neacuho december navigator
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NEACUHO December NavigatorTRANSCRIPT
NAVIGATOR THE
News and information for residence life and housing professionals
In this issue
President Update .............. 2
Letter from Editor .............. 3
Mike Holland……………..4
Bid Information ................. 5
Election Information…...…7
Membership Update…….10
District Updates…………..11
Committee Updates……...14
ACUHO-I Foundation……17
The Housing Survey ....... 18
The Search for an RA ...... 19
Straight Jacket Escape…...21
WNYPE…………………...24
MACUHO Report………...25
Bridging the Gap ............ 26
ACUHO-I Update………...28
Fall Drive-In Wrap Up……29
Reslife 2.0………………..31
Cathy’s Column………….33
Fall Drive-In Presenters…35
Membership Spotlight……37
Featured article
Resident Directors, Resident Coordinators, Area
Coordinators, Area Directors. There are numerous
names for the type of positions we hold. Despite
the fact that there may be some slight difference,
essentially, we all have the same over-arching goal.
That goal is to encourage student development and
serve as a resource to students. Sounds easy, right?
Wrong!
There are times that can be very frustrating. There
are times that can be overwhelming. From dealing
with broken windows and flooded showers to
counseling students, these things can take a toll on
you. However, sometimes we negate the fact that
there are various positive aspects to our duties. For
starters, if you decide to remain in higher education
(which is typically the majority of individuals who
maintain these positions) you will, if you have not
already, experience any and everything you can
think of. You may even become, as I like to say, ―A
Master of All Trades in Residence Life, and a Jack
of None‖. You will experience different higher
education capacities which will allow for
professional development. For those who may not
choose to remain in the field, you will acquire
many transferable skills that you can apply to other
fields such as counseling, crisis management,
budget and finance, etc.
Do you want to know
what the most rewarding
part of the position is for
me? I found the secret to
our happiness! If you
said the late night calls at 3 am, great, but not the
answer I am looking for. If you said your RA staff, I
will fight to the death to agree with you!
Sometimes, we forget how much of a joy they can
be. These student leaders support us as well as
assist us in every way possible. When I have a long
stressful day, I can always count on my RAs to tell
jokes or find different ways to brighten my day.
From staff dinners to staff bonding, being around
these great student leaders leaves a positive impact
on my life. To see that their lives can be
overwhelming and are still maintaining a positive
attitude is a blessing. From my experience, I can
honestly say my RA staff is like my family and I
truly appreciate them. In essence, be sure to show
appreciation for your RA staff because they
perform so many functions for us. If you are having
a frustrating day, I encourage you to spend some
time with your staff outside of the academic
environment. Believe it or not, you can learn a lot
from them. I know I have!
Elvis Gyan is an Area Coordinator at The College of Saint
Rose. To contact Elvis, email him at
Positive RA-inforcement Elvis Gyan, The College of Saint Rose
December 2011 Issue Number 3
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THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 2
A message from the president A Very Special Thank You to our Past Presidents
Paula “Raz” Randazza, Rivier College
During the month of November, many people utilize social media to give ―30 days of thanks‖ as they reflect with gratitude on their lives. In NEACUHO, there are multiple initiatives and accomplishments for which I am appreciative, but more often, it is the people for whom I am most grateful; among them, our Past Presidents. NEACUHO has a rich history and a strong foundation created by our Past Presidents. While it is certainly their option to go quietly into the world of past presidency, many of them remain active in our organization. They serve in the top role, as President, to less visible roles as either appointed or elected advisors. Their love of the organization keeps them active; their commitment to the field keeps them encouraging, mentoring, and contributing to the organization that helped them develop professionally. While there is no requirement to continue serving, I want to give a special ―thank you‖ to all of our Past Presidents, especially those who continue to actively serve NEACUHO.
Most recently, I met the Past President from 1971-72 at the Annual Conference at RIT. It had been years since Deanne Molinari had been part of NEACUHO, but she took her place with the Past Presidents at our banquet and was proud at how far the organization had progressed, while still observing our fun-loving traditions. Chuck Lamb (84-85), continues to serve NEACUHO as our representative to the ACUHO-I foundation. Chuck has nearly perfect attendance at our annuals and since serving as President he has held a variety of roles within the organization, both elected and appointed…he never refuses a NEACUHO request! Carol Boucher (90-91), who has been inspirational to many women in our field, continues to submit program proposals to share her expertise; she has chaired more than one self-study task force, and continues to support our leaders behind the scenes. Val Randall-Lee (95-96) and Bob Jose (97-98) serve on the senior advising team to our annual host committee. Dr. Henry Humphreys (00-01) served as a mentor and presenter at our recent RD2B conference.
