I provide a number of training and consulting services for professionals in college housing and residence life. In the course of developing materials for these services, we've identified a number of high quality videos that address topics related to higher education and student learning. The following are some of our favorites that make excellent conversation starters for... Continue Reading →
Student affairs practitioners, and particularly those in residence life, often have a problem with overworking. It's not hard to understand why. Many of us enter this field because we were superstar over-involved undergraduate student leaders. We are also a profession of "helpers." We do this work "for the students" and that sometimes means that we have to... Continue Reading →
We've all heard it before: Residents won't attend a program, particularly an educational program, unless there is food. While I'm not naive to the fact that food is a great draw, I do believe that we rely on food too much and that it often gets in the way of educating residents. Don't get me wrong. I love... Continue Reading →
The Residential Curriculum Institute defines a curriculum as having 10 "Essential Elements." These are the features and principles that a residence life department's educational program should adhere to if it is to be considered a "true" residential curriculum. In 2013, while in my PhD program, I conducted some research on schools implementing this curricular approach. I wanted to find out... Continue Reading →
Integrating digital and social media tools into RA training programs can be an exciting and innovative way to hold your RAs' attention. Below are some useful sites, apps, and services that you can use and some examples of how to use them. Have other ideas? Poll Everywhere http://www.polleverywhere.com Poll Everywhere allows you to set up online polls... Continue Reading →
RA Training and residence hall opening is upon us and I wanted to share some videos I've used in training presentations that I think you might want to use too. There are a lot of AMAZINGLY talented folks out there who have put together some great videos, but it's hard to find the ones that... Continue Reading →
I've always been fascinated by how mobile communications are increasingly pushing us towards more visual forms of communication and expression. Memes, animated gifs, and, of course, emoji. With the beginning of the year upon us... RA training... residence hall opening... I thought it was appropriate to rework some of the emoji series I did last... Continue Reading →
I was able to get a “sneak peek” at Hulu’s new original series “Resident Advisors” before it came out. (Check out Klout which gives you freebies and perks according to your level of influence on social media.) After watching the first episode, here are my initial thoughts: It’s not that funny. I struggled to make... Continue Reading →
It's time to move beyond the clichés and towards student learning centered work in our residence halls. The residential curriculum model offers promise for conceptualizing some of our tired old practices. It's time for a curricular reboot!
I have the pleasure of heading to Canada today to present twice at the OACUHO Residence Life Conference at the University of Guelph. Growing up in Rochester, NY, going to Canada feels a little bit like coming home. The first session I'll be doing this weekend is to the RAs and student leader's in attendance... Continue Reading →
When transitioning your residence life program to a residential curriculum model, it becomes increasingly important that you hire professional staff with the requisite skills and competencies to enact the curriculum. Although these skills are desirable in any residence life professional, they take on added importance in a residential curriculum. Some of the competencies required of staff... Continue Reading →
When thinking about my own experience in developing a residential curriculum, I'm reminded of a wordsmithing session I had with some colleagues. We were attempting to set some broad learning goals for our curriculum and we wanted to ensure that our language encouraged critical reflection but also allowed for a diversity of viewpoints. It took us... Continue Reading →
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