ResEdChat by Roompact

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal talks with Dr. Joshua Maxwell, Director of University Housing at Colorado State University, about crisis response in residence life. They discuss his research on entry-level professionals and what shapes their responses to crises, from environmental factors to training to self-awareness. The conversation offers practical insights for both new professionals and those who lead them.

In this RA*Chat episode for student staff members, join us to discuss some tips on being a newly hired Resident Assistant! Desiree A. Valdez Chavez gives actionable advice and reflective insights as an experienced student affairs professional.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, join our host Noah Montague, and Guest Carter Roane, Resident Director at Miami University of Ohio, to talk about all things Greek Life, that is Fraternities and Sororities. Affiliated students have unique campus experiences and when they live in the halls, those experiences become all the more complex, exciting, and stigmatized. Noah and Carter explore fraternity and sorority life, discuss supporting students who are affiliated, share impactful stories, and provide practical advice to Residence Life Staff working with the Greek community.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, join Noah and Tristan Morton to talk about Living Learning Communities (LLCs) and how they can be implemented to assist with community and identity development. Noah and Tristan explore different LLCs, structures, and theories as they relate to the topic at hand, share impactful stories, and provide practical advice to Residence Life Staff.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, we will be discuss "The Superhero Complex in Student Affairs." The superhero complex refers to a mindset where student affairs professionals feel the need to "save the day" constantly—taking on excessive responsibilities, overworking, and sacrificing personal well-being in the name of student support. This can stem from a deep commitment to student success but often leads to burnout, lack of boundaries, and an unhealthy work culture where self-sacrifice is the norm.

Ever feel like you're faking it in housing? In this episode of ResEdChat, Crystal chats with Dr. A.J. Lauer, from Thriving Ibis Leadership Solutions, about imposter syndrome, identity, and the pressures of being the “expert” in res life. Tune in for real talk, empowering tips, and a reminder that yes, you belong here. If you have a...... Continue Reading →

In this RA*Chat episode, join host Anthony to discuss the complexities of move-out season for RAs and student staff members--from juggling school and work, to being prepared and planning ahead. Guest Naomi Semb-Lovejoy shares insights on managing this hectic time while supporting yourself and others.

This week, Dustin is chatting with Cory about his career journey in a variety of roles across different functional areas, many of which have been at the same institution. Cory shares reflections and advice on how best to determine what it is your looking for professionally, the value of finding a good mentor, and leveraging...... Continue Reading →

In this episode of ResEdChat, join Noah and Nick Stanford, Senior Academic Advisor at Miami University's College of Engineering and Computing to talk about RA supervision and the concept of "challenge and support" as it relates to that conversation. They discuss challenging RAs to grow as individuals and people, the intricacies of that work, share impactful stories, and offer practical advice for helping RAs not only be successful at their jobs but to grow as students and people as well.

In student affairs, especially Housing and Residence Life, we do what I like to call "shadow work"—outside the classroom, in late-night conversations, in the spaces where students grow into themselves. In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Host Jasmine Nettles and guest Bernard Nichols talk about understanding "why" we do what we do, what keeps us going, and how our personal values and lived experiences have shaped the way we show up for students.

Supporting students and staff in their spiritual and meaning-making journeys is an important but often overlooked part of residence life.  In this episode of ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Dr. Cherjanét Lenzy, Associate Provost for Student Life & Thriving at Fielding Graduate University, and they explore how housing professionals can navigate conversations around religion, spirituality, and meaning-making and build partnerships that enhance the residential experience.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, we rebroadcast a past webinar discussing storytelling through data and assessment with panelists from the University of South Carolina and University of South Florida. Through this session, the panelists explore best practices to collect, interpret, and present data to campus partners and departmental leadership to create buy-in and provide the “why” to students and staff. Additionally, panelists share how innovative curriculum assessment strategies can enhance the student experience and support departmental and institutional priorities.

We're pleased to welcome Erin to the show this week to have her share reflections on the work at University of Oklahoma did over the past few years to expand their residential curriculum to their entire division of student affairs. She examines how to identify and take advantage of windows of opportunity for change making and the ways to leverage communities to keep ourselves afloat in turbulent times.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Dr. T.J. Logan, Executive Director at Brailsford & Dunlavey,  to break down the financial side of residence life and housing—demystifying common budget terms, sharing best practices, and exploring how financial transparency can strengthen your team.  Whether you're just starting with budgeting or refining your expertise, this episode will...... Continue Reading →

We're pleased to welcome Brian to the show this week to talk about his journey that led him to joining ACPA in a professional capacity as well as what he sees as the ways professional organizations are creating relevant opportunities for learning, camaraderie, and authentic connections for higher education staff members all over the world. *You may notice that there was a minor audio issue in the middle of this episode, which required us to swap mics. We appreciate your patience and understanding!

This week, Dustin chats with Sarah about her efforts to utilize pod mapping as a way to elevate the curricular approach at her institution. Sarah details the ways to and the importance of building sustainable coalitions at an institution to make sure there is consistent, collective efforts to aid in achieving learning outcomes for students.

In this episode, host Crystal sits down with Director of Photography Justin Kosman, whose career has taken him worldwide, working with brands like Red Bull, Vans, and ESPN. Reflecting on his time as a resident, student-athlete, and English Literature major, Justin shares the lessons and regrets that shaped his path to success. Tune in for powerful insights on embracing challenges, fostering belonging, and how RAs can play a pivotal role in building community and connection.

In this episode, join host Crystal and Travis Tucker, Assistant Dean and Director of the Carl A. Fields Center for Equality and Understanding at Princeton University, as they explore how campus housing staff can better support LGBT students by addressing privacy, community, and inclusivity. They discuss impactful policies, staff training, and partnerships, share success stories, and offer practical advice for creating spaces where students who identify as LGBTIA thrive.