Maureen O. Wark (04-05) and Terri Panepento (06-07), ensure their staff members attend conferences and join committees, while still finding opportunities to provide important feedback to the organization. Tom Wozniak (94-95), Tony Esposito (99-00), Sabrina Tanbara (07-08), Cathy Raynis-Meeker (08-09), and Jeff Horowitz (09-10) serve on our strategic planning committee in different focus areas, continuing to provide influence and shape the organization‘s future. Dr. Beth Moriarty (01-02) reaches out to past hosts and prepares an Annual Conference ―how-to‖ manual. In addition, she continues to provide top-notch program sessions at our events. Dr. Jon Conlogue (05-06) served on our self-study task force and continues to represent NEACUHO with the RELI initiative among many other things. Rich Bova (96-97), Gary Bice, Jr. (02-03), Kathi Bradford (03-04), Jen Hapgood (10-11), all currently serve on the Executive Board in varied roles, guiding us and using history to inform our future; always helping to make NEACUHO a better organization. These small acknowledgements in no way capture all of the contributions of our Past Presidents or describe their many accomplishments through the years. These men and women serve as host chairs, serve on committees, provide key note addresses, attend and mentor at local events, offer a listening ear, or a serve as a sounding board when needed. I routinely see many of our Past Presidents, and they usually ask three questions: How are we serving all levels of our membership (new, mid, and CHO)? What‘s going on with the budget? How are you enjoying being the President? They all give me that knowing glance or that encouraging look because they want the same thing as I do – a NEACUHO that is financially stable, has quality offerings for all of our membership levels, and insurance that the organization, they helped to build, will continue to grow and develop well into the future. To the Past Presidents of the Northeast Association of College and University Housing Officers: Thank you for all that you have done and all that you continue to do for NEACUHO. Kind Regards,
“It is the people [in NEACUHO] for whom I am
most grateful.”
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THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 3
Letter From the Editor Peter Nardone, 2011-12 NEACUHO Media & Publications Chair
Binghamton University
Happy December NEACUHO! I hope this edition of The Navigator
finds you well. As yet another semester is coming to an end, I first
would like to say congratulations! You made it. Second, I would
like to say it‘s alright to give yourself a pat on the back for a job well
done. One of the hardest things to do in life is to give and receive
recognition; especially when it comes to yourself. It‘s not because
we don‘t want to, but because we sometimes tend to overlook our
individual accomplishments and don‘t like to gloat about the things
we have done. During some of the busiest times of year, it can be
easy to overlook some really great things and accomplishments.
As we so often do, we recognize our student staff for all the great
things they accomplish each semester. Whether it was
assisting with an event for the benefit of your residential
community, working through a conflict that unexpectedly arose or
being an active contributor to staff discussions, we make
recognition of our students one of our top priorities for all the good
they have done. I encourage you as a professional staff member to
take the time to bring that same level of recognition to your peers
and colleagues.
Take a look back at what you have done to improve services within
your department this year. Was there someone whom made a
difference in your day, week, month or semester? Take the time to
reach out and tell that person or persons just how much you
appreciate the work they do.
A little recognition can go a long way. By bringing a positive
attitude to our work lives, we influence all those around us in ways
we may not even notice. This holds true the students who see us
daily and other professionals as well.
This year has been a great year for NEACUHO. There has been a
lot of useful conferences in the region as well as events in our
respective districts. If you are looking for ways to get more
involved in terms of professional development, NEACUHO might
be right up your alley!
In looking back at 2011, I can honestly say it‘s been a great year. I
hope you can say the same. This time of year gives us a chance to
catch up with loved ones and hopefully you can take some time for
yourself. I truly believe that making an extra effort to actively
self-reflect and put years past into perspective can be a helpful tool
in terms of setting new goals and seeing which goals we did or did
not accomplish moving forward.
For a new professional that may have started their first full time
position, take a look back at your performance program and see if
there are more challenges you want to embark on. If you want to
get more involved in other areas on campus, simply reach out and
ask a supervisor or mentor how you can go out an continue to make
an impact on those around you.
Regardless of any new goals you set for yourself going into the new
year or how you plan on getting more involved, remember not only
is it important to take some time for yourself to prioritize, but to
ensure that you are giving credit where credit is due. Whether it
was a colleague that made a difference in your department, or
something you did, go out and recognize those (including yourself)
for all the great things you did this year.
As we put another semester and year behind us, know that you
made a difference and it‘s never too late to change.
Peter Nardone is the Interim Assistant Director for New Student Programs
at Binghamton University. To contact Peter, please email him at
“By bringing a positive attitude to our work lives, we influence all those around us in ways we
may not even notice.”
