ResEdChat by Roompact Roompact

In this episode of Roompact’s ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Liz Toombs, a Certified Interior Decorator and Owner of PDR Interiors. Liz shares her thoughts on several topics, including Greek Life, the connection between student living spaces and wellness, and the importance of belonging for college students. She offers tips on the dos and don'ts that come along with designing spaces and supporting students who are members of fraternities and sororities.

In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, Crystal sits down for an insightful dialogue with Edwin Serrano, a Senior Learning & Development Specialist at the University of Southern California. Edwin offers his unique perspective on leadership, tackling the age-old debate of whether leaders are born or made. He offers invaluable advice to Resident Assistants (RAs) on harnessing their leadership capabilities to navigate the landscape of internships and job opportunities. Additionally, he provides RA supervisors with practical strategies to foster leadership growth within their student staff teams. Moreover, Edwin candidly shares his personal journey of self-discovery, recounting how he cultivated confidence and unearthed a vocation that resonates deeply with his passions.

We welcome Paul back as our guest this week to explore the concept of "microsurveys". He explains what they are, how they can be used, and why residential education professionals should implementing them into their departmental strategy.

Cassie joins the podcast this week to chat with her old friend, Dustin, about her unique professional background as well as her current work at American Campus Communities partnering with universities to create engaging resident communities. They also explore her experience as part of the student run leadership organization, NACURH.

Belonging is important not just for residents, but the student staff who work in the residence halls to create that community and sense of belonging for others. Current University of Oklahoma graduate student, Ashtyn Davis, joins Dustin on this week's episode to explore this concept and ways to foster more belonging amongst RAs, such as the tool Ashtyn developed called the Resident Assistant Sense of Belonging Assessment (or RASBA).

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal engages in a conversation with Dr. Brian Moffitt, the Executive Director of Housing and Dining at the University of Colorado Denver and President of AIMHO, and Dr. Gregory R. Thompson, Director of Residence Education at the University of Iowa and Past President of UMR-ACUHO. Join them as they talk about their proudest moments serving as Presidents of their respective regions. The guests also delve into their experiences with regional involvement, offering valuable tips for individuals aspiring to engage in similar opportunities.