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IS WHERE YOU BELONG The Authoritative Source Talking Stick for Campus Housing RETAINING WALLS Hall programs improve student retention.
March + April 2012 Volume 29, Number 4
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Features 28 Building Retention It takes purposeful planning and programming to get the desired student retention results. 36 Locker Room Talk An increasing number of programs are providing safe havens for male students to share their thoughts and feelings while discovering their masculine identities.
Talking Stick Columns Symbol of International Friendship 6 Vision Looking forward, strategically. ACUHO-I’s talking stick, or speaker’s staff, was hand-carved of wood by 18 Res Life the Ohiat Band of the Is Political Engagement Dead? British Columbia Indian Nation. Canadian ACUHO-I The topic of disengaged students is not brand new, members presented it but campuses are trying to wrap their minds around to the association in July why student activism is waning. 1973 during our annual Departments conference at the University of British Columbia. The 21 Special Focus 4 New Member Highlight inscription reads: It is a sign of authority carried when A Pet or a Necessity? proclamations are to be Changes in the law are forcing campus housing 8 Just In made or a meeting of chiefs programs to re-evaluate their policies regarding Spotlight on Dordt College PLUS is in session. ... A token of common heritage both to animals in the residence halls. a company entices students with Canadians and Americans. cozy, pod-like surroundings; see 24 Regroup what members are tweeting and Cover: True Colors emailing; look how green Indiana Harrison Plaza, constructed While vying for the best prospects during the job students can be; mental health in 2002, is the hub of the University of North placement process, campuses must make sure to gets a boost; and student housing Alabama’s three pedestrian present an accurate picture of their culture. internships by the numbers. walkways and serves as the official entrance to campus. The campus in Florence, 13 Your ACUHO-I Alabama, is known as the first state-chartered 14 Transitions institution to begin operation in Alabama (in 1830). Its student population 27 Calendar is estimated to be around 7,100. 44 Conversations Photo: The University of Let’s talk about getting policies North Alabama in place. 47 First Takes 48 Reporting Out 54 Welcome 56 Snapshot
march + april 2012 3 New Member Talking Stick HigOnlinehlig hnowt The Magazine of the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International
Talking Stick Staff ACUHO-I Executive Board Salve Regina Executive Director President Sallie Traxler Alma Sealine University [email protected] Case Western Reserve University Editor President-elect James A. Baumann Vennie Gore [email protected] Michigan State University Managing Editor Vice President Camille Perlman Patricia Martinez [email protected] Northern Illinois University, DeKalb Research Librarian Finance and Corporate Records Officer Emily Glenn Peter Galloway [email protected] West Chester University of Pennsylvania Art Director Business Practices and Enhancements Director Paige K. Connor Bonnie Solt Prunty [email protected] Ithaca College Copy Editor Facilities and Physical Environment Director Christine Freeman Shannon Staten [email protected] University of Louisville Editorial Intern Globalization Director Location: Newport, Rhode Island Kristen Lott Rebecca Chan Primary Contact: Joseph A. Lomastro [email protected] City University of Hong Kong Ad Sales Inclusion and Equity Director Alison Jones Deb Schmidt Rogers The William Watts Sherman House, one [email protected] DePaul University of the greatest treasures of Salve Regina’s Talking Stick Advisory Board Chair Knowledge Enhancement Director campus, serves as a coed residence for 85 April Hicks Konvalinka Mary Howard-Hamilton Indiana State University sophomore students. Designed by architect [email protected] Talking Stick Committee Chair Residence Education Director Henry Hobson Richardson, the house was Curtis Erwin John Buck built for New York financier William Watts [email protected] Webster University Regional Affiliations Director Sherman and his first wife, Annie Wetmore. Contributing Writers William Fox Richardson combined medieval European, Laurel Dreher, Patrick Tanner, Erik Ziedses des Denison University English Renaissance, and Colonial American Plantes, Kate McGartland-Kinsella, Stacy Oliver Workforce Development Director elements to create a fanciful shingle and Allan Blattner stucco structure enhanced by decorative ACUHO-I Central Office University of North Carolina, Charlotte 941 Chatham Lane, Suite 318 woodwork. Completed in 1875, the property Columbus, Ohio 43221-2416 is one of America’s earliest examples of Phone: (614) 292-0099 Fax: (614) 292-3205 Queen Anne architecture. Salve Regina E-mail: [email protected] acquired the William Watts Sherman Web: www.acuho-i.org House, designated a National Historic Landmark, in 1982. The Association actively encourages The Association of College and University Housing Officers- participation by members of International is a nonprofit organization that provides under-represented groups based on professional development experiences for its members ethnicity, age, sex, gender identity by sponsoring programs, services, publications, and and expression, religious preference, research. Association members on college and university sexual orientation, and disability in all campuses worldwide participate in conferences, workshops, ACUHO-I and institutional activities. committees, and networks. These activities provide a means of exchanging and distributing professional information related to the various aspects of student residence facilities and their related operations. Connect with ACUHO-I Online The Talking Stick (ISSN 0746-455X) is published bimonthly, six times a year in January/ February, March/April, May/ June, July/August, September/October, and November/ December by the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International. blog.acuho-i.org This publication is the sole property of ACUHO-I, and the information herein may not be transferred or reproduced in any form whatsoever, including entering into electronic databases, without written permission. Authors bear full responsibility for the accuracy of references, quotations, tables, and figures submitted for publication. Authors further hold ACUHO-I harmless from any liability resulting from www.flickr.com/photos/acuhoi publication of articles. Editorial mention of commercial interests is intended entirely as an information service to readers and should not be construed as an endorsement, actual or implied, by the association. www.acuho-i.net
Postmaster Subscription Rates Send address changes and $37 Members www.facebook.com/acuhoi subscriptions to: included in dues www.twitter.com/acuhoi Talking Stick $45 Nonmembers 941 Chatham Lane, Suite 318 $25 Additional Columbus, Ohio 43221-2416 subscriptions for members 4 Talking Talking S Sttickick AD placeholder vision
The View from Above Empowered Students Are Happy Residents
Back in February, ACUHO-I executive board members were in the meeting room of a Columbus, Ohio, airport hotel immersed in strategic planning for the association’s future. At one point someone said it was an appropriate setting, with jets taking off and landing just outside, as it would remind the group that they needed to stay at the 30,000-foot level as discussions progressed. On the table were two mega-issues that have been identified as priorities for ACUHO-I. The first is taking the next steps to implement guiding principles regarding diversity, inclusion, and We want to equity. ACUHO-I is proud of its tradition of openness but also recognizes that there is move policy room for growth in this area. Using principles created by the members of the Council to practice, of Higher Education Management Associations (CHEMA), a group of ACUHO-I volunteers will create resources and directions to be shared with our workgroups enable our and membership. These resources will allow groups to evaluate and assess their groups to work membership, their goals, and their work to ensure that they meet our association’s purposefully and high standards of inclusion and equity. We want to move policy to practice, enable our groups to work purposefully and appropriately, and make sure that everyone feels appropriately, represented in their association. and make Anytime, Anywhere, Any Browser The second mega issue is membership. This one is considerably more complex, has sure that been under consideration for several years, and could have a considerable impact on everyone feels what ACUHO-I looks like in the future. Self-Service Housing Other Modules represented. . . . The campus housing profession — as well as the association world — is changing, and ACUHO-I must be positioned to grow with those changes. To that end, we have Roommate Search, Messaging, & Matching Conference Management started conversations with an association consultant who will help us examine issues Room Lottery & Selection Judicial & Incidents such as identifying membership categories, what benefits they can receive (including voting and leadership Electronic Contracts & Signatures Room Maintenance & Inventory rights), and what membership costs. It will be a long process that involves the executive board, volunteer Room Conditions & Work Orders Key Tracking leaders, and many others, whether it happens via surveys, focus groups, or individuals simply providing Online Payments Integration with Campus Systems comments. What I can assure you is that the process will be as open and transparent as possible. We recognize that an association is only as strong as its members. That is why we dedicate our time to these Request A Demo Today: www.starrez.com types of issues and strive to keep ACUHO-I as engaged, inclusive, and representative as possible. We may be at 30,000 feet now, but we’ll be swooping closer and closer to the ground as we progress. I thank you for joining Integration Partners the executive board and myself on this journey. Alma R. Sealine ACUHO-I President
6 Talking Stick
Copyright © 2010, StarRez, Inc. All rights reserved Empowered Students Are Happy Residents
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Copyright © 2010, StarRez, Inc. All rights reserved Just In
Spotlight Dordt College Sioux Center, Iowa Name: Kuyper Apartments Opened: August 2010 • Cost: $12 million Architects: Angelini & Associates Noted as a high traffic area for both students and faculty, the campus green at Dordt College has become a popular pass through and gathering spot within the campus community. Student engagement within this area has continued to grow with the construction of Kuyper Apartments, a student housing complex emphasizing distinct partnerships and programming. In a collaboration between the residence life office and the business department, the 55th Avenue Coffee Shop was designed within the residence hall. Run primarily by students in the Dordt College Business Club, the proceeds from the coffee shop are used for the club’s financial investments as well as field trips for members. Located above the coffee shop is The Loft, an area featuring retractable glass panels along with sink and counter space, bathroom facilities, movable tables and chairs, projection capabilities, a retractable projection screen, and a white board. The north end of the building is also home to a slate fireplace area as well as a stage, which hosts various groups and performances. Characterized by a contemporary color palette with rich finishes, Kuyper Apartments also has various sustainable features throughout the facility. Along with high- efficiency windows and lighting, the building also features low-flow toilets, polished concrete floors in place of carpeting, and renewable wood finishes. Further amenities available to students include study rooms, laundry rooms, and a meditation room. Various artwork created by students and graduates is displayed throughout the walls of these public spaces. Providing housing for 192 students, the residence hall is primarily occupied by seniors, providing them with the resources and amenities desired in on-campus housing.
