Door decorations and bulletin boards are more than check-the-box tasks; they are often the first impression residents have of their community. In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat,, we sit down with a Nikki Garcia to explore how RAs can create intentional, engaging, and meaningful visuals that go beyond aesthetics. From planning timelines to interactive strategies,... Continue Reading →

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, join our host Noah Montague and guest, Dr. April Callis, as they talk about strategies for supporting trans and nonbinary students living in residence halls. Trans and nonbinary students are a population often overlooked at universities; how are Residence Life staff uniquely situated to be able to provide that often missing support? Where a student lives while on campus matters; listen as Noah and April discuss strategies, tell stories, and share student experience for Residence Life Staff navigating systems in place and working to make them more inclusive for trans students.

In this episode of ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Desmond Thomas, Meeting Logistics Coordinator for AME Church, to explore what it’s like to enter housing and residence life from another profession. Desmond reflects on what drew him to the field, the skills that carried over, and how his prior experience shaped his approach to the work.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Host Paul Brown sits down with 2026 Roompact Fellow, Amanda Knerr to talk about assessment in residence life. Assessment can be scary. It can be difficult. But it doesn't have to be. Amanda and Paul talk about tangible and tangible steps departments can take to make assessment infused in all departmental practices from formative to summative.

This episode of RA*Chat features insights from Tim Turner, offering advice to help RAs navigate move-out with confidence and care. From handling damage-related conversations and conducting thorough room checks to managing residents' emotions, Tim emphasizes the importance of clear communication, accomplishments, and getting support from peers and supervisors. He also shares strategies for managing stress during this busy season while still creating a positive and supportive closing experience for residents.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, join our host Noah Montague and guest, Emily Abrams, Assistant Director of Dow STEM Scholars at Michigan State University, as they talk about crip theory and its implications for Residence Life Staff and for the halls themselves. Student Development Theories give us language through which to understand and implement our work and crip theory is no different, especially for Residence Life Staff. What does it mean for students and staff to be working in inaccessible residence halls? What does it look like for staff to put this theory into practice? In this episode, Emily and Noah explore these questions and examine the impact of ableism on the college student experience while telling stories and providing practical advice for Residence Life Staff navigating these very systems and structures. 

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, we welcome Dr. Shirley O'Brien, Foundation Professor for the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at EKU. This episode explores the collaborative partnership between the Occupational Therapy and Housing & Residence Life department to develop and implement the Colonels Mentoring Colonels Peer Mentor Program, an initiative to support residential and commuter students who identify as neurodiverse.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Aaron Lucier, Interim Director of Housing & Residential Life at the University of South Carolina Upstate. Aaron reflects on what mattered most, how the field has evolved, and the lessons learned along the way. From leadership and identity to the moments that sustained them, this conversation offers insight and guidance for the next generation of housing professionals.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Host Paul sits down with one of our 2026 Roompact Fellows, Kaleigh Mrowka, to discuss student learning and curriculum, restorative practices, and encouraging campus dialogue. An interesting through-line develops which can give residence hall professionals multiple strategies and elements to incorporate in their work of making meaningful spaces for resident students. (Ledo's Pizza and a kitten also make an appearance.)

In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, join Da Zhane’ Sinclair for advice when everything goes wrong in the middle of the night, and how you respond. This episode dives into the high-pressure reality of on-call life, unpacking how to make quick, confident, and policy-aligned decisions when it matters most for students! From managing emergencies to navigating resident conflict, we explore strategies to stay calm, think clearly, and lead effectively even at 2 AM.