In this episode, Crystal sits down with Dr. Jeremy Moore, Dean of Students at Naropa University, who shares the unique challenges and opportunities of being an internal candidate for housing and residence roles. Our guest shares his personal stories on navigating the hiring process, receiving, and utilizing feedback, and managing the transition after not being selected. Whether you're an aspiring internal candidate or a hiring manager, this conversation offers valuable insights.

We're pleased to welcome Crys to the show this week as they discuss with Dustin their email newsletter campaign initiative at their institution that seeks to provide relevant resources to students consistently. Crys also details the tools they use to develop the emails and the various strategies they use as collaborates with their colleagues to develop the content of each newsletter.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Deanna Hughes, Associate Director of Residential Education at the University of South Florida-Tampa Campus, to discuss the art of balancing life as a housing professional, doctoral student, mom, and partner. Deanna shares valuable insights on time management, building support systems, navigating dissertation research, and embracing balance through simple joys like walking, journaling, and bowling. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with practical advice for managing it all!

We're welcoming Chad to the show this week to share with Dustin how his team at Concordia College was able to utilize quick student surveys to gather authentic and timely insights. Chad also details how his fellow staff members and student leaders were able to take action on the feedback to further their work enabling student learning in alignment with their curriculum.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, we explore what it means to advocate for yourself and thrive in housing facilities, a field that is predominantly male. Crystal is joined by guest Michelle Sujka, Associate Director of Housing, Facilities Operations, from the University of Cincinnati, who shares how curiosity, strong relationships, and supportive supervisors have helped shape her career. Michelle offers advice to women aspiring to enter facility roles, discusses breaking stereotypes, and highlights the importance of creating opportunities for other women and students.

This week, Dustin is joined by Danielle to discuss her recent work beginning to implement an assessment plan at her institution. She reflects on accomplishing similar work in prior roles and gives advice to others on how best to navigate the emotional and logistical aspects of this work.

We're pleased to welcome back Paul into the guest spot this week as he chats with Dustin about utilizing intentional conversations as a simple, effective tool to create supportive environments for residents. They explore how to integrate intentional conversations, ways to overcome challenges, and resources to learn more.

In this milestone 100th episode of show, hosts Paul, Dustin, and Crystal gather for a reflective roundtable discussion. They share candid insights about their podcasting journey, from navigating technical hiccups to learning from a diverse range of guests. Whether you're a podcasting newbie or a seasoned host, this episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt anecdotes from behind the scenes.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Paul sits down with John Hughey from the University of Mary Washington to discuss how they are leveraging Roompact's software to aid the work of their Coordinated Care Team and their Behavioral Intervention Team.

This week, we're featuring the final episode in this year's series of episodes featuring our guest writer cohort. Dustin speaks with Stephanie about her journey refining her supervisory style and building her confidence as a leader, sharing a plethora of great advice and resources!

This week, we're featuring current Roompact writer (and current Resident Assistant), Colin in conversation with Dustin to give his firsthand perspective on how to best identify and support students experiencing homesickness.

This week, we're featuring another edition in this year's series of episodes featuring our guest writer cohort. Dustin speaks with Alex about the concept of appreciative inquiry and how he sees it applying to the work residence life professionals do every day. Alex shares how utilizing appreciative inquiry is a way to harness affirmative positivity and bring a strengths based approach to how we work with colleagues and students.

We're pleased to welcome Sam Ferrigno back to the podcast this week. She talks with Dustin about her experience being a writer for the blog this past year as well as her integration of the stoic philosophy into her work. Sam explains the basic tenets of stoicism and how it strives to create better balance in a world that is often chaotic and unpredictable.

This week we're diving deep the impact and how to get involved with the annual Regional Entry Level Institute (RELI) with our guest, Nate Gordon! He shares with Dustin his past experiences with RELI and how it helps attendees prepare for whatever future their career brings.

As housing professionals, we help students navigate life's ups and downs, trauma, and a wide range of incidents and emotions—all while striving to remain calm and composed. Crystal is joined by Dr. Joshua Fredenburg, President and Founder of the Circle of Change Leadership, as he explores the concept of emotional intelligence, sharing practical tips on how to cultivate self-awareness and apply it in daily housing situations.

This week, Zach shares with Dustin insights from his experience managing housing operations, including assignments, meal plan administration, and off-campus student services. They discuss how to balance operational efficiency with meeting the expectations of students and leadership, all while maintaining a high level of service and satisfaction. Zach also explains the importance of data-driven planning, leveraging technology, and being adaptable in an evolving landscape.

Crystal is joined by Doreen Jokerst, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Safety and Chief of Police at CU Boulder.  In this episode, they explore the collaboration between housing professionals and campus police, highlighting the importance of open dialogue and mutual support in enhancing the student experience. We also discuss how to navigate challenging conversations about successful partnerships while being mindful of the influences of fear, lived experiences, and identity.

In this episode of Roompact's RA Chat, Crystal is joined by Kathryn Palmieri, Managing Director at the Engineering Student Success Center and College of Science Student Success Center at San Jose State University. Join KP as they share tips on making the most of your campus resources, how to connect with your academic advisor for personalized guidance, and the best ways to create spaces in your residence halls that foster both community and academic success.

In this episode of Roompact's RA Chat, Crystal is joined by Brooks Hetle, Associate Director of Residence Life at North Dakota State University and current President of the UMR-ACUHO region.  Join them as they unravel the myths surrounding introverts and their leadership potential, with Brooks sharing invaluable insights on how to care for yourself and recharge while juggling a student staff position full of social interactions and activities.

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 on our college campuses.

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 →

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 for non-Black colleagues and departments on how to provide support and transparency in recruitment processes and inclusion efforts.

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.