8 Talking Stick Pod Sweet Pod
High hotel costs and limited housing have residents and tourists in Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China, scrambling for a decently priced apartment, bed, or even a capsule pod. Galaxy Stars HK produces these capsule beds (pods), which include wireless Internet, air conditioning, light switches, computer tables, and power outlets. Each one is slightly larger than a twin size bed, measuring 1.9 meters long (6.3 feet), 1 meter wide (3.3 feet), and 1.15 meters high (3.8 feet). This stackable housing could be an alternative to residence hall living, which bears lengthy wait lists and intense entrance requirements. About a dozen students have expressed interest in the pods, but 15 students of one gender must show interest in order for this future-oriented housing to become a reality. The small areas would provide easy maintenance, but students and officials are concerned that these pods are too confining for long-term stays. The pods also would drastically limit student interaction – a main reason for the existence of student housing. Could these become the new style of residence hall living in Hong Kong? ”I think the capsules are creative solutions for cities with high rental. Nevertheless, these are solutions for short-stay visitors rather than long-term dwellers,” says Rebecca Chan, director of the student residence office at City University. “The solution can only meet the need of sleeping. Tight space and lack of study and interaction space will be the biggest issue and fall short of the minimum standard of student residence.” The size of the rooms may prevent Galaxy Stars HK from legally licensing the pods under the hotel and guesthouse accommodation and the bedspace apartments ordinances which require rooms to have “at least 2.5 meters of headroom, provide adequate natural lighting and ventilation, and comply with requirements concerning fire-resistant materials and means of escape.” Also, the price for each pod would be HK$3,500 (about $450 USD) a month, which isn’t rock bottom for such limited space. In 2011, residents on Hong Kong Island had an average living space of 12.8 square meters, about 137 square feet, and paid about HK$46 (about $6 USD) per square meter each month. Originally, these pods were designed for guests and tourists, modeled after Japanese capsule hotels. International housing officials think the pods will most likely remain in the tourist sector due to the legislation and the problems the university could face managing public criticism and parents’ reactions to their children living in such capsules (http:// www.galaxystarshk.com/?file=kop2.php). —Kristen Lott
march + april 2012 9 Just In
OVERHEARD On Twitter
Looking for returning CA/RA interview questions. Anyone have some they are willing to share? #resllife #acuhoi #sachat From @LynnEllison
Very appreciative of the @ACUHOI Conference last summer. One session in particular I attended really helped IUPUIHRL this week! Good stuff! From @JoshSkillman
Just referred to my binder from my #acuhoi internship with <@ SIUEHousing. That was a good time! From @JamMathe
It would not be an understatement to say Vennie’s [Gore] session changes everything about how I do my job. #acuhoi #CHOI12 From @StacyLOliver Indiana Students Take the Sustainability Wheel On the Mailing List A new sustainability initiative at Indiana Hello Everybody! University in Bloomington is putting green I work at a public Response: certification in students’ hands. The Green Dorm institution and I’m At the University of Florida, if a student Rooms Certification Program was developed looking into search refuses to allow us into a room for a possible to promote awareness of other sustainability- procedures for residence policy violation we (1) call the graduate or centered groups and programs on campus and life staff. professional staff on call to talk with the for students to spread sustainability knowledge student and explain the reasoning for entering If an RA/RD suspects a to their fellow students in a casual and accessible the room and possible consequences or violation but the student manner. (2) We call UFPD, who then speak with the will not give permission On the program’s website, http://www. resident and assess if further action such as a to conduct a search, can indiana.edu/~greenrm/, there is a list of 40 efforts, search warrant is necessary. staff still enter, or is this divided into eight different categories, that a violation of his/her We only do plain view searches. If a student students can pursue to make their residence hall constitutional rights? refuses entry for things that are specifically room green-friendly; in order to obtain green [against] residence hall policy, we usually Have you had a student certification from the university, students must handle that at the hall level calling a refuse to give permission fulfill 20 of them. After a certification request supervisor on call. We do not enter the room for a search? If so, what is submitted, the criteria are evaluated by a without permission due to the constitution are your next steps for program coordinator, and special certificates are issues you mentioned. However, if there is a addressing the violation? issued for students to hang on their doors. The safety, drug, or alcohol concern, we then call criteria range from simple tasks such as turning UFPD who assess the situation. off faucets while brushing one’s teeth to more Thanks! This does not include issues of health and involved activities such as attending sustainability Troy Ross safety, security, and facilities maintenance seminars or classes. Within three weeks of the Pitt-Greensburg where we would key into the room as stated program’s launch, more than 40 rooms had per our housing agreement. achieved green-certified status. Students have even held contests to see which floor of their residence hall can obtain the most certifications. Hope that helps! —Erik Ziedses des Plantes JoCynda Hudson
10 Talking Stick First Aid for Mental Health
College students are 70 percent more likely to associate director for residential academic develop a mental illness than are other adults, programs at the University of Missouri. “The according to psychologist Christy Hutton greatest impact on residential life is the knowledge, and partner Sharon Thomas-Parks, who are skills, and confidence that the staff gained that coordinators of the Mental Health First Aid will make them more effective in their work with (MHFA) training program at the University of students,” Temple says. “Staff will be able to more Missouri in Columbia. Mental health awareness competently recognize the behaviors that indicate a has increased because of better treatment, more student may have a mental health concern.” knowledge, and available resources, and this program adds another boost to treating mental illness. MHFA originated in Australia in 2000 and has since spread its practice to 14 other countries, including the recent implementation into college and university residential programs. MHFA includes a 12-hour training session teaching how to notice signs among peers by learning the risk factors, warning signs, disorder prevalence, and available resources associated with mental health. Participants learn how to recognize a variety of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, and substance abuse – the latter a problem that college students are ten times more likely to develop. The program also develops a plan to assess a potentially dangerous situation, implement appropriate interventions, and Other schools, such as the University of help the individual in crisis connect with Iowa in Iowa City and Queen’s University in appropriate professional care. The five-step Kingston, Ontario, Canada, are implementing action plan, ALGEE, helps people respond to or have considered implementing MHFA. Much a crisis situation: Assess for risk of suicide or depends on available time and funding. After harm, listen non-judgmentally, give reassuring a positive response from the Missouri faculty, information, encourage appropriate professional Temple believes that upper-level administrators help, and encourage self-help and other support are convinced that the knowledge and skills systems. of this training are extremely applicable to the college and university community, and this MHFA’s systematic assessment and reaction will likely lead to additional financial intervention steps are similar to other trainings, support. such as First Aid and CPR, and could become just as common, according to Kristen Temple, —Kristen Lott
Does the Talking Stick reach enough In the next Talking Stick of your staff? Coming in the May + June issue: Call (614) 292-0099 or e-mail talkingstick@ · Milestones in the history of campus housing acuho-i.org for more · Using diplomacy to better advocate for students and staff information about · Addressing the challenges of pest control additional membership subscriptions.
march + april 2012 11 Just In
BY THE NUMBERS
284 Number of member organizations hosting summer internships as a part of the ACUHO-I Housing Internship Program this year
In January, 690 undergraduate and graduate students applied to the program’s 501 openings at the various host sites. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of housing professionals to shape their future careers and current education. Interns will experience housing operations at a different institution to learn new strategies and policies from mentors. Next year’s call for host sites and interns will come in October 2012, so begin planning now.
12 Talking Stick Your Acuho-i
Dates You Need to Know Mark your calendars and stay on top of all the latest ACUHO-I happenings. Information on these and all other ACUHO-I initiatives is online at www.acuho-i.org.
2012 ACUHO-I Conference Series Albuquerque, New Mexico ACUHO-I/APPA Housing Facilities Conference: October 2-5 ACUHO-I Living-Learning Programs Conference: October 11-13 64th ACUHO-I Annual Conference & ACUHO-I Business Operations Conference: October 23-26 Exposition: Register before May 23 to receive the early registration discount. STARS College 2012: Application deadline is April 6, 2012. Take part in some of these special Do you know of a superSTAR who would benefit from events for 2012: the ACUHO-I STARS College experience? STARS International Study Tour: College is a three-day experience for undergraduate June 28-July 6 students interested in learning more about student STARS College: July 5-7 affairs and the housing profession that will take place July 5-7, 2012, prior to the Annual Conference & Exposition. International Symposium: There is limited space for this exceptional program, so be sure Saturday, July 7 to have your students register before the April 6 deadline. STARS College ACUHO-I Golf Tournament: accommodates up to 50 current sophomores and juniors who are interested in Saturday, July 7 pursuing a career in housing. Fun Run, Walk, and Roll: Monday, July 9 APPA Facilities Institute: APPA and ACUHO-I have established a Registration Fee Waiver Program available to those interested in attending the APPA Institute for Facilities Management in September 2012 or Keynote Speaker: January 2013. You must be an ACUHO-I member and Dr. Mark David Milliron have at least five years of professional experience in facilities Chancellor management as well as supervisory experience of facilities staff (i.e., Western Governors University custodial, maintenance, or the like). Application deadline is April 1, 2012. Visit Texas the ACUHO-I website or www.appa.org/training/institute/index.cfm. Austin, TX Featured Speaker: Gwen Dungy Executive Director (Retired) NASPA-Student Affairs Welcome New Major Donor Administrators in Higher The ACUHO-I Foundation welcomes the newest major donor, pledging Education to donate $5,000 over the next five years. Expert-in-Residence: Steve Wisener, director of residential life at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, has recently made this commitment to the Gavin Henning Foundation. Director of Administration We salute our major donors, and all our donors, for their continued Dean of the College Division support. Dartmouth College
march + april 2012 13 Transitions
Boston University Katie Peterson is the new residence community Boston, Massachusetts coordinator for Whitney Hall.
Valerie Heruska is the new residence hall director Jeffrey B. Harrington is the new assistant residence for Shields (“C”) Tower at Warren Towers. community coordinator for Whitney Hall.
Zachary Hobbs is the new residence hall director Juan Miguel Blanco is the interim residence for Myles Standish Hall. student conduct coordinator.
Boston College Illinois State University Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts Normal, Illinois
Jessica Graf is a new resident director. Robert Braswell, Quanisha Hawkins, David Jaeger, Eric Minix, Danielle Merrill, and Amber Rucker are Anya Villatoro is a new resident director. new residence hall coordinators.
Bridget Buoniconti is a new graduate resident Shea Bernard and Katie Pratt are new assistant director. residence hall coordinators.
Katy Maher is a new graduate resident director. Guadalupe Montalvo has been promoted to area coordinator for Watterson Towers. California State University, Chico Chico, California Lake Forest College Lake Forest, Illinois Kristin McPeak has been named associate director of university housing for residence life. Most Carolyn Golz was recently promoted to senior recently, she served as director of residence life at associate dean of students and appointed as the University of Redlands in California. McPeak is director of residence life. She previously served as an active member of WACUHO, previously serving the associate dean of students for community as co-chair of the Host Committee, co-chair of the standards at Lake Forest College. In her new role, Programs Committee, and member-at-large for the Golz will oversee the housing operations and South Sub-Region; she is currently the annual residence life program for the college, in addition conference co-chair. She holds a Bachelor of to chairing the students of concern team, providing Science in Education in secondary education and a leadership for the student conduct process, and Master of Education in counselor education, both supervising the director of the Gates Center for from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Leadership and Personal Growth.
Sarah Beth Lasnik is the new residence community Golz earned a Bachelor of Arts from the coordinator for University Village. University of Alaska Fairbanks. She also earned a Master of Science in criminal justice administration Pablo A. Soto is the new assistant residence from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, community coordinator for University Village. Michigan, and a Master of Science in experiential Chad Pettay is the new residence community education from Minnesota State University, coordinator for Sutter Hall. Mankato. She is currently a doctoral student, studying organizational leadership, at the Chicago Mark Brice is the new assistant residence School of Professional Psychology in Illinois. community coordinator for Sutter Hall.
14 Talking Stick Douglas Eck is the new associate director for staff University of Florida training and selection. Gainesville, Florida
Stacy Oliver is the new associate director of student Sean Johnson is the new residence director for the success. Springs Residential Complex.
Lee Karraker is a new resident director. Vern Rogers is the new coordinator for graduate and family housing. Portland State University Portland, Oregon University of Iowa Courtney Sandler is the new residence life Iowa City, Iowa coordinator for academic success and retention. Bradley Mohs is the new assistant director for Nachel Glynn is the new residence life conduct academic initiatives. coordinator. Amy Baumgartner is a new residence life program Russell Jones is a new resident director. coordinator.
David Prinz is a new resident director. Linda Varvel is a new residence life program coordinator. Matt Lewis is a new area coordinator. Ben Walizer is a new residence life program coordinator. Rochester Institute of Technology Amy Oswald Baccei is the new west neighborhood Rochester, New York area coordinator. Marc Goldman is the new associate director of Erica Ehardt is the new coordinator for Building 3 residence life. Previously, he was the senior assistant at The Lodge. director of residence life at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. During his 15-year tenure there, Matt DiCicco is the new hall coordinator in he also held the positions of area coordinator and Hillcrest Hall. assistant director for academic programs. Goldman received his bachelor’s degree from Cornell College in Amy Franco is the new hall coordinator for Ithaca, New York, and his master’s degree from Mayflower Hall. Syracuse University in New York. He also earned a Cassie Schmiling is the new hall coordinator for master’s in library and information science from the Rienow Hall. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Ryan Van Loo is the new hall coordinator for Daum Sharon Kompalla is the new associate director/area and Centerstone. director (interim) of University Commons and is responsible for over 3,200 beds in five different Tabitha Wiggins is the new hall coordinator for apartment communities as well as Greek housing. Slater Hall.
Charon Sattler is the new associate director of the Women’s and Gender Center. University of Maryland College Park, Maryland
Victor Adebusola is the new graduate assistant for Oakland Hall/Denton Community.
march + april 2012 15 Transitions
Andrew Anderson is the new graduate University of South Florida assistant for Syn*Quest Collaborative. Tampa, Florida
Patrick Bateman is the new graduate Kyle Robin is the new director of housing assistant for Cambridge Community Rights operations and outreach. Robin was and Responsibilities. previously a regional manager for Capstone Edward Bempong is the new coordinator for On-Campus Management. Prior to that, Syn*Quest Collaborative. Robin served as associate director for residence life with Campus Living Villages Jonathan Ferguson is the new graduate at George Mason University in Fairfax, administrative coordinator for South Hill Virginia, and held professional housing Community. positions at Arizona State University in Phoenix, the University of Pennsylvania in Kelly Hartman is the new graduate Philadelphia, the University of Maryland in coordinator for Off-Campus Housing College Park, Texas Tech University in Services. Lubbock, and the University of Arizona in JaQuan Bryant is the new resident director Tucson. Robin has presented and published for Easton Hall. on topics pertaining to storm preparedness, community development, team Craig Leets is the new resident director for development, diversity, and customer Ellicott Hall. service. Robin earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Louisiana, Laura Matsumoto is the new resident Lafayette, and a Master of Music degree director for South Campus Commons from Yale University in New Haven, Buildings 5 and 6. Connecticut. Robin is an avid tennis player Dennis Scott is the new resident director for and a life-long New Orleans Saints fan. North Hill Living/Learning Programs.
Amanda Torres is the new resident director for Elkton Hall.
Jacklyn Welsheimer is the new resident director for Leonardtown.
Ren Werbin is the new resident director for Centreville Hall.
Dan Hairfield is the new assistant coordinator for South Campus Administrative Operations.
16 Talking Stick AD placeholder res life
Is Political Engagement Dead?