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THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 4
NEACUHO Loses Friend/Colleague
Cortland, NY – Michael Holland died suddenly on October 29, 2011. He was 52. Mike worked at the State University of New York at Cortland for over thirty years. He most recently served as Executive Assistant to Vice President of Student Affairs and a long history as the Director of Residential Services for over twenty years as well as Assistant Director or Residence Life and began his career at Cortland as a Residence Director. Mike also served as the President of the SUNY Residence Life and Housing Administrators.
Mike was an alumnus of Erie Cathedral Prep (PA), and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. As an Administrator at SUNY Cortland for the past 30 years, he was a recipient of the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service and served as an academic advisor to students at the college. He was also a devoted member of Holy Cross Church and the greater Dryden community. A devoted husband, father, and community member, Michael was a volunteer basketball, soccer, and baseball youth coach for many years. He was a man of integrity filled with love and compassion for everyone around him. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Joanne Frantz Holland; four children: Michael Holland, Jr., Mary Holland, Dan Holland, and Kate Holland. He will be sorely missed by friends, family and colleagues. In lieu of flowers, memorials are directed to the Michael C. Holland, Sr. Scholarship, c/o Dryden Central School, P.O. Box 88, Dryden, NY 13053-0088. This fund will provide resources for the education and development of students from Dryden High School. Submitted by Chuck Lamb, Rochester Institute of Technology.
Photo of Mike Holland provided by Sarah Unruh.
Photos provided by Sarah Unruh.
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 5
Timing of our Annual Conference: Early June on a Wednesday-Friday.
The Conference Bid: The purpose of the bid is to give the committee an idea of how our organization‘s members would experience a conference held at your institution. Although the initial deadline has passed, Annual Conference bids are still being accepted! Complete bid packets were mailed out to member institutions‘ contact persons in early August.
After you submit the bid: Bids from all schools will be reviewed and a committee will conduct selected site visits in the late fall semester. A recommendation for the 2013 conference will be made to the Executive Board and applicants will receive notification in early spring. The host school selected will be expected to register and send a delegation to the 2012 Annual Conference (June 6-9) at Northeastern University in Boston Massachusetts to: Provide the host an opportunity to shadow the 2012 host committee. Staff a host site table to supply information about the 2013 Annual Conference. Present at the closing banquet an invitation to members to attend the conference hosted by
your institution.
Continued on next page...
Annual Conference Bid Information
Want to show off your campus to over 200 of your colleagues? Is your staff hardworking and motivated?
Are you free in June of 2013 or 2014?
If you answered yes to all of these questions, then you may be ready to bid for the 2013 or 2014 NEACUHO Annual Conference!
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 6
Would you like to talk to past Annual Conference host chairs? The following past hosts would be happy to talk with you about their experience as host chairs:
If you are unable to bid at this time: There are many opportunities to host other NEACUHO events on your campus and we are always looking to visit new institutions. If you are interested in hosting a one-day conference or workshop during the 2012-13 year, please let me know. These opportunities include the New Professionals Drive-In, the Spring Drive-In, the Residential Operations Drive-In, one day retreats sponsored by the Social Issues Committee and Executive Board meetings.
Need More Information: If you have any questions about bidding for NEACUHO 2013 or 2014, please contact Cindy Long Porter, NEACUHO President-Elect, by emailing [email protected] or by calling (203) 582-8722.
Carol Sacchetti Director of Student Programs
and Leadership Roger Williams University One Ferry Road
Bristol, RI 02809 phone: (401) 254-3088
Bill St. Jean Assistant Director
Center for Residence Life Rochester Institute of Technology
63 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY 14623
Phone: (585) 475-6741 [email protected]
Katheryn L. Bradford Director of Alumni Relations
Westfield State University Horace Mann Center Westfield, MA 01086
phone: (413) 572-5404 [email protected]
Kristin Calegari
Assistant Director of Residential Life Newing College Office Binghamton University Binghamton, NY 13902 phone: (607) 777-2864
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 7
NEACUHO Elections 2012 Do you want to be part of the leadership of NEACUHO? Here’s your chance!
Five positions available:
President-Elect (3 year term: 1 year each as President-Elect, President & Past President)
Secretary (2 year term)
Three District Coordinators (2 year term each)
Eastern New York and Vermont
ENY- NY zip codes beginning with ―12‖
Metro New York
MNY – NY zip codes beginning with ―10‖ or ―11‖
Massachusetts
Specific expectations for each position may be found in the NEACUHO Constitution on the organization website, www.neacuho.org (under ―About Us‖). These positions commence at the close of the 2012 NEACUHO Annual Conference at Northeastern University, June 6-9, 2012. The nomination period for the above elected positions above begins January 9,2012, and will be accepted through February 6, 2012. An announcement will be sent out to the membership at the opening of nominations.
