ResEdChat by Roompact

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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