By Kate McGartland- Members around the world report students’ lacklustre Kinsella attitude.
Rising tuition, service cutbacks, substantial student loan debt, and bleak job prospects: These are the harsh realities that today’s post- secondary students face. While the expectation that achieving an undergraduate degree ensures career success upon graduation is starting to fade, students are still seeing a degree as a means to an end. However, tensions surrounding the growing obstacles facing these students are becoming more apparent, and students are more likely to speak out about it. Traditionally, it has been college- age individuals who through various student movements have led s
pu successful reforms. We find numerous am
c examples of this in recent U.S. history alone. In his article “The Times, They Changed,” Jerry Lembcke notes that tion” on c “when President Barack Obama broke the color barrier to the White House in 2008, pundits noted the large numbers of student campaigners and voters who turned out for him.” er 9, 2011 “day of a er 9, 2011 “day b Perhaps the most poignant example ovem
N of student activism is the response to the shootings at Kent State University
rom the in Ohio in 1970. Angus Johnston, a F professor at City University of New York and a student activism historian, rofessor. p Photo Credit: Brian Barksy, UC-Berkeley Brian Barksy, Photo Credit: 18 Talking Stick Looking back to past examples of student activism on college and university campuses shows us that student involvement in the political issues of the day tend to be less formalized and more localized. is quoted in Jennifer Reeger’s of the debate and profiles of each article as saying “the deaths at Kent candidate in the school paper.” The State changed student activism. . . . residence office, in turn, made sure to MORE ONLINE Universities started to include students inform students of these events. For more information on in campus governance. Black student Sarah Burley, acting dean of students’ political engagement, unions, women’s studies courses and Chestnut Residence at the University see the following: gay and lesbian groups formed to give of Toronto in Ontario, notes that students a voice.” And now, as Reeger residence life used programming to Amanda M. Fairbanks, “Occupy explains, “as then, many student keep students informed about the Colleges: Student Supporters protests focus on issues that directly election: “They used passive displays of Occupy Wall Street Continue impact them, such as recent rallies and posters containing information to Show Solidarity,” Huffington across the country to protest reductions about where and how to vote to Post, October 13, 2011. Retrieved in state funding for higher education.” increase awareness. They also hosted from: http://www.huffingtonpost. The question now is whether a viewing party for the all-candidates’ com/2011/10/13/occupy-colleges- the current generation of students debate televised prior to Election Day. occupy-wall-street_n_1008619. will continue the trend of activism Additionally, a polling station was set html. on campus and what housing up in residence which helped to raise professionals can or cannot do to awareness on the day.” Tyler Kingkade, “Occupy increase student engagement in As housing departments have political issues. Cal Berkeley Protest Draws made increased efforts to engage Thousands, as Two Years of A recent provincial election students online, many have utilized Occupation Come Home,” in Ontario, Canada, gave housing their social media (Facebook, Twitter) Huffington Post, November 10, practitioners the chance to create accounts to get this information out 2011. Retrieved from: http://www. opportunities for political engagement to students. While the goal is for huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/10/ in residence. Each major political party students to be engaged, knowledgeable thousands-gather-for-occupy-cal- addressed post-secondary concerns citizens who can make an informed protest_n_1086963.html. (mainly tuition, student loans, and decision on voting day, these efforts access issues) in their platform, are often overlooked. The term student making it especially important for apathy is all too common on college Jerry Lembcke, “The Times, students to be aware of their options. and university campuses. Why are They Changed,” The Chronicle Chris Eley, manager of residence students not making the choice to Review, April 25, 2010. at Laurier Brantford in Waterloo, vote? Is this strictly a North American Retrieved from: supervisor at Nipissing University in us any flyers or posters so that we strongly they relate to such issues.” North Bay, Ontario, comments on the could inform residents about the Looking back to past examples fact that “students aren’t sure if they upcoming elections.” The same of student activism on college and can vote in the riding [electoral district] was not true for other institutions. university campuses shows us that that they are attending school in or if Cameron Horlor, service delivery student involvement in the political they have to vote in the riding where manager of accommodation services issues of the day tend to be less their parents/guardians are from. at the University of Auckland in New formalized and more localized. Many times, their permanent address Zealand, commends the electoral California in particular has seen a is their parents’/guardians’ address commission for encouraging the number of recent student movements and if they are sent a voters registration student vote by locating enrollment to protest increases in tuition and card, it ends up being mailed to that desks throughout campus. He notes decreases in funding. A recent article address instead. I think it is a matter that while “voter turnout is high by in the Huffington Post says, “The of getting the students to register and international standards, it is trending November 9 walkout and launch of informing them that they can vote in lower,” and he feels that one factor Occupy Cal continues two years of the riding where they go to school.” for student engagement “will always protest over budget cuts and tuition Vinesh Saxena, manager of be the timing of the year end exams, hikes” and notes that though they are housing and hospitality services at which makes the degree of attention now using tactics from the present Glendon College-York University on campus impossible to judge.” He Occupy Wall Street movement, student in Toronto, says he is not surprised concludes that the level of student that student voter turnout was low. engagement in politics has more to do Continues 51 “Elections Ontario did not send with “the issues of the day and how ACUHO-I books prepare your + staff for success The ACUHO-I Online Bookstore features a number of resources valuable during staff and student training. Check out www.acuho-i.org for a list of titles, including these 20% off sale titles for March and April: Advice for Foundations: ACUHO-I Advisers Strategies for BOOKSTORE the Future www.acuho-i.org 20 Talking Stick Special Focus A Pet or a Necessity? By Kristen Lott Learning about disability law and fair housing law is one of the best steps you can take to protect your housing program. Flinders’ University Hall (bottom l), Alberta’s East Campus Housing (top), and he University T Clemson’s Holmes Hall (bottom r) are among the many housing programs Clemson University. ta, er that routinely weigh b l students’ requests for A linders University, linders University, of pets. F Brittany Hamilton suffers from depression and simply a pet and not a service animal under anxiety, a condition that requires medications the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). which affect her sleeping and breathing. As However, according to the Department of a student at the University of Nebraska at Justice, the university should have consulted Kearney, she requested that her prescribed the Department of Housing and Urban emotional therapy animal live with her to help Development’s Fair Housing Act (FHA), counter the effects of her anxiety; the Miniature which allows this type of accommodation. The Pinscher, Butch, had been trained to put his Department of Justice has therefore charged paws on her shoulders when he sensed the Nebraska with refusing what it considers to be beginning of an anxiety attack. a reasonable request for a service animal. Despite providing medical documentation Many other college and university officials, and references, Hamilton’s three requests feeling that the FHA does not apply to their were refused under the basis that Butch was type of housing, have also complied solely with march + april 2012 21 Special Focus the ADA guidelines. Title II and III of the ADA directly state its application to state and local government entities, as well as any entity offering public accommodation or education courses, including public and nonprofit institutions. Higher education has worked to establish procedures to observe the disability policies and also adapt to changes. In March 2011, the ADA guidelines were changed to specifically define service animals as “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.” Any other species is not considered Though the issue of defining what can a service animal, regardless of its training. These tasks must directly be categorized as a service animal is now relate to the person’s disability, defined looming large throughout the higher by the ADA as assisting visually education community in the United States, impaired individuals with navigation, the international community remains alerting hearing-impaired individuals to the presence of people or sounds, unaffected – for now. pulling a wheelchair, and assisting an individual during a seizure, among others. The FHA, on the other hand, a disability by asking for unnecessary However, the application to college- or describes a disability as any physical or information. What does this case university-owned student housing is mental impairment that substantially signify for higher education? Will still unclear, and Nebraska is planning limits one or more activities. This college and university housing have to refute the lawsuit. definition is sufficiently broad to to comply with the FHA in regards to The first step for schools to take incorporate trained therapy animals emotional therapy animals? Where regarding this issue is a simple one: that are sometimes viewed as “pets,” will the line be drawn, and will “Get to know the Fair Housing laws as in Hamilton’s case. illegitimate requests bombard the and the ADA,” says Doug Hallenbeck, Nebraska investigated the training system? What additional changes will executive director of housing at of Hamilton’s service animal to ensure institutions have to make in existing Clemson University in South Carolina. that the dog was qualified under the policies? He suggests working with students ADA; however, the university went Steve Waller, director of residential with disabilities and legal offices to too far in its inquiry. According to life at Louisiana State University in avoid missteps. Housing officials may the ADA amendments, only two Baton Rouge and chair of ACUHO-I’s be hesitant to embrace the idea of questions regarding requests for Public Policy Advisory Committee, emotional therapy animals because service animals should be asked: if published a white paper (available even students who have service the animal is required because of a in the ACUHO-I online library) animals under the allowed mental disability and what tasks it has been identifying ADA and FHA regulations. health section of ADA can cause trained to perform. As a result of going He further details the current problems. Katie Boone, director of too far (asking unnecessary questions legislation as it applies to higher residence life at the University of about Hamilton’s medical status), education, indicating that the FHA Maryland, Baltimore County, says Nebraska has also been charged with and ADA were created separately for they have had to relocate students discriminating against someone with private and public spaces, respectively. who have allergies to the service 22 Talking Stick What does this case signify for higher education? Will college and university housing have to comply with the FHA in regards to emotional therapy animals? Where will the line be drawn, and will illegitimate requests bombard the system? animals. Like housing officials at most – and sometimes it’s a simple matter disability, and familial status. He also schools, she’s waiting for the final of someone being afraid of dogs. stresses that this protection should verdict regarding FHA’s application to How can colleges and universities extend to every student, not just the university housing: “We have written a accommodate all students equally? “It disabled. No student with a service service animal policy that has extended is the age-old question that we deal animal deserves special privileges to issues of mental health but have with. Where do one student’s rights for immensely disrupting theACUHO lives of not gone the route of an emotional end, and where do another’s begin?” others, according to Luskin. Housing assistance animal. I will wait to see asks Hallenbeck. staffsSalsbury should be clear, Industriesconcise, and what the courts say in Nebraska before Eric Luskin, senior vice president consistent with their residential moving in that direction.” of The Scion Group, a real estate policies and should react the same as Students without disabilities services partner for higher education, if students were having a disruptive can be negatively affected by service believes in equality for the seven party with drinking and loud music: animals in many ways, such as noise federallyRUN protected DATES classes: race, or allergic reactions from fur or fleas color, religion, national origin, sex, Continues 50 Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sep/Oct, Nov/Dec 1010 East 62nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90001-1598 • Phone: 1-800-624-5269 • Fax: 1-800-624-5299 march + april 2012 23 1/2 Page 7” W x 4-3/4” H Color ACUHO_color half 2 (Indesign doc.) regroup True Colors By Stacy Oliver How to recruit in a way that welcomes the candidate but also reflects the organizational culture oy H iz L Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Here at The Placement Exchange in 2011, It is a scene anyone who has attended a out against the rest while at the same time members bring their placement exchange knows well. Mailboxes assessing a candidate’s fit with the department swag and their “A” overflowing with folders, notes, snacks, and and its future. game to hire the best candidate. branded tchotchkes greet the candidates. Mason Reuter, assistant director for staff The energy, nearly palpable, seems directly and leadership programs at the University correlated to the amount of . . . stuff. And, of North Carolina Charlotte, questions the just as important, tucked neatly in folders message portrayed to candidates with the emblazoned with school logos is the residence kind of rah-rah spirit that some institutions life mission statement. project: “I’m not a fan of the ‘cheerleader Recruitment of professional staff at all culture’ associated with housing and residence levels involves an intricate dance of staying true life recruitment. I feel that it often sends a to the departmental and institutional mission, message to candidates that an employer needs vision, and values while also demonstrating to rely on something other than the merits how wonderful it is to work there. While not of their position and the potential experience mutually exclusive, the two impulses can available. It may also be inconsistent with the conflict; those charged with coordinating organization’s culture on campus.” Reuter recruitment efforts must try to market and recognizes that there are some positive aspects promote their department so that it stands of the cheerleading – including making 24 Talking Stick candidates feel welcomed and our campus, community, and how believe that many institutions have encouraged (and that school swag the candidate will be treated while embraced some of the stereotypes and is fun) – but he prefers to direct the serving us. It is the environment they can be too focused on marketing to energy toward staff when they most will experience should they be hired the Millennials. There are gift bags, need it rather than toward candidates. here. If it is not the culture of your a focus on apartment amenities for “I ask myself if my pom-pom or department to do these things, then live-in staff, and a focus on personal door decoration or box of chocolates don’t do it. It would be far worse to roll benefits to the candidate. All of these really makes a difference or if I, as out the bells and whistles, hire them, things are important, but I