Top Seven Reasons You Should Submit a Proposal to Present at the
2012 Annual Conference
Expand your professional credentials– add depth to your resume. Name visibility– are you looking for a job? Why not sell yourself through sharing your knowledge? Great networking opportunities– people really will engage you in conversations after you present!
You would have a wicked awesome excuse to travel to Boston to the Annual Conference. Co-present with another professional– another professional who shares a passion for the topic: your supervisor or reunite and present with a former co-worker.
Help provide for the professional development of your fellow colleagues...we all like to help others don‘t we?
Impress your students– you are eligible for wicked cool prizes...who doesn‘t want their name on a plaque to hang in their office?
The Call For Programs for the 2012 Annual Conference is just
around the corner.
Watch NEACUHO.org in January for the 2012 Annual Conference Call For Programs.
Folks who are completing their first year or 40th year in the field are asked to share their expertise and passion for student affairs
by submitting a program proposal.
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 8
Greetings from the Membership Coordinator! Below you will find a listing of all the institutions that have renewed and completed the payment process for membership as
of December 2011. Congratulations to everyone!
Membership Information
Institution State District Size Institution State District Size
Albertus Magnus College CT CT/RI Small Mercy College NY Metro NY Small
Alfred State College NY WNY Large Merrimack College MA MA Medium
Amherst College MA MA Medium Montserrat College of Art MA MA Small
Assumption College MA MA Medium Mount Ida College MA MA Small
Bard College NY ENY/VT Medium Newbury College MA MA Small
Barnard College NY Metro NY Large Nichols College MA MA Small
Bay State College MA MA Small Northeastern University MA MA Extra Large
Becker College MA MA Small Nyack College NY Metro NY Small
Binghamton University NY WNY Extra Large Pace University NY Metro NY Medium
Boston College MA MA Extra Large Plymouth State University NH ME/NH Large
Boston University MA MA Extra Large Post University CT CT/RI Small
Brandeis University MA MA Large Quinnipiac University CT CT/RI Extra Large
Bridgewater State University MA MA Large Rhode Island College RI CT/RI Medium
Bryant University RI CT/RI Large Rivier College NH ME/NH Small Castleton State College VT ENY/VT Small Rochester Institute of Technology NY WNY Extra Large
Cathy Raynis Meeker NY Metro NY Affiliate Roger Williams University RI CT/RI Large
Cazenovia College NY WNY Small Sacred Heart University CT CT/RI Large
Central Connecticut State University CT CT/RI Large Saint Anselm College NH ME/NH Medium
Chester College of New England NH ME/NH Small
Showa Boston Institute for Language & Culture
MA MA Small
Clark University MA MA Medium Skidmore College NY ENY/VT Medium
Colby College ME ME/NH Medium Southern Maine Community College ME ME/NH Small
Colby-Sawyer College NH ME/NH Medium Springfield College MA MA Large
College of Saint Rose NY ENY/VT Medium St. John Fisher College NT WNY Medium
College of the Holy Cross MA MA Large St. John's University- Staten Island NY Metro NY Small
Connecticut College CT CT/RI Medium Stony Brook University NY Metro NY Extra Large
Daniel Webster College NH ME/NH Small SUNY College at Cobleskill NY ENY/VT Medium
Dean College MA MA Small SUNY College at Fredonia NY WNY Large Eastern Connecticut State University CT CT/RI large SUNY College at Geneseo NY WNY Large
Emerson College MA MA Medium SUNY College at Plattsburgh NY ENY/VT Large
Endicott College MA MA Medium SUNY College at Purchase NY Metro NY Large Fairfield University CT CT/RI Large SUNY College of Technology at Delhi NY WNY Medium
Fitchburg State College MA MA Medium The Culinary Institute of America NY ENY/VT Medium
Continued on next page...
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 9
Membership Information
Institution State District Size Institution State District Size
Framingham State College MA MA Medium The Juilliard School NY Metro NY Small
Green Mountain College VT ENY/VT Small TC3 NY WNY Small
Herkimer County Community College NY WNY Small Union College NY ENY/VT Medium Husson College ME ME/NH Medium Unity College ME ME/NH Small
Husson University ME ME/NH Medium University at Buffalo NY WNY Extra Large
Iona College NY Metro NY Medium University of Bridgeport CT CT/RI Small
Ithaca College NY WNY Extra Large University of Connecticut CT CT/RI Extra Large
Johnson and Wales University RI CT/RI Large University of Hartford CT CT/RI Medium
Johnson State College VT ENY/VT Small University of Maine at Farmington ME ME/NH Medium
Keene State College NH ME/NH Large University of New Hampshire NH ME/NH Extra Large
Lasell College MA MA Medium University of New Haven CT CT/RI Large Lincoln Culinary Institute (Lincoln