ResEdChat by Roompact

We're excited to welcome Paul back to the show this week to explore what qualities make Roompact as an education technology company unique. He shares with Dustin how the small but mighty team has navigated growth, partnerships, and funding to create a business that truly stands out from its peers.

In this episode of Roompact’s RA Chat, Crystal is joined by Dr. Geneva Reynaga Abiko, Founder and Executive Director, Borderlands Therapy Collaborative, PLLC and they talk about the importance of recognizing the unique identities within the Latine community and the significance of truly understanding and appreciating all students for who they are and identifying what each student needs to thrive o...

This week, we're excited to feature the ACPA Commission on Housing & Residential Life (CHRL) by talking with both the outgoing and incoming chairs, Drs. DeAndre Taylor and Leah Shaw respectively. They chat with Dustin about what CHRL is, how to get involved, and their reflections on their experiences so far.

This week, we're bringing Dustin and Paul together to have a deep exploration of all the things any higher ed professional should consider before they make the switch into a career in education technology. They discuss everything from how to evaluate different company dynamics, corporate culture shock, and how to stand out to prospective employers.

We have a special episode this week with the return of Roompact's fearless leader, Matt! He joins Dustin to talk about the premise of "magical moments" when it comes to customer service, how Roompact seeks to create these moments, as well as how other leaders can take inspiration from this example.

This week, Dustin sits down with Chester to explore his background and the impact of Living Learning Communities (LLCs) on the student experience. He also shares how residence life professionals can launch or expand the proliferation and utilization of LLCs at their institution.

With the start of a new academic year means it is time to say goodbye to another ACUHO-I summer intern at Roompact. As has become tradition here, we welcomed Seferine back to the podcast to speak with Dustin about what she has worked on these past few months, what she's learned, and what she is looking forward to as she parts ways with Roompact.

We're pleased to welcome Jeanette to the show this week where she and Dustin discuss the importance and methods of utilizing the ACUHO-I Standards in our departmental processes. Jeanette also shares some reflections on recently earning her doctorate in Educational Leadership.

In this episode of Roompact’s ResEdChat, Crystal is joined by Dr. Andy Johnson, Director for Operations & Outreach at the University of South Florida.  Andy shares insights on common questions students and families have as they prepare for campus move-in and highlights the numerous campus partners involved in this major production. Additionally, Andy and Crystal...... Continue Reading &#8...

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.