believe we have to focus more on fit. These are our students. This is who we are. This is what we do. Are you a good fit for us, and are we a good fit for you?” Moriarty describes one of her pet peeves as the used car salesperson approach to staff recruitment, when employers will say whatever is necessary to close the deal. Instead, Moriarty focuses on transparency in her process and providing information to candidates before they need to ask for it. For this reason, she spends the last hour of an on-campus interview with the candidate. “I try to give an accurate portrayal of what it means to be at Bridgewater State University. I start with what I believe most candidates are looking for and then ask them if they have questions and if I’ve left anything out. We talk about the relationship with other departments and how we believe other offices and students view us,” Moriarty explains. Though candidates are provided a potential employer, should save and then not show them a special with the mission statement, Moriarty and utilize my allotment of rah- experience during their employment.” isn’t looking for them to be able to rah-sis-boom-bah during trainings, Being treated as special people quote it in interviews. Instead, she openings, and closings when staff who deserve celebration is nothing looks for an understanding of the are most stretched and in need of the new to the Millennial generation, and mission as it is reflected in how a recognition and encouragement,” employers have begun to emphasize candidate asks questions of current Reuter explains. recruiting them in a way that speaks staff: “I believe candidates who When Texas Christian University’s specifically to them. The belief that truly understand and embrace the Office of Housing and Residence Millennials need to feel special may mission tend to ask more focused Life recruits candidates, they hand translate to their wanting more and thoughtful questions. I think out fun items and place notes of individualized attention in the search they ask them in a way that makes us encouragement in candidates’ process or wanting a school to go demonstrate how we live our mission. mailboxes. Rachel Siron, assistant above and beyond the norm in order For example, community is a big director, explains that doing these to recruit them. Beth Moriarty, director part of the mission, so it’s important things makes sense because they are of residence life at Bridgewater State a candidate can articulate how they congruent with the organizational University in Massachusetts, notes build a community and how they culture: “We believe we recruit that employers sometimes pay too measure what constitutes a strong candidates in a way that reflects much attention to the stereotypes: “I march + april 2012 25 regroup community. They need to tie that in of flux our institution is in due to challenge in garnering an acceptance beyond just providing programs,” says rapid growth, including opening three of employment from a minority Moriarty. new residence halls in two years.” candidate.” Siron believes that the Reuter agrees that how a candidate For Siron, demonstrating biggest mistake employers can make will live the mission is often most organizational culture is a crucial is to fail to be forthcoming with evident in the questions they ask step in recruiting as Texas Christian candidates about campus culture during the interview process. He also University faces the obstacle of and the role they would play within wants candidates to have an authentic educating candidates about the a department: “Our department is view of the organizational culture university’s name and how it relates to dedicated to building relationships. and, for him, that translates to total the work of residence life staff: “Some Our interviews are interactive in honesty with the candidate: “We’re job seekers could see Christian in our order to create a foundation for our brutally honest with candidates about university name and instantly have an relationship with candidates, yet it the administrative expectations of opinion regarding what that means for also puts them at ease when they the position. They are expected to our work. We try to reach out to many aren’t bombarded with question after manage administrative functions that candidates throughout the process and question. We make our interviews may have been managed for them as answer any questions about affiliation. easy for a candidate to see our graduate students or professionals at Another obstacle is our university personality, campus culture, and other institutions. We’re also brutally demographic. It is a predominantly interest in them as a candidate and, honest with candidates about the state white institution, which can provide a Continues 52 Talk about cool! Talk about Brill. The Brill Company www.brillcompany.com 26 Talking Stick calendar MArch • April • May • June • JULY March 1-4 April 24-27 The Oshkosh Placement Exchange will Australasian Association of College and be hosted by the University of Wisconsin, University Housing Officers (AACUHO) Oshkosh. www.theope.org. Conference, Novotel Hotel in Wollongong, North South Wales. Preceding the conference March 4-7 will be a study tour traveling to several Southwest Association of College and Australian universities, April 19-24. University Housing Officers (SWACUHO) www.aacuho.edu.au/ annual conference at the Hilton Hotel in College Station, Texas. www.swacuho.org. May 20-June 2 International Study Tour to China and Hong March 7-11 Kong traveling through Hong Kong, Macau, The Placement Exchange, presented by Guangzhou, and Beijing, China. ACUHO-I has ACUHO-I, NASPA, AFA, ASCA, HigherEdJobs, partnered with ACUI, ACPA, NIRSA, NASPA, NACA, and NODA, will be held in Phoenix, and Old Dominion University faculty to offer Arizona. www.ThePlacementExchange.org. members this opportunity. www.acuho-i.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1035. April 1-4 The Western Association of College and June 6-9 University Housing Officers (WACUHO) Northeast Association of College and Annual Conference and Exposition, University Housing Officers (NEACUHO) “Redefining Basics: WACUHO at the Fair,” Conference, “Many Tracks. One Destination,” will be held at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel in will be held at Northeastern University in Pomona, California. Boston, Massachusetts. www.wachuo.org/wace2012. www.neacuho.org. June 12-16 The James C. Grimm National Housing Training Institute (NHTI) at the University of Georgia, Athens. www.acuho-i.org. July 5-7 ACUHO-I STARS College in Anaheim, California. www.acuho-i.org. July 7-10 The ACUHO-I Annual Conference and Exposition in Anaheim, California. www.acuho-i.org. ldham O We hope to see you in Anaheim. livea O include Your Event We welcome your submissions. Send your event information to [email protected]. march + april 2012 27 28 Talking Stick BuildingRetention Studies show that students living in residence halls experience greater success than do their off-campus colleagues. But that doesn’t happen by itself. It takes careful planning to create the programs that turn theory into reality. By Erik Ziedses des Plantes esidence life professionals have heard the words thousands of times throughout their career: Students who continue to live on campus perform better academically, are better adjusted socially, and are more likely to finish their program and graduate. It’s a claim that numerous studies have backed up asR fact. Steven Herndon’s 1984 study “Recent Findings Concerning the Relative Importance of Housing to Student Retention” spelled out several of the tenets of this philosophy that are still used today: that housing in general is a large contributor to retention, leads to higher amounts of student-faculty contact, and contributes to a greater sense of satisfaction among students. Michael Waldo’s 1986 study “Academic Achievement and Retention as Related to Students’ Personal and Social Adjustment in University Residence Halls” expanded on these conclusions, revealing that students satisfied with the social adjustment and opportunities provided by the residence halls perform better academically and are retained at a higher rate. The results revealed in these studies have endured, receiving affirmation in more recent works such as Yan Li, Mack Sheely, and Donald Whalen’s 2005 study “Contributors to Residence Hall Student Retention: Why Do Students Choose to Leave or Stay?” tate University tate S It’s well-trod territory to be sure, and if you boil the owa owa I profession down to its essence, it is to create campus march + april 2012 29 living options that meet these goals. But as confident tate University tate S as residence life professionals can be about these facts, there are some inherent contradictions that owa owa I must still be confronted. As much as residence life professionals would love for students to be inquisitive and concerned about their academic experience and conscious of their own social adjustment, it is unrealistic to expect them to read the research on this subject. Students are not thinking about academic performance and social adjustment in the abstract, number-driven terms that people in the residence life profession are. Students deal with these things in real time, and, more often than not, if a sense of dissatisfaction permeates a student’s first year in the residence hall, they will probably do what they can to change their environment (read: move out). This transition to off-campus living hurts retention chances. Also, for many students, college offers the first taste of true independence, living elsewhere besides under their parents’ roof. Residence halls can provide this thrill, but the prospect of living off campus in an apartment also has an allure to many. There’s the promise of more independence, more 30 Talking Stick privacy, and the possibility of a more be distributed to all the members. oriented program, meant to encourage self-directed social life. A number of This helps instill a deep sense of academic performance while still institutions have recognized this desire understanding of the subjects and keeping students in the residence and have countered with apartment- issues at hand before the program is halls, became even more apparent style housing, usually for students with developed. when Jacques had to consider that sophomore standing or higher. There are a variety of ways freshmen made up the majority of the With these things in mind, one colleges and universities can go students living on campus and that sees the benefits of reaching out to about designing such a program. At the slip in GPA was apparently limited students by implementing a residence the University of North Alabama in to the freshman population. Jacques hall program that increases student Florence, Director of Residence Life began meeting with his VP in order to retention. Fortunately, there are a Kevin Jacques was shocked to discover develop a Freshman Year Experience number of campuses that have done that the average grade point average program. so and can provide a successful of the freshman population living in “Our thought was that if we can model for other campuses to follow. their residence halls was quite low, help them [freshmen] succeed in all What they show is that residence contradicting what most conventional aspects of college, the likelihood of life professionals followed a definite research had demonstrated. The retaining them would be greater,” process to put them into play and to need for a specialized, freshman- says Jacques. The submission of his assess whether or not their programs worked. Assessment is one of the cornerstones of the profession, and in this case it can be the determining factor as to whether or not a residence life retention program will, well, be retained for another year. Putting a Retention Program into Place Are you currently using ACUHO-I/EBI Assessments? The actual development and We are now accepting applications construction of a residence hall for the 2012 ACUHO-I/EBI retention program can happen in a Assessment Award. Visit www.webebi.com/about/awards couple of different places. More often than not, such programs are developed for details. within an institution’s residence life department, but there are times when the program is developed from an even higher office and then passed down to residence life. Retention programs Improve the quality of the residential can also be crafted to fit the needs of experience for your students and an entire student body or to cater to your institution. specific groups, especially freshmen. Before a program can be put into place, a great deal of work is ACUHO-I/EBI required in terms of development, Resident, Apartment and Student Staff Assessments and the Center for the Study of College Student Retention offers Invest your time, effort and resources tips to ease this process. First, a in assessment with proven impact. committee should be formed, one that consists of senior faculty and “Assessment and benchmarking are invaluable tools for today’s campus upper management professionals – housing departments. The ACUHO-I/EBI housing assessments are a and students themselves, since it’s leader in the field, and through this collaboration, the survey results important to keep an ear to the ground provide valuable insight into campus operations.” Jill Eckhardt, ACUHO-I President and obtain unfiltered feedback from the student body. Once the committee FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: has been formed, a reading list should Glenn Skaggs | (417) 429 4530 | [email protected] march + april 2012 31 program proposal to the higher ups at the University tate University tate S of North Alabama led to the creation of a brand new position, the assistant director of residence life for owa owa I success initiatives. This multi-faceted position would work in tandem with various offices around campus in order to develop, in Jacques’ words, “programs, events, workshops, and information to the freshman residents in an effort to get them better connected to the university, achieve higher grades, and feel that the University of North Alabama is their home away from home, their place to be.” Jacques’ program launched this year, after two school years where the retention rate remained static at 65.8 ama percent, according to U.S. News and World Report b la A and American College Review. It was Jacques’ hope th when developing the program to drive up student or N GPAs – and retention along with it. An institution might also choose to modify an existing program instead of developing an entirely new one. Although this strategy provides an he University of T institution with a template for performance, work still must be done on both the development and implementation fronts. Ginny Arthur, associate director for residence life at Iowa State University in Des Moines, took this route after attending a NASPA 32 Talking Stick (Student Affairs Administrators in the program under close scrutiny as it concerns and perceptions regarding Higher Education) conference a few was put into place. a variety of subjects, including years back, where she learned about At Iowa State, Arthur has been academics, social interactions, a program called MAP (Making using MAP-Works for four years homesickness, and communication Achievement Possible)-Works, now. The program is presented to scales. which involves high levels of faculty the freshman population during the The results generated by these collaboration with residence life and third week of their first semester; inventories allow faculty and residence students, to the point where faculty marketing materials are disseminated life professionals involved in MAP- members are encouraged to change at table tents in the dining halls and Works to offer customized content and their behaviors and strategies based via posters and social media such as to decide what to focus on each year, on the results of a student inventory Facebook. Arthur’s version of MAP- making it a very malleable program. submitted early in the year. The results Works begins with a student inventory Multiple faculty members and entire generated highlight specific needs for that is distributed on each floor of each departments are tied into the program, each student, meaning that certain residence hall, with prizes offered to offering localized academic help to professionals can work with students floors with an inventory completion students within the residence halls. It whose responses indicate a need for rate of 85 percent or higher. These has taken four years for the program social intervention, while others can inventories are used to identify student to reach this point. In the first year, work with students whose academic responses raised some red flags. “We were looking for an organized way to help students help themselves, help