ResEdChat by Roompact

In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, it's a post-break reset for RAs focused on rebuilding momentum, re-establishing expectations, and reconnecting with residents after winter break, with Assistant Director Chasten Conway. This episode covers strategies for addressing burnout, re-engaging residents, and setting a strong tone for the semester ahead.

In this first episode of the year, guest host Dustin Ramsdell speaks with Katie Munshaw to wrap up our episodes featuring the 2025 blogging team. They discuss how to lead with vulnerability and what makes it especially important when working in the residence halls. Katie shares reflections from her own life that have reinforced these lessons as well as encouragement for how others can find the right balance of how to do the same.

In this final episode of the year, guest host Dustin Ramsdell speaks with Tamarah Humphreys about making lateral moves in your career. She details the reasons why someone might make these sideways pivots, and what to expect when they might occur. Tamarah shares reflections of her own experience making these transitions, and gives advice for how best to navigate them.

For this week's episode of ResEdChat, guest host Dustin Ramsdell chats with Alexis Karakas about her experience helping her student staff members understand the relevant skills they gain during their time serving the department, no matter what industry they pursue after graduation. Alexis also details her approach to this work, and what makes it so important.

In this week's episode, guest host Dustin Ramsdell spoke with Madison Vasich, a current Roompact blogger from the University of Montana to get her reflections and advice on starting as a new professional staff member straight from completing her undergraduate degree. Madison also shares her experience moving to a new area for your first professional job and how best to acclimate to a campus environment.

In this episode of the podcast, guest host Dustin Ramsdell chats with Katie Steele, a current Roompact blogger from the Seattle University about how best to prepare for and navigate applying for a job at your current institution. She shares perspectives on going through these interview processes as a candidate as well as managing them as a reviewer. Katie shares tips for listeners to make sure you're being transparent and evaluated fairly as a an applicant as well as able to provide an impartial view as a reviewer.

In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, join us for an insightful conversation with Dwayne Peterson as we delve beyond traditional resume tips to explore the full spectrum of career preparation, from strategic networking to intentional job applications. Learn how your RA experience translates into valuable, transferable skills that employers seek. This deep dive session will... Continue Reading →

In this episode of the podcast, guest host Dustin Ramsdell chats with Ashley Unmacht, a current Roompact blogger from the University of Wisconsin-Madison about her path growing into a mid-level role early in her career. She shares advice for others as they navigate job related transitions as well as the unique dynamics of supervising students and colleagues when you move up as a young professional.

On this episode of ResEdChat, join our host Noah Montague and guest Jess Castaneda, Resident Director at Tulane University, as they talk about critically conscious supervision of graduate assistants of color in Residence Life. Graduate Assistants or GAs are the future of our far-from-perfect field. Systemic inequities exist within higher education that are crucial to unpack, dismantle, and reflect on.  GAs are uniquely situated between student and staff, thus meaning that GAs of color can and do experience those same systems in more than one context. Thus, this makes the duty of full-time staff members in residence life to practice this form of supervision to properly support them. Thus, in this episode, Jess and Noah explore the concept of Critically Conscious Supervision, share impactful stories, and provide practical advice to Residence Life Staff.

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