during the busiest times of t...

On this episode of ResEdChat, join our host Noah Montague and guest Ben Williams as they talk about the needs of residential LGBTQIA+ students and the role of Residence Life Staff in supporting this population. While no student population is a monolith, especially when we are talking about marginalized students; LGBTQIA+ students have unique situations, supports, and joys that are crucial to consi...

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Graduate Residence Hall Coordinator Mckenzie Howard at Eastern Kentucky University will share what's proven to be best practices to provide ongoing care, taking the time to debrief, and creating a culture that prioritizes well-being after critical incidents for student staff. Howard developed a "Comprehensive Care Plan" that she and other co-workers have us...

In this episode of Roompact’s ResEdChat, Crystal is joined by her mentee, Leya Deickman, Associate Director of Residence Life at William & Mary, for an honest conversation about mentorship in housing and residence life. Together, they reflect on timing, expectations, boundaries, and accountability, encouraging listeners to think about how mentorship might support their own growth and leadersh...

In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, it's a post-break reset for RAs focused on rebuilding momentum, re-establishing expectations, and reconnecting with residents after winter break, with Assistant Director Chasten Conway. This episode covers strategies for addressing burnout, re-engaging residents, and setting a strong tone for the semester ahead.

In this first episode of the year, guest host Dustin Ramsdell speaks with Katie Munshaw to wrap up our episodes featuring the 2025 blogging team. They discuss how to lead with vulnerability and what makes it especially important when working in the residence halls. Katie shares reflections from her own life that have reinforced these lessons as well as encouragement for how others can find the rig...

In this final episode of the year, guest host Dustin Ramsdell speaks with Tamarah Humphreys about making lateral moves in your career. She details the reasons why someone might make these sideways pivots, and what to expect when they might occur. Tamarah shares reflections of her own experience making these transitions, and gives advice for how best to navigate them. Guest: Tamarah Humphreys (she/...

For this week's episode of ResEdChat, guest host Dustin Ramsdell chats with Alexis Karakas about her experience helping her student staff members understand the relevant skills they gain during their time serving the department, no matter what industry they pursue after graduation. Alexis also details her approach to this work, and what makes it so important. Guest: Alexis Karakas (she/her), Resid...

In this week's episode, guest host Dustin Ramsdell spoke with Madison Vasich, a current Roompact blogger from the University of Montana to get her reflections and advice on starting as a new professional staff member straight from completing her undergraduate degree. Madison also shares her experience moving to a new area for your first professional job and how best to acclimate to a campus enviro...

In this episode of the podcast, guest host Dustin Ramsdell chats with Katie Steele, a current Roompact blogger from the Seattle University about how best to prepare for and navigate applying for a job at your current institution. She shares perspectives on going through these interview processes as a candidate as well as managing them as a reviewer. Katie shares tips for listeners to make sure you...

In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, join us for an insightful conversation with Dwayne Peterson as we delve beyond traditional resume tips to explore the full spectrum of career preparation, from strategic networking to intentional job applications. Learn how your RA experience translates into valuable, transferable skills that employers seek. This deep dive session will...... Continue Reading...