us identify and work with the students most at risk early in the semester, and track the interactions,” says Arthur. “MAP-Works enables n On Site us to identify students most at risk n of leaving the university very early No Downtime in the first semester and provides us n Refinishing with information the students supply n Upholstery themselves, which helps to jump-start n Touch Textiles© conversations geared toward helping the students get back on track.” n 10-20 Rooms If there is any common thread per Day that might be considered essential n Sustainable to the development process, it is After departmental collaboration. While both Arthur’s and Jacques’ programs Before originated within their respective residence life departments, they both became a reality through consultations with higher offices or connections with other institutional organizations. Before After Putting It into Action Once a program is developed, connections between departments are made, plans for action are agreed upon, and then it must be brought to the student population for implementation. For the professionals profiled here, implementation was a gradual process that stretched across one entire school year, a process that involved further reaching out to other 1.800.523.9448 www.therefinishingtouch.com [email protected] university departments and keeping march + april 2012 33 the only departments involved athletic department, appealing to More Information were residence life, the dean of the physical needs of residents For the residence life professional looking to students’ office, and the College in addition to their mental and develop a residence-life based retention program, of Liberal Arts and Sciences and academic desires. here is a brief guide to resources cited in this the College of Engineering. As article, from the ACUHO-I online library and the assessments of student needs and Internet. program performance were made, Putting It in the Colleges of Human Sciences, Perspective ACT’s 2010 What Works in Student Retention Business, and Agriculture and Survey (http://www.act.org/research/policymakers/ Life Sciences joined during the reports/retain.html). second year and the College Assessment should not be of Design during the third. confined to the tail end of the Center for the Study of College Student Retention Utilizing a training program that process of implementing a (www.cscsr.or). allows participants in the initial residence hall retention program. National Academic Advising Association-Retention/ training session to train those Assessment is what ties the Attrition Resources (http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/ staff members coming to the whole process together. It helps clearinghouse/advisingissues/retain.htm). program at a later date, Arthur’s identify goals from the outset and determines which ideas and Daniel Dougherty, “Developing a Residential retention program was able to initiatives work well after the Retention Program,” The Journal of College and grow in a very organic fashion. program has been in place for University Student Housing, 17(1), 1987. Participation among campus professionals increased with each a while, as well as which ones Steven Herndon, “Recent Findings Concerning cycle, the program becoming need to be adjusted or removed. the Relative Importance of Housing to Student rooted deeper in the university’s In the worst case, assessment Retention,” The Journal of College and University culture year after year. As Arthur can let professionals know when Student Housing, 14(1), 1984. puts it, “MAP-Works has become it is time to abandon a program Yan Li, Mack C. Sheely, II, and Donald F. Whalen, an expected event/process. While and utilize resources elsewhere. “Contributors to Residence Hall Student Retention: competition and incentives There are different types of Why Do Students Choose to Leave or Stay?” The certainly encourage students to assessments for different times Journal of College and University Student Housing, participate, taking MAP-Works is of the program’s life. Surveys and 33(2), 2005. becoming something you do as a assessments from Educational first-year student at ISU.” Benchmarking Inc. are just one Kim Luckes, Gloria E. Payne, Renata Dusenbury, of many tools available for this Meanwhile, Jacques’ program and Marlyn Lewis Moore, “A Comprehensive process. Jacques used EBI surveys deals with things on a much more Approach to Establishing a Living-Learning Science to gauge student perceptions and fundamental level and on a large Retention Program,” Talking Stick, 22(5), 2005. performance before the program’s scale, choosing to focus mainly existence in order to design the Phyllis McCluskey-Titus, “The Connection Between on increased communication retention program in a fashion Residence Life and First-Year Student Retention at and involvement between staff appropriate to the students’ needs. the University of Pittsburgh,” The Journal of College and students as well as on future As discussed earlier, Arthur’s and University Student Housing, 37(1), 2010. construction projects. These MAP-Works program begins with Vincent Tinto, “The Assessment of Student Retention initiatives include converting an assessment of student concerns Programs,” Syracuse University School of Education a ground-floor apartment in and perceptions. (http://faculty.soe.syr.edu/vtinto/Files/Assessing%20 one of the freshman-centered Student%20Retention%20Programs.pdf). residence halls into what Jacques The University of North calls a student success center. Alabama’s program is still Vincent Tinto, “Research and Practice of Student The center will function as a in its first year of operation, Retention: What Next?” Journal of College Student partnership between residence making actual retention statistics Retention, 8(1), 2006. life, the university’s Center for impossible to obtain. However, the Michael Waldo, “Academic Achievement and Writing Excellence, the Career practice of assessing each part of Retention as Related to Students’ Personal and Planning and Development the program throughout the year Social Adjustment in University Residence Halls,” Department, and the university has provided Jacques with some The Journal of College and University Student counselor and will offer tutoring encouraging results. The average Housing, 16(1), 1986. opportunities for students, as well GPA of the freshmen involved with the retention program has Mary Ziskin, Don Hossler, and Sooyeon Kim, “The as résumé critiques and mock already increased by .11 of a point. Study of Institutional Practices Related to Student job interviews. Where Jacques’ His assessment strategy included Persistence,” Journal of College Student Retention, program really differs is in his tweaks to the job description of 11(1), 2009. connecting residence life with the Continues 49 34 Talking Stick AM11-0529_Talking Stick_Layout 1 5/20/11 8:28 AM Page 1 A QUANTUM™ LEAP IN LAUNDRY PERFORMANCE. AD placeholder BENEFITS TO PROPERTY MANAGERS & OWNERS BENEFITS TO RESIDENTS • Quantum™ System offers bonus vending revenue • User friendly Quantum control with premium and automated tracking of laundry room activity wash cycles • Saves on water, using only 10.9 gallons per cycle • Large digital display communicates cycle status • Conserves hot water with multi-level vend pricing • Convenience of coin or card start operation • High speed extract with 1000 RPM reduces • Fast cycle times — 30 minute wash, 45 minute dry energy costs • Big load capacity • High quality, durable stainless steel components Contact us today to find out what Quantum can do for you. 800-345-5649 • speedqueen.com/acuhoi AM11-0529 talking stick pg full bleed trim: 8.5x11 bleed: 8.75x11.25 36 Talking Stick LOCKER ROOM TALK By Laurel Dreher and Patrick Tanner Our authors and facilitators share how weekly conversations strive to create a successful dialogue model for the male residents of Roger Williams University and, ultimately, make masculinity matter. oom in on Global Heritage Hall, the newest academic building on a growing campus. Room 108 is a traditional room just inside the entrance, but instead of a professor waiting to teach rows of students, the scene is somewhat atypical. Two residence life professionals are pumping music through the sound system, laying Zout snacks, and arranging the seats in a circle. Only men enter the room after that – casually connecting in a way that you might expect to see in any residence hall lobby. They begin to prepare to deconstruct local news briefs, advertising campaigns, and campus activities and events as well as connected and disparate philosophies from a feminist perspective. Yes, that’s correct. Here, men will address of researchers Tracy Davis and Jason Laker, issues of men and masculinity using viewpoints who have studied how to better connect men to from the fields of feminist thought, social justice student affairs programs, TLR provides men both theory, sociology, anthropology – and student challenge and support. In their 2004 article, they development. concluded that “If we are to begin to effectively Thus begins almost every session of The engage college men and address their needs, Locker Room (TLR) at Roger Williams University student affairs professionals must assess whether in Bristol, Rhode Island. TLR is a weekly or not interventions (1) are grounded in theory discussion series where men can relax and and research about men, (2) recognize differences feel comfortable while grappling with what it among men and masculinities, and (3) provide means to be a man. Drawing from the lessons support in addition to challenge.” march + april 2012 37 Creating TLR and serving as facilitators meant borrowing heavily from the current literature and research that has been produced by the likes of Jim O’Neil, Shaun Harper, Frank Harris, Terrell Strayhorn, Michael Kimmel, Jackson Katz, Shira Tarrant, and many others. Guidance was sought from Ryan Barone who helped lead The Men’s Project at Colorado State University in Fort Collins in the early 2000s. Additionally, the organizers of a similar program at the University of Oregon in Eugene were consulted. One of TLR’s facilitators also had past experience working extensively with men’s issues in coursework and through an assistantship in the Greek life system, which proved valuable. The wealth of information to draw from is evidence of the growing area of men’s issues studies. Faculty members and student affairs professionals from every point on the gender spectrum and across the globe have been addressing such issues for years. If there is one quotation that best summarizes Before launching a program, the motivation behind this growth it comes from the book College Men and Masculinities research and decide on the by Shaun R. Harper and Frank Harris, III, who wrote, “A man who graduates from theoretical foundations that college without having benefitted from will inform the group. a well-guided exploration of his gender identity is likely to find himself stranded on a Conventional wisdom says to be careful when embarking on a destructive pathway of confusion and self- new venture. This is extremely poignant and true for research doubt. . . . Those who work at colleges and about men’s issues. It’s easy for a potential facilitator and leader universities have a professional responsibility to say with conviction, “I’m a man. I can talk to others about what to aid women and men alike in productively it means to be a man,” without critically analyzing his perspective resolving identity conflicts and transitioning on collegiate men through the lens of current research. Similarly, into a version of adulthood where patriarchy, a woman might reasonably be heard to say, “I’ve dated men. sexism, homophobia, misogyny, misandry, I’ve grown up around men. I could totally do this.” However, sexual harassment, and all forms of abuse and not taking time to develop a knowledge base and define one’s oppression ends with them.” perspective on masculinity, heterosexism, misogyny, trans culture, When making the decision to start your feminism, and a variety of other related and tangential topics own men’s discussion group, it’s important would be unwise, ineffective, and probably harmful to others to keep in mind that many of these programs despite the best intentions to be developmental. build off the foundation established by the This research will take time. But it is valuable time. Put to work of students, professors, administrators, use the skills developed while in college or graduate school to activists, and theorists who have already carved understand the current landscape of what it means to work with out paths on the road to social justice and men on college and university campuses. There is a growing body gender equity. What follows are simply ten of research that speaks specifically to the psychology of men, their humble suggestions for successfully launching multiple social identities, and the intersections therein, as well as a men’s discussion group on a college or effective practices (see sidebar). Connect with librarians, faculty, university campus from two professionals who staff, and administrators, and start reading. Comprehending have tried their hand at adding to the broader the nuances of gender will not come quickly, but reading the conversation about gender, masculinity, and literature and discussing findings with others who have a similarly college men’s development. inquisitive nature can aid it. 38 Talking Stick Carefully research Throughout the process, engage in and choose a consistent self-reflection. artment facilitation model p Facilitators of these groups will have to decide early on how much they are willing e D c that will work best to share about their personal life. To do this, the facilitator would do well to have hi p an enhanced level of self-awareness regarding his or her own social identities. For ra G for the group. example, facilitators should consider how the following topics relate to their life experiences: privilege of all kinds, building relationships with students that are illiams W When considering how the group founded in mutual trust and respect, the intersection of multiple identities, the oger discussion will be facilitated, there binary notion of gender, homophobia, feminism, men’s movements throughout R are several questions to consider. It history and especially in the 20th century, and social justice. is important that these questions It is imperative that one considers what it might mean to address gender rtesy of rtesy u o are asked and answered before the violence and how students might respond. Facilitators must be comfortable in c program begins, but, at the same time, their counseling and referral skills. They must be comfortable in their own skins, facilitators should be flexible enough and ideally they will have had similar conversations with close colleagues, family, to change in ways that make the or friends. These discussions are often emotionally charged; to be ill-prepared discussion more beneficial. may be disastrous for everyone involved. If theory courses have shown anything, Some of the questions to consider oom advertisements oom advertisements R may include the following: Will ker c facilitating this group be a solo venture o L Showers in HD... or will it employ a team approach? Will anyone who doesn’t identify as a man be welcome as a guest presenter or facilitator? Will this be an affinity group for men only? Is it going to be only for student leaders and their training and development? Will the environment look more like a classroom or a residence hall lounge? Will it be presented as a lecture or be discussion-based? Will the level of funding impact these choices? Will there be a focus on current events, campus events, or historical events? Will students be allowed to have leadership roles in the group? If so, what level of subject mastery must they display before doing so? Does this group exist strictly to Meridian battle violence and specifically men’s Solid Surface violence against women? Will the Durable | Renewable | Stain-Resistant group utilize a national model such as the Male Violence Prevention (MVP) program, or will it move forward with what Jim O’Neil has referred to as a Custom “psychoeducational” approach that Shower Bases for will be organic in nature? Will this be Remodel Applications more about raising awareness than identity development? How much Standard of the curriculum will be set by the Shower Bases facilitators and how much will be M A S S I L L O N , O H I O directed by participant suggestions? Is Shower Wall Panels this going to be academic in nature? & Accessories 3 3 0 . 8 3 7 . 