On this episode with Lauren Mountain, Director of Housing & Residence Life at Bridgewater State University, we will dive into the impact of creating a positive and successful team culture! In housing and residence life, workplace culture shapes not only how staff experience their roles but also how students are supported. A thriving workplace culture...... Continue Reading →

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal talks with Kristen Rollins about how gatherings and various forms of communication in residence life can move beyond routine to become catalysts for change. Kristen shares lessons on leading transformation in student affairs, emphasizing the power of honoring people’s time, presence, and humanity to create lasting cultural shifts.

As the semester winds down and winter break approaches, in this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat Dr. Asha Jones guides listeners through the essential practice of year-end reflection, offering practical strategies for processing the past year's experiences and setting intentions for the future. She explores how to navigate end-of-year stress and use winter break for both rest...... Continue Reading →

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, guest host Dustin Ramsdell chats with Abby Groth, a current Roompact blogger from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln about her unique journey from art museums to residence life and how she’s using that perspective to reimagine student support. Abby shares how learning communities, peer mentorship, and early intervention surveys are transforming the student experience and contributing to academic success outside the classroom. She also gets candid about what doesn’t work—and why residence life doesn’t need to do it all.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, join our host Noah and guest Evelyn Mendlowitz, Resident Director at Miami University of Ohio, to talk about ghost stories. What do ghost stories have to do with Residence Life, you ask? Well, let us tell you. Most, if not all college campuses have at least one ghost story, and oftentimes, these stories are clung to and repeatedly told and known. These stories, while often dark, provided important history into college campuses and can even invite students and staff alike to learn, lead, and build community together Noah and Evelyn discuss this topic, tell stories themselves, and provide advice rooted in trauma informed care and emotionally intelligent leadership for Residence Life staff to further incorporate storytelling into their regular practice. 

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, with Bernard Nichols, Assistant Director of Student Conduct at Johns Hopkins University, we explore the importance of professional networking and conference engagement for student affairs professionals. From cultivating meaningful relationships to making the most of conferences, listen to learn more about how to make the best impression with your professional presence. So let's discuss!

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal talks with DeVante Parker from UC Berkeley about why fun isn’t optional—it’s essential. From wrestling metaphors to low-cost team strategies, DeVante shares how joy, structure, and care can transform Residence Life culture.

In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, Learn how to address conflict with confidence and compassion while building genuine accountability on your floor. Turn those policy violation moments into opportunities for growth! It's time to stop being scared and start being the community leader your residents need. Join us on Roompact as Kaitlyn Charette, a coordinator at...... Continue Reading →

In this energizing episode of ResEdChat, host Dustin Ramsdell reconnects with Sean Watson — a returning guest and now a Roompact blogging team member — to explore how ResLife pros can nurture creativity both in and outside of work. Sean shares why creativity isn't just for artists and how embracing play, structure, and self-expression can actually make you better at your job. From performing poetry to writing emails with flair, this conversation is an honest and inspiring look at the power of creativity in student affairs and beyond.

On this episode of ResEdChat, join our host Noah Montague and guest Ayanna Ross, Associate Director of Residence Life at Miami University of Ohio, to talk about student leadership development. Student leadership is integral to the college student experience, but how does it look in residence halls? How does identity come into play for students and staff as they are growing as leaders? Are we really doing enough? Noah and Ayanna discuss these topics, share insights into leadership theory, tell stories, and talk about tangible ways to help students grow as leaders while they are living with us in the halls. 

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Donovan Cyrus joins Jas to chat about making the leap into a mid-level role in housing and residence life earlier than most. Whether you're considering an early move up or mentoring someone who is, this conversation will offer insights and practical advice on breaking through perceived career timelines in student affairs.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal talks with Dr. Megan Gerhardt, Professor at Miami University and author of Gentelligence. They explore how generational norms impact the way we live, work, and lead in campus housing, and why curiosity is the key to unlocking stronger, more connected teams. From late-night crisis responses to everyday communication breakdowns, Dr. Gerhardt offers fresh insight and practical tools to turn generational tension into opportunity.

In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, Sadie Billings shares her secrets for transforming random room assignments into genuine community. From awkward introductions to lifelong friendships! Discover proven strategies for building floor culture that extends far beyond the residence halls and creates connections that last. Guest: Sadie Billings (she/her), Academic Success Coordinator Host: Anthony Martinez Listen...... Continue Reading →

We're thrilled to kick off our yearly tradition of uplifting our latest cohort of amazing bloggers, starting off with Andrew Skelley from University of Pittsburgh. He chats with Dustin about what brought him to the writing team, and how he has brought his authentic self to his work by using music and other interests to forge unique bonds with the students he serves. Stay tuned until the end of the episode where Andrew shares a funny ghost story from his years in the halls.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, join our host Noah and guest Emma Grupe, Resident Director at Miami University of Ohio, to talk about the field and what it looks like to enter Residence Life without a degree in Student Affairs. As we all know, Student Affairs is typically not a job that people plan on entering, but what does it look like when you go at it from another angle all together? How do we do a job while learning how to do it at the same time? Join Noah and Emma as they tackle these questions and share stories and advice for new Residence Life Professionals. 

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, host Jasmine Nettles sits down with Trevis Belle to discuss the international student experience through the lens of student affairs, from enrollment to graduation. Whether you're looking to improve your efforts or looking to deepen your impact with their international student population, this conversation will offer powerful takeaways and practical ideas to do so. Trevis shares both personal and professional insights on the unique challenges international students face—from cultural transition and visa pressures to finding community and accessing support. We’ll also explore how student affairs professionals can better serve international populations, create inclusive environments, and challenge assumptions about the "typical" student experience!

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal talks with Matt Nelson, Director of Residence Life at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, about what it means to lead with intention and care. Our guest shares how values like recognition, patience, and empathy shape their approach to supervision and offers practical, creative strategies to support diverse teams, build morale, and stay grounded as a leader.

In this episode of RA*Chat, get ready to own move-in weekend! Join Katherine Gallardo, an RA, as she spills the tea on prepping like a pro and nailing those make-or-break first moments with new residents and their families. From managing the chaos to creating instant connections, this episode will transform you from nervous newbie to...... Continue Reading →

We're pleased to welcome Ali onto the show for this week's episode! She speaks with Dustin about her journey into this work, and reflections on how best to approach the unique work of housing and residential life marketing. Ali details the importance of effective marketing as a tool to tell stories, build community, and achieve departmental goals.

On this episode of ResEdChat, join our host Noah Montague, and guest Mathew Perry, Resident Director at Miami University of Ohio, to talk about RA recruitment. RA recruitment is one of the biggest endeavors that any Residence Life department goes through. And naturally, there are always things that go well and things that can go better. Noah and Perry discuss tangible ways to better recruit RAs and make the processes more equitable for those in them.