ResEdChat by Roompact

In this episode of Roompact’s ResEdChat, Crystal is joined by Dr. Erica Alcantara Aros, Leadership & Workplace Culture Consultant with Mentor Culture Consulting.  Erica defines workplace culture and explains how to assess it during a job interview. Erica and Crystal also discuss navigating boundaries for staff in live-in roles, being open to feedback, and thoughts...... Continue Reading &...

In this episode of Roompact’s RA*Chat, Crystal is joined by Brittney Henton, former RA and an Educational Services Representative in schools and libraries, and a Brand Partner with PaperPie (formerly Usborne Books & More). Brittney shares the things she learned as an RA and how they continue to influence her life as a wife, and...... Continue Reading →

In this episode of Roompact’s ResEdChat, Crystal is joined by Trinity Brooks, an Assistant Hall Director at Indiana State University, as they discuss the experience of being Black women in Housing. Together, they explore the importance of community, and the necessity of having crucial conversations, while sharing stories related to navigating housing as Black individuals. Trinity also offers tips...

This week we're digging in with LaFarin and DeAndre about what to expect from the upcoming Institute on the Curricular Approach (ICA) happening this October in Chicago. As the co-chair's of this year's event, we explore each of our guests' background with ICA, what they're planning for this year, and how folks can get involved.

We're thrilled to have the one and only Heather Shea on the podcast this week! Heather chats with Dustin about her time as ACPA President this past year, celebrating the organization's 100 year history, and her work on the Student Affairs Now podcast.

We welcome Paul back to the show this week to discuss his experience creating and overseeing a remote ACUHO-I internship program at Roompact. He shares his reflections on this initiative and advice for others curious about embarking on a similar endeavor.

In this episode of ResEdChat, join host Crystal Lay, and Guest Judy Juarez Crawford, Director of Student Basic Needs at University of California-Riverside, as they discuss basic needs and food and housing insecurity. Judy provides numerous suggestions on how campuses can support students and staff in an area often plagued by stigma. She also offers valuable insights into how we should respond to s...

We're pleased to welcome Sean Watson to the show this week and discuss the purpose and process of implementing a wellness focus to your residential curriculum. Sean shares a wealth of knowledge and passion on this topic to help understand the nuances of how best to approach this intricate work.

We're honored to be able to have another amazing intern, Seferine, this summer at Roompact. As usual, we wanted to introduce her further to our community with a deeper discussion on the podcast. She speaks with Dustin about how she found out about the position, what she'll be working on, and what fun plans she's looking forward to for the summer.

When we consider the experiences of our on-campus students, our focus revolves around fostering community, facilitating connections, and aiding in transitions. But do we specifically consider the issue of loneliness? In this episode of ResEdChat, join Crystal and Dr. Carl Dindo, Director of NAU’s Counseling Center, as they explore the concept of loneliness. Carl offers practical tips and abundant...

In this episode of Roompact’s ResEdChat, Crystal is joined by Dr. Kathy Obear, President of the Center for Transformation and Change, to delve into her latest book, "Leading White Accountability Groups in Your Organization." Together, they examine the purpose and the importance of intentionality in creating white accountability groups, as well as the significance of establishing a confidential spa...

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, we chat with Ali Martin Scoufiled who is completing her doctoral research into the experiences of disabled students on campus. In this episode we explore the spectrum of how (dis)ability shows up on campus and tangible steps residence life professionals can take to better support disabled students in the residence halls and as they navigate the college envi...

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Stewart chats with Jean MacKimmie, the Director of Residential Life at University Massachusetts Amherst as they explore the potential emotional impacts of student staff unionization drives.  They explore Jean's experience at University Massachusetts Amherst over two decades ago when the RA team became the first successful Resident Advisor unionization in th...

In this episode of Roompact’s ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Liz Toombs, a Certified Interior Decorator and Owner of PDR Interiors. Liz shares her thoughts on several topics, including Greek Life, the connection between student living spaces and wellness, and the importance of belonging for college students. She offers tips on the dos and don'ts that come along with designing spaces and support...

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 ca...

We welcome Paul back as our guest this week to explore the concept of "microsurveys". He explains what they are, how they can be used, and why residential education professionals should implementing them into their departmental strategy.

Cassie joins the podcast this week to chat with her old friend, Dustin, about her unique professional background as well as her current work at American Campus Communities partnering with universities to create engaging resident communities. They also explore her experience as part of the student run leadership organization, NACURH.

Belonging is important not just for residents, but the student staff who work in the residence halls to create that community and sense of belonging for others. Current University of Oklahoma graduate student, Ashtyn Davis, joins Dustin on this week's episode to explore this concept and ways to foster more belonging amongst RAs, such as the tool Ashtyn developed called the Resident Assistant Sense...

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal engages in a conversation with Dr. Brian Moffitt, the Executive Director of Housing and Dining at the University of Colorado Denver and President of AIMHO, and Dr. Gregory R. Thompson, Director of Residence Education at the University of Iowa and Past President of UMR-ACUHO. Join them as they talk about their proudest moments serving as Presidents o...

We're pleased to welcome Amanda to the show this week to share her thoughts on how best to create a vision for your department that this detailed, relevant, and inspiring. She chats with Dustin about disrupting some of the paradigms around creating a vision and how to utilize it consistently to both guide your work and showcase its impact.

We're kicking off the new year with a fascinating episode exploring masculinity and how institutions need to engage and retain men on campus. Charlie speaks with Dustin about his recent ACUHO-I magazine article that included research he recently completed on this topic.

In this final episode of the year, Dustin chats with Justin about his background leveraging the CliftonStrengths assessment to empower student and staff to do their best work. He shares how he discovered this tool and advice for others looking to utilize it.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal engages in a conversation with Emma Rash, who serves as a Security Analyst for a Defense Contractor. Her current role involves ensuring the safety of people, much like her previous experience as a Resident Assistant (RA). She generously shares her personal journey, discussing how she found her voice, built confidence, and learned valuable lessons ab...

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...

Dustin welcomes Natasha, one of our faithful bloggers, to the show this week. She shares her perspective on how student affairs divisions need to approach assessment to better manage their teams as well as support their students.