2 2 1 6 What do the students want? www.TowerShowers.com march + april 2012 39 it is to be humble about the fact that For More Information just as our students have not arrived at the point of enlightenment, neither There are hundreds of articles, documentaries, websites, journals, and the like to assist have group leaders. To be effective, professionals in their understanding of the issues of men and masculinity relative to educators must be willing to redefine the collegiate scene. The following list briefly touches on some accessible resources, their own ideas about gender. As but there is much more material that will assist anyone who seeks to appreciate these Raphael Moffett, director of campus topics more fully. Further, it should be noted that an understanding of these issues and community involvement at Trinity should be founded in a greater grasp of feminist and social justice theories. University in San Antonio, Texas, has said, leaders must be committed to Books struggling together with the students. • Kate Bornstein, My Gender Workbook: How to Become a Real Man, a Real Woman, the Real You, or Something Else Entirely (1998) • Shaun R. Harper and Frank Harris, III, College Men and Masculinities: Theory, Strengthen the Research, and Implications for Practice (2010) program by building • Jackson Katz, The Macho Paradox: Why Some Men Hurt Women and How All Men partnerships with Can Help (2006) • Gar E. Kellom, Developing Effective Programs and Services for College Men: New faculty and staff. Directions for Student Services (2004) • Christopher Kilmartin, The Masculine Self (4th Ed., 2009) Life does not happen in a vacuum. • Paul Kivel, Men’s Work: How to Stop the Violence That Tears Our Lives Apart (1998) wednesdays (starting feb. 16th). 7.00-9.00 pm. GHH 106. Programs at any level on any campus find out. • Jason Laker and Tracy Davis, Masculinities in Higher Education: Theoretical and will die a quick and certain death Practical Considerations (2011) without collaboration. When it comes to work on men’s issues, campus • Shira Tarrant, Men Speak Out: Views on Gender, Sex, and Power (2008) and Men professionals must partner with and Feminism (2009) and walk alongside their students and colleagues if they want to be Articles successful. Before beginning, it • Tracy Davis, “Voices of Gender Role Conflict: The Social Construction of College Men’s would be wise to acknowledge the Identity,” Journal of College Student Development, 43(4), 2002 accomplishments of those involved • Tracy Davis and Jason Laker, “Connecting Men to Academic and Student Affairs with women’s suffrage, gay rights, Programs and Services,” New Directions for Student Services, 107, 2004 multiple feminist movements, • Mike Donaldson, “What Is Hegemonic Masculinity?” Theory and Society, 22(5), 1993 and present day practitioners and researchers. Likewise, reach out to the • Jason Laker and Tracy Davis, “Using the Psychology of Men and Gender Role Conflict gender allies on your campus. Theory to Promote Comprehensive Service Delivery for College Men: A Call to Action,” Masculinities in Higher Education: Theoretical and Practical Considerations, 2011 This will obviously assist in recruiting participants and co- • Josh Noem, Thomas Bruketta, and Jamie Grimm, “The League of Extraordinary facilitators, but it is absolutely Gentlemen at the University of Portland,” Engaging College Men: Discovering What Works and Why 2010 necessary to have a firm grasp on , the history of gender on a particular • James O’Neil, “Summarizing 25 Years of Research on Men’s Gender Role Conflict campus. Those who do not already Using the Gender Role Conflict Scale: New Research Paradigms and Clinical have a sense of any significant events Implications,” The Counseling Psychologist, 36(3), 2008 in the history of their institution must develop one. Many will find that Websites Professional gender dynamics have played a role Organizations in staffing, physical structure, or the www.Feministing.com philosophy behind major decisions www.Manvertised.com ACPA’s Standing Committee for Men, that have guided current and previous www.whiteribbon.ca www2.myacpa.org administrations. A good place to www.walkamileinhershoes.org NASPA’s Men and Masculinity Knowledge start this search would be a campus Community, www.naspa.org www.vday.org/v-men women’s center, a GLBT student group, a women’s studies academic department, or anything of the like. Documentaries These relationships will also prove Beyond Beats and Rhymes valuable when pursuing the campus Tough Guise administration for support. The Bro Code 40 Talking Stick Recruit members from within the campus population. In a 2002 qualitative study conducted by Tracy Davis investigating the lived experiences of college men, one theme that arose from participants’ responses was a general sense of “challenge without support,” in terms of the lack of services provided specifically for men. Recruiting students to participate in a men’s program might be the first time many men feel welcomed and acknowledged as men during their college years. When Josh find out. wednesdays (starting feb. 16th). 7.00-9.00 pm. GHH 106. Noem, Thomas Bruketta, and Jamie Grimm were creating their League of Extraordinary Gentlemen at the University of Portland in Oregon, they To encourage participation, find unique clearly saw that genuine interactions, one-on-one conversations, and ways to brand and market your men’s group. personal invitations remained the most successful referral strategies when asking students to attend a In their 2004 article discussing best discussion group will be focused more discussion group. practices for effectively engaging on addressing general developmental Group leaders must work with male students, Tracy Davis and Jason obstacles for men during their college colleagues in various departments Laker cite a number of different male experience, there may be more creative and seek out opportunities to meet discussion groups that exist on college license in deciding on a group’s and interact with as many students and university campuses, each with its moniker. across campus as possible. Sign up own style and focus. At the University Consideration also should be to take part in any of the campus- of Vermont in Burlington, there is given to assessing how playful, or wide Involvement Fairs hosted by the the Men Advocating Change (MAC) controversial, the group’s marketing student activities or leadership office. student organization. At Dartmouth and advertising will be. Depending on Look for chances to hold discussions College in Hanover, New Hampshire, the institution’s identity and affiliations, about gender during student leaders it is The Men’s Project. A number of there may be more restrictions in the club and organization retreats. Inform schools have Male Violence Prevention types of images and advertisements the residence life community about (MVP) programs. The Assault that can be created and displayed. your men’s group, and encourage Survivors Advocacy Program at the Administrators and colleagues may resident assistants to invite residents University of Northern Colorado in be confused or troubled by choices to attend. Create a partnership with the Greeley recently developed the Men that reinforce the unhealthier, more athletics office and invite coaches and Engaged Now (M.E.N.) program. And, harmful aspects of unexamined captains to make recommendations according to its website, the One in Four masculinity, and others may be worried of students they feel would contribute organization has chapters established on about the intentions of a male-only to the dialogues about gender and approximately 40 campuses. space. Those groups who choose to masculinity. If the purpose of the men’s attract attention and draw interest group will be focused on violence by utilizing pop culture references prevention, that may be important should be prepared to fully articulate to reflect in the program’s name and the group’s purpose to prospective mission statement (so as to be clear members at the first meeting, so as not to new members). Conversely, if the to sell them a false product. march + april 2012 41 Be purposeful when selecting discussion topics and guiding the conversation. The goal of many men’s programs is to help students begin the process of critically thinking about their own gender identity, as well as teaching them how to recognize the effects of gender in their everyday interactions with the world around them. Conversations during TLR have spanned a variety of topics, including male privilege, men’s health issues, pornography, homophobia, fighting and violence, intersections of identity, religion, comic book superheroes, dating and relationships, hook-up culture, and family dynamics, Regularly collect feedback just to name a few. Today’s pop culture from group members. is full of opportunities to demonstrate the influence of the media on how Perhaps the most important thing that can provide helpful information on our society understands gender roles. can be done in assessing the success what identities may be present in Utilizing clips from current television and development of a men’s group is a group so that it is easier to be as shows, movies, comedians, and to simply listen to the students. On inclusive as possible when it comes to commercials can provide accessible an administrative level, collecting data discussion topics. Having participants examples of the various ways masculinity about a program can be extremely reflect on what they’ve learned each and femininity are performed in the beneficial in demonstrating the term can also help them understand entertainment industry. effectiveness of the endeavor, as well as where they may be in terms of their Books such as Kate Bornstein’s documenting the group’s growth. This own masculinity development and can My Gender Workbook and Paul information can be very helpful when help shed light on future discussion Kivel’s Men’s Work can provide great it comes to advocating for funding, for topics. Ask participants for ideas on ideas for interactive activities that a space to host the group, or simply what they want to talk about and in challenge traditional views of gender, for increased awareness about gender what direction they feel the group may and Shira Tarrant’s Men Speak Out issues on campus. Assessment surveys need to go. is just one collection of narratives from men seeking to understand and redefine their own masculinity. The Men Against Sexual Violence Turn words into action by providing group at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has worked to opportunities for participants to compile an excellent resource guide engage in activism. of activities addressing issues relating to sexual violence prevention as a part of an annual conference they As a men’s group evolves, it may dedicated to ending violence against host on their campus. Additionally, soon become important to allow women and girls, driven by presenting there are a number of regional and the members to move forward in creative events that raise awareness national conferences that focus on their growing understanding of and funds. In conjunction with this collegiate men. Take advantage of these gender issues and to participate in project, V-Men has also been created opportunities to engage colleagues moments of activism. Fortunately, as a platform for men to tell their own about the lessons that they’ve learned there are a number of well-established stories of masculinity development. concerning theory and practice in movements that can be supported Another opportunity would be similar settings. by bringing them to campus. For example, V-Day is a global movement Continues 52 42 Talking Stick One Company, Many Solutions AD placeholder The Housing Director Other Products • Online Roommate Matching • Conduct Coordinator • Online Housing Applications/Contracts • Parking Administrator and MyParking • Housing Check-in/Checkout • Guest Pass Tracker • Damage Billing • The Conference Host • Simple Mail Merge and Reporting • Data Interface Module • Auto Assigning, Room Changes and Room Swaps • Inventory Tracking • Real-time/Batch Interfacing Contact our sales team to preview any of our products at 908.725.8869. Adirondack Solutions is proud to partner with: ® TM conversations What’s Your Policy? Policies: those things that give the day-to-day activities a backbone. Here, members take a moment to share how they create policies, Chris Summerlin revise them, and put them in place. Participating in this conversation are Elizabeth Cox, area director at Emory University, Clairmont Campus in Atlanta, Georgia; Shakima Clency, assistant director of residence life at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro; Chris Summerlin, director of residence life at Macon State College in Georgia; Michelle Ballew Safewright, associate dean of students at Maryville College in Tennessee; and Michael Wadsworth, director for residential life at Albion College in Michigan. Elizabeth COx Elizabeth Cox: In my experience, I think residents sharing bathrooms located on the conversations around policies are always hall; the renovated halls will have suite-style happening. In residence life and housing, we rooms, and no more than four people will tend to constantly evaluate what we do and how share a bathroom. Residents living together in Michelle Ballew we do it, which I think is great. I think there one suite can use the bathroom to access the Safewright are many things that prompt an impetus for bedroom of their suitemate(s). We anticipate policy change: student concern, administrative that this will create some roommate conflicts directive, budgetary issues, etc. and/or lead to policy violations. To be proactive I also think policy revision/creation is a we will be creating new policies and altering time when I really utilize my network. I often the language outlined in the current visitation call or email colleagues from other institutions policy. I agree there is value in being proactive to get their input. I think we do a good job of as well as reactive where policies are concerned. sharing in our profession, or at least that has been my experience so far. I then evaluate Chris Summerlin: I think we must be open Shakima Clency materials from other institutions to think if to learning from those around us. We are all it would work at mine. Sometimes it does; tackling many of the same issues, policies, sometimes it doesn’t. and concerns. There is much we can learn from seeing what was and was not successful Shakima Clency: I find that policy changes at other institutions. This may not always tell are often reactive, whereas the creation of new us exactly what will work for our institution, policies tends to be proactive. For example, at but it can open us up to new ideas and ways the University of North Carolina at Greensboro of doing things. I have found in my state that we are in the process of renovating seven the Georgia Housing Officers listserv has been Mike residence halls scheduled to open in Fall an invaluable resource for discussing topics Wadsworth of 2012. Prior to the renovations, the halls and ideas with my colleagues. We can all share were corridor-style with a large number of ideas on policies and procedures, as well as 44 Talking Stick Policy changes, revisions, and creations (or even proposals to change policies) can originate from students, our Student Senate, changing national trends, and changes to laws or best practices. Regardless of where they originate, I believe it is important to thoroughly vet all the issues. just discussing common concerns and Michael Wadsworth: Policy in the student handbook are confusing obstacles. changes, revisions, and creations (or to the average person, contradictory to Over the years, it seems that even proposals to change policies) another policy, or no longer relevant. most policies and procedures are can originate from students, our To help ensure that our printed either proactive or reactive. At times Student Senate, changing national policies stay current, each summer institutions are proactive when trends, and changes to laws or best two professional staff members are creating policies in hopes of being able practices. Regardless of where they charged with the task of reviewing all to address certain issues later. Other originate, I believe it is important residence life policies and providing times policies are created reactively to thoroughly vet all the issues. For recommendations for changes and in response to issues or concerns example, if the issue is not coming omissions and for creating new which arise that may not be properly from our student population, it may policies for consideration. addressed using current procedures. be important to involve a small group of students to gather feedback prior to It is almost impossible to have policies Safewright: I also find that policy implementation. and procedures in place that will changes can come from external address all issues 100 percent of the As others have also already sources as well: new legislation or time. This is because students do not mentioned, I feel this is also a time rules that are handed down from state do things the same way every year. Just when I really reach out to colleagues or national levels; legal matters that when you think you know what they and listservs to see what other schools we learn about from other institutions will do, they find a new way to do it. are doing. I have found that checking that push us to get out in front of any This is why being proactive is helpful, with a small group of peer institutions new laws that might be coming; or but being reactive is equally important. (rather than a mass email to a national just learning from our colleagues of listserv) is a very helpful way to new trends they are seeing at their quickly get to how the policy change Michelle Ballew Safewright: I institution. or creation may affect my specific think it’s about 50/50 on being We have two ways in which policy situation. reactive versus proactive. We also change can start – from students and do a review of our policies annually from administrators. Our Student by a committee so we tend to catch Clency: In addition to the Student Government Association is very active some things during that process that Government Association, the here and has been involved with we know need to change because of Hall Council and Residence Hall many of the policies we have here on trends or laws that we know about. Association also serve as a driving campus – from policies on alcohol Sometimes, though, because of force for new and revised policies. At and visitation to the way that room situations that happen we realize the start of each academic year, the selection is done – so many times reactively that we need to change Hall Council, under the supervision of policy changes on our campus start policies, and now that our student the building supervisor, oversees the at the student level. It is a lengthy handbook is online we can change voting policy for changes to the hall process they must go through to those more immediately and not have visitation hours. get a policy changed, and it involves to wait for the next print cycle. Oftentimes after consulting the everyone on campus in the discussion residence life student and professional of such changes. The other way policy change happens is that we as staff, we realize that policies outlined march + april 2012 45 conversations administrators feel that something in providing educational programs, and services for residents. The RSA needs to be changed for a variety and reviewing existing opportunities serves as a voice for the residents to of reasons – in which case we look for residents. The members of this the Office of esidenceR Life. We value to our colleagues to see how other committee all come from various their opinion on how the policies and institutions handle such policies, and backgrounds and serve in different procedures of the office are perceived then we mold this into something areas around campus. This helps us by residents and use this feedback that will work here on our campus. I to look at policies and procedures in reviewing and revising them as agree that our profession is very good from different angles. Our policies applicable. TS about sharing, and I have never had to and procedures are often shaped by worry about not getting a good variety the feedback this committee provides. of feedback on any topic that I’m I know many residence life and researching. housing programs do not use a formal committee to engage members of the Join the campus community, but I have found Conversation Summerlin: One of the most valuable this to be an amazing support tool for resources I have on my campus is the What topic would you my campus. faculty and staff who comprise my like to see discussed in Residence Life Advisory Committee. Our Resident Student Association Conversations? Send your They are a great resource for also is a guiding force in letting seeking outside perspectives on the us know what students think of suggestions to development of the housing program, the current policies, while being a [email protected]. engaging additional faculty and staff resource for providing new programs Roommate Serendipity RMS and RoomSync take the guesswork out of roommate assignments With RMS web solutions you can: • Process check-ins • Bill for damages • Record room conditions “It was so easy to use, especially since it And empower students to was on Facebook. It was great to see how self-select roommates via many other students were using it. I met Facebook using RoomSync. some really great roommates!” Anytime. Anywhere. All from the RMS integrated mobile —Niaz, first year student app with SMS support. ® Residential Management Systems www.rms-inc.com Web based Housing, Conference and Judicial Management Software 46 Talking Stick first takes GROUNDbreakings Kennesaw State University University of Oklahoma Kennesaw, Georgia Norman, Oklahoma Projected Opening: August 2012 • Cost: $26 million Projected Opening: August 2013 • Cost: $75 million The expansion of University Place will include three new For the 2011-2012 academic year, the University of Oklahoma buildings, adding 451 beds in the residential community of KSU enrolled the largest number of incoming first-year students the and increasing its on-campus accommodation to 3,500 students. school has ever seen: at 4,065, which was also the largest in state The opening of the project will mark the 10th anniversary of the history at a four-year public institution. The number of student housing program at KSU. HADP Architects designed each of the athletes is increasing as well, and this population will make up 112 apartments to include four bedrooms, private bathrooms, approximately 49 percent of the residents living in Headington shared kitchen, washer and dryer, and balcony. University Hall; 51 percent will be general students. Tim Headington, a Housing Services and Hardin Construction developed the former OU tennis player, donated $10 million to the $75 million project, which will provide 207,500 square feet across the three project, which will provide a five-story residence hall housing buildings. The outdoor amphitheater will engage community 380 students. The 230,000-square-foot building will consist of development while promoting connectivity through accessible Wi- two- and four-person units, along with a dining facility, computer Fi. Sustainable and recyclable products have been implemented labs, seminar rooms, a faculty-in-residence unit, retail space, and in the utilities, carpeting, toiletries, appliances, water supply, and tutoring rooms. landscape of the complex. Berklee College of Music University of Indianapolis Boston, Massachusetts Indianapolis, Indiana Projected Opening: August 2013 • Cost: $100 million Projected Opening: August 2012 • Cost: $10 million The first building ever built from the ground up at Berklee College The new residence hall at U-Indy will be named after the of Music will provide housing for 370 students and a 400-seat university’s first president, John Taylor Roberts. Designed by performance center for the community. Designed by William Blackburn Architects, Roberts Hall will house 170 students, with Rawn Associates, Architects Inc., the 16-story building will a potential capacity for 200. The five-story building will open feature a two-story dining hall and music technology center with the first four floors in August 2012 to provide more upperclass soundproof recording studios. The 155,000-square-foot facility on-campus housing. The single or double occupancy rooms have is the first step in expansion for Berklee, which plans to include private sinks and semi-private bathrooms. The building is being more student housing and academic and performance space in a constructed with environmentally friendly autoclaved aerated multi-year development project. concrete. Roberts Hall, built by Wilhelm Construction, will feature a fitness center, sunroom lounges, outdoor sitting areas, community kitchens, lobbies, and ample recreational space. GIVE UP THE DETAILS Is there a new product or service that is so fantastic you want to share it with other members? Send a brief description to [email protected]. march + april 2012 47 reporting out RIT Member Receives Award Bill St. Jean, former 2011 NEACUHO University of Virginia Determines conference host chair, was recently honored Leading Causes of Student Death by his peers at the Rochester Institute of The University of Virginia in Charlottesville has released the Technology in New York as the recipient of results of a study commissioned by Dr. James C. Turner, the first the Staff Recognition Award for Excellence. study focused on determining the top causes of student mortality St. Jean is the administrative advisor for the in over 70 years. Data was collected from 157 schools, which were residence hall association at RIT and has asked to provide the numbers of student deaths and their different represented residence hall students through causes. The results generated provide a few surprises, as alcohol student government, provided services such as was actually found to be less responsible for student mortality the video library and RITchies game room, and than was suicide. Vehicular accidents were the leading cause. The programmed events for the RHA community. suicide rate was found to have stayed steady since the late 80s, The Award for Excellence recognizes an which leads the university to conclude that institutions should pay individual who has integrated RIT’s core more attention to the development of strong student counseling values into his or her daily work, exceptionally and mental health programs. On an encouraging note, it was also collaborated with colleagues and university found that 18-24 year olds living in campus environments have constituents, improved the efficiency of an lower mortality rates than do those living as a part of the general operation, held a high standard of ethics and population. Turner presented the findings at the American Public respect, and exceeded regular expectations Health Association annual meeting in Washington, D.C., on while maintaining a commitment to student November 2, 2011. Members can view the power point about achievement. Each recipient receives a the results at http://apha.confex.com/apha/139am/webprogram/ certificate, $1,000, and a campus plaque Paper241696.htm. inscription. Save the Dates October 2012 Albuquerque, New Mexico www.acuho-i.org Balloon and Mountains Kim Ashley 48 Talking Stick ConfSerhalf-FNL2.indd 1 11/30/11 9:45:30 PM 34 Continued BUILDING Retention the first-year experience staff member halls. Understanding the specific institution, it is their responsibility to based on student feedback regarding needs of the student population bring the declarations and findings interactions with the officer so that the and addressing as many of them as of these studies off the page and into position might better serve students’ possible is integral if a program is to reality. Successful programs then needs in future semesters. “With the get off the ground. contribute to the research material, GPA for our freshmen in the halls Most students aren’t going to pay making stronger cases the next time exceeding the GPA of off-campus attention to studies that are published residence life professionals grapple freshmen, I see that as a success,” about retention or the benefits of with retention issues. Do these sound says Jacques. “The lower amount residence life. They’re too busy like words that have been heard a of vandalism and higher feeling of wrangling with the stresses of school thousand times? Yes, but it’s a case that community and belonging is also and the minefield of social adjustment grows stronger and stronger with each a good indicator. We’re anxious to issues that come with living in an on- instance of success. TS see what our EBI data turns up this campus environment. If a residence Erik Ziedses des is the ACUHO-I library intern. summer.” life department wants to contribute Plantes Arthur employs a member of her directly to increased retention at their staff to dedicate their time to working on assessment on a constant basis. So far, the results have been positive, Please contact Academic Services with on-campus student retention 1-800-994-0165 x2618 increasing by 4.1 percent between www.microfridge.com 2007 and 2010. “We believe the implementation of MAP-Works has been very successful and is definitely worth the time students and staff put into it,” says Arthur. • MicroFridge®’s Safe Plug patent pending power management system is designed to conserve Signs of Success energy and prevent circuit overloads. Both these programs have been • Superior 10 year warranty - successful in different ways, but the best in the industry. both share a few key characteristics • Dual Charging Station - A that directly contributed to this brand new feature that makes it success. First, there’s the willingness easy and convenient to charge to collaborate. Working with other personal electronic devices. residence life staff, institutional faculty, and students provides a diverse array of ideas and viewpoints. Second, both programs insist on constant evaluation and assessment, instead of confining it to the beginning or end of the process. A lot can happen in one school year, so it is always advantageous to stay abreast of trends within the residence halls, to solicit student responses, and to conduct several assessments of new residence hall retention programs during the first couple of years after implementation. Finally, both programs succeeded because they offer MicroFridge® and Safe Plug® are registered specialized content. All of the good trademarks of Intirion Corporation. © intentions in the world mean nothing Intirion Corporation 2012 if the content and programs do nothing for the students living in the residence march + april 2012 49 23 Continued SPECIAL FOCUS “We have to try and negotiate. I can’t animal as “an animal certified by a guiding, or encouraging people to see why the student with the allergy medical practitioner as being required rent certain accommodations based has to always be the one to move.” to assist a person as a consequence of on discrimination, and it is illegal Though the issue of defining what the person’s disability.” This definition action under the FHA. To avoid can be categorized as a service animal could apply to a variety of animals steering, staff members should not is now looming large throughout previously regarded as pets. Given make discouraging statements and the higher education community in the discrepant guidelines, could a should not direct anyone to a specific the United States, the international case similar to that in Nebraska arise type of housing that was unrequested; community remains unaffected – for in South Australia? “To refuse a Hallenbeck and Luskin recommend now. At the University of Alberta in therapeutic animal, I believe, would showing all housing units and options. Edmonton, Canada, service animals be well within our rights under the Nebraska’s defending counsel are always allowed and usually without DDA,” says Melissa Suckley, associate believes that the Department of problems, according to Christopher dean of Flinders Living at Flinders Housing and Urban Development has Fukushima, residence area coordinator University in Bedford Park, South overstepped its bounds by applying of Lister Centre. The university even Australia. “However, from discussions FHA regulations to university takes a step further by ensuring that with staff and colleagues I believe we housing. Ada Meloy, counsel for the students with animals live in a single would consider it as best we could American Council on Education, told unit without a shared bedroom or rather than refusing it outright, and Inside Higher Ed that student housing common space. “Typically we take we would require that it be properly is not the same as an apartment, and students at their word that their defined as a therapeutic animal within higher education institutions would animals are service animals. If there the EO Act before we made any have to completely revamp their was any concern, like they said they agreements with regard to housing.” established disability policies in order had a service boa constrictor, we would Jane E. Jarrow, disabilities and to comply with both ADA and HUD ask for a physician’s note or that they higher education consultant and guidelines. According to Luskin, go to the Specialized Support and former AHEAD (Association on however, the issue is simple: Fair Disability Services Office on campus to Higher Education and Disability) housing does not stop at the campus verify the need,” he says. Hall directors executive director, told Inside Higher gates. “Many schools think that HUD are allowed to have pets on a case-by- Ed that there have been more requests does not apply to them. In my mind, case basis, and students are allowed to for service animals recently, but that’s a time bomb waiting to explode,” have fish and small birds, depending not all are grounded in real need. he says. on residential space. Fukushima says For now, when reviewing requests In the future, colleges and the bigger problem is when students for any type of service animal the universities may be held to a higher who live in the various residential best action may be to review each standard of nondiscrimination in homes and apartments break their on a case-by-case basis instead of housing based on other FHA factors lease agreement and sneak in pets. immediately dismissing requests for like familial status, which protects In Australia, few residential emotional therapy animals. Evaluate adults with children under 18. “I’m officials recall a time when there was how significant the need is for a just concerned that if we shake the a problem allowing a service animal. specific animal versus the resulting tree too hard then people are going However, there is still potentially complications, and proceed from to be looking at other aspects of fair discrepant legislation, as in the U.S., there. housing. It’s easier for us to comply regarding campus housing. Australia’s Colleges and universities may soon as a profession on an equitable basis,” national Disability Discrimination be required to allow emotional therapy Luskin says. TS Act (DDA) affects higher education animals within their accommodations, institutions and accommodation but that may be just the first step. Kristen Lott is the editorial intern for Talking Stick. providers, both public and private. The “Fair Housing is bigger than just act defines disability and assistance the service animal issue, and that animals much as the ADA does. may just be the tip of the iceberg in However, the South Australian Equal terms of the government enforcing Opportunity Act (EOA) refers to a all Fair Housing Acts in on-campus different class – therapeutic animals housing. This includes all parts of – which are similar to the emotional the non-discrimination policies, therapy animals referred to under the which include steering,” Hallenbeck FHA. The EOA defines a therapeutic says. Steering is the act of directing, 50 Talking Stick 20 Continued RES LIFE activists actually started “occupying” Though students are using the be interesting to see if more college campus buildings in 2009. Occupy movement to communicate and university students from around This growing worldwide Occupy their dissatisfaction with the major the world start to take part in the movement tells a different story issues they face today, and political protest. about student engagement in the parties have taken note to incorporate At the time this was written, few political arena than what we see post-secondary concerns into their housing professionals could articulate during a formal election. In a 2011 platforms, this is not enough to give whether or not an Occupy movement article, Amanda M. Fairbanks states students a true voice. As Michael was taking place on their campus, or if that “students will band together to T. Heaney, an assistant professor of one was, they knew very little about it. make their voices heard – with many organizational studies and political While media coverage of the movement expressing frustration over increasing science at the University of Michigan continues to focus on the major cities amounts of student loan debt and the in Ann Arbor, notes in Fairbanks’ around the world, we are starting to see rising cost of tuition, in addition to a article, “while the 2000s were an some of the impact of Occupy on our paucity of jobs for recent graduates.” intense period of protest, the current campuses. If the movement continues Recognizing that today’s students generation in college wasn’t really to gain momentum, surely we will have reside online, the Occupy Colleges exposed to the earlier period of a better understanding of the level of movement turned to social media activism of the last decade. And for student engagement on each of our to communicate with prospective a lot of these students, this is their campuses. TS supporters, as Fairbanks says: “Occupy first movement.” Many of us can Colleges started as a Facebook page recall images of on-campus student Kate McGartland- is the residence life coordinator and Twitter handle . . . and quickly protests from past decades, but we Kinsella for Frost Residence at Fleming have not seen that level of engagement College in Peterborough, Ontario, blossomed into a burgeoning Canada. Email: kakinsel@ movement bolstered by a groundswell in politics since. With the Occupy flemingc.on.ca, @KateMcGK on of student-led support.” movement gaining momentum, it will Twitter. march + april 2012 51 42 Continued LOCKER ROOM TALK the International White Ribbon a proposal for a Gender Resource to be navigated, and the amount Campaign that provides a simple Center. While there are many schools of time needed to deepen one’s way for a group to raise awareness moving in this direction, there are understanding of collegiate men. and invite other students to make a also those that offer male affinity However, the rewards of such work pledge to help end violence against group spaces in the form of a Men’s are equally compelling. Consider women. The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Center. The University of Oregon is the student who graduated after campaign is yet another educational just one example of a fully envisioned only one year of attending TLR and movement that lets male students play Men’s Center, complete with various reflected that it may have been the with the boundaries of gender while programs and curricula, as well most impactful of all of his collegiate also raising money for local domestic as a thorough mission statement experiences. The continuing research violence shelters and advocacy and vision. In terms of long-term on the complexities of college men’s organizations. sustainability and consistency, men’s development shows that our male group leaders may also want to students need safe spaces to explore focus on the recruitment of future their multiple social identities in Don’t forget facilitators throughout the course of relation to masculinity; therefore, to continue to their program’s development. it is our responsibility as educators Of course, this list of suggestions to challenge ourselves to view look towards the is neither exhaustive nor prescriptive; this demographic through a more future. rather, the co-facilitators of TLR simply intentional lens focused on finding wanted to share the lessons they have new ways to encourage male students As a campus men’s group gains learned from both the successes (and to play active and positive roles in their momentum, it is important to look for mistakes) they have encountered in campus community. TS other creative opportunities to expand their adventure of creating a men’s conversations about gender. Exploring group at Roger Williams University. the potential for courses focused on Laurel Dreher is the coordinator of residence Depending on the campus climate education for Maple Hall at men’s issues and masculinity is one of an institution, beginning such Roger Williams University in way of strengthening partnerships Bristol, Rhode Island. Email: an endeavor will undoubtedly mean within the academic community and [email protected]. taking on different challenges, as can also be a great way to engage well as thinking creatively about how Patrick Tanner is the director of student faculty members on topics of gender enrollment services at Penn to meet the needs of various student awareness. Leaders should explore State York. Email: populations. [email protected]. any opportunities for campus mini- grants for initiatives relating to Embarking on an endeavor like The Journal of College and University Student diversity or multiculturalism, as creating a men’s group on campus can seem daunting because of Housing Volume 39, Issue 1 is a special theme well as possibilities of working with issue of the Journal focusing on men’s issues. Look the campus’s women’s center and the complexities that need to be for it in your mailbox and online in April 2012. LGBTQ organizations to put together considered, the political roadblocks 26 Continued REGROUP more importantly, as an individual.” gifts and notes in mailboxes and of the office to the candidate and the Reuter agrees that relationships welcome signs on interview room candidate to the office are important, can be key to demonstrating mission doors may continue to be used as for at the end of the process the and values, particularly by involving gestures of congeniality, residence life candidate sitting in the chair across stakeholders from across campus officials also continue to find ways to from you could one day be the co- in the interview process. “We make align their recruitment processes with worker sitting in the office next to it a point to include many people the nuts and bolts of their mission you. TS . outside of our residence life staff and values. In this way, they can in the campus interview process so provide a recruitment experience that Stacy Oliver is the associate director of is enjoyable but also illuminating, in student success at Lake Forest candidates are exposed to those who College in Illinois. Email: assist in bringing our mission to life.” terms of portraying the organizational [email protected]. culture. Such forthright introductions While the bells and whistles of 52 Talking Stick march + april 2012 53 WelCome New Member Highlight University of East London Primary contact: Phillip Andrews University of East London is a two-campus, 28,000-student institution with its main housing function served at its Docklands Campus. This campus is located adjacent to the ExCeL Centre, a major venue for the Olympic Games and London City Airport. The student housing is made up of en suite clusters, with approximately five students sharing a kitchen, social space, and studios. The campus will host various Olympic partners including Team USA this summer. The university also has catering and conference space available on both campuses with UEL hosting significant amounts of summer activity. ACUHO-I welcomes members who joined between December 2, 2011, and February 2, 2012. Institutions University of the South Students Associate Affiliates Sewanee, Tennessee Carlow University Mario Brown Tresea Buckhaults Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Christian Brothers University of Louisiana at Sustaining Affiliates University Monroe 4240 Architecture Memphis, Tennessee Monroe, Louisiana Central Methodist Chicago, Illinois University Fayette, Missouri Tadd Jawor Phillip Campbell Arnstein & Lehr LLP Valdosta State University Southern Illinois University West Palm Beach, Florida Valdosta, Georgia Carbondale Dalton State College Carbondale, Illinois Dalton, Georgia Campus Crest John Rudenko Communities Canisius College Hanan Mohamed Edinburgh Napier Charlotte, North Carolina Buffalo, New York United Arab Emirates University University Edinburgh, Scotland Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Korcett Holdings Inc. Nathan Winters Arab Emirates Austin, Texas Indiana University New Jersey City University Bloomington, Indiana Jersey City, New Jersey Faculty The Russell Partnership Lakesha Roney (UK) LTD Virginia State University Salve Regina University London, England Petersburg, Virginia Newport, Rhode Island Uniweb, Inc. University of East London Corona, California London, England 54 Talking Stick CBORD® solutions are designed to protect the campuses of today. • Flexible, IP-based access control • Automated access assignments based on housing • Integrated alarms, video, notifications, and more • Contactless, mobile, and other secure credentials Learn more at www.cbord.com. AD placeholder Comprehensive Solutions. Innovative Products. Dedicated Service. The CBORD Group, Inc. • 61 Brown Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 • 607.257.2410 • FAX: 607.257.1902 • www.cbord.com cbord_TS0312.indd 1 2/10/2012 9:24:12 AM Snapshot Yolanda Norman What’s the biggest issue you see facing the profession right now? Balancing mental health issues in the residence halls. An increase in roommate concerns, private room requests, and parent worries involving mental health issues must encourage us to stay on top of educating ourselves on this topic. And of course the most important part of that education is not forgetting to include our professional and student staff in those conversations and scenarios in hopes of building a more informed campus team. What makes your campus unique? As a religious institution, faith is an important part of our identity, and you see it in all that we do to build community on our campus. Whether it’s the creation of the new Interfaith Student Group on campus or the openness of being able to share your faith journey with others in the halls, it’s a proud and significant piece of what makes us a community of learning and acceptance. New social technology and media like texting and Twitter: How has it helped your communication with staff and students? Is there a downside to this type of communication? Another self-reflection here: I am a little addicted to Twitter. It’s a daily part of my work tasks to make sure I update our followers (@ustreslife) on what’s happening in the halls and asking how we can make their time better in the community. It has been an amazing response from our community and again provides us another connection to our residents. Downside? Sure, you sometimes miss those meaningful face-to-face interactions, but balancing this medium helps you hold it all together. What’s your biggest challenge on campus? Marketing! Students on our campus get bombarded with announcements about Yolanda Norman is the weekly events and programs on campus, and they start to become desensitized director of residence life and to flyers and banners. So we have to think of creative ways to announce conference housing at the upcoming events and happenings, and we pride ourselves on getting ideas from University of St. Thomas, our students. You get buy-in from them, they see their idea come to life, and Houston, Texas. they tell others about it. Instant advertisement! Have you received any Best book you’ve been impressed by? unusual housing or amenity I am currently reading First in the Family by Kathleen Cushman (Lumina requests? Foundation publication), and I am extremely motivated by it. The motivation Yes, funny you should ask. I just comes from the fact that the book is full of student voices, and here at UST we approved a pet request today for were afforded the opportunity to purchase the book for our First-Generation a sugar glider (a small gliding College Student group. It is so wonderful to see our students identify with the possum). I had never heard of students in the book and connect their college journeys. Also, I am a first- these little creatures but was generation college student graduate, and I have a strong passion for educating enlightened today by the resident others about access to higher education. that put in the request, along with a YouTube presentation of how it Favorite campus traditions? glides. This is the first request of It’s a new tradition that we started here at UST called Celts in the Courtyard. its kind for this specific pet, so my It’s a really low key event that our entire residence life staff puts on each year residents are excited to welcome with the purpose of inviting faculty, staff, and commuters into the hall to build her to our halls. We all tried to community with our entire resident population. Residents are given special convince the resident to name her invitations that they are asked to individually present to faculty and staff on “Suga” the Sugar Glider. Tweet campus, inviting them into their homes. Participants engage in a hearty meal me and see if we succeeded. and conversation, with a little Bingo kicking off the night. 56 Talking Stick ACUHO-I Annual Conference & Exposition July 7-10, 2012 is where you belong RegistRation open Plan now to join us in anaheim Photos courtesy of: Knott’s Berry Farm Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau ©Disney AOCVCB/Seaworld ©Disney www.acuho-i.org Butler ACUHO-I fullpgad Feb2012_Butler ACUHO-I fullpgad 2/1/12 12:54 PM Page 1 NEW: for 2012View on all our our website new offerings Student suites & apartments We offer furniture solutions for living, dining and bedroom areas Upscale sophisticated design I Eco-friendly components FSC Certified I Engineered for long life Butler Woodcrafters has provided quality furniture to universities and schools for over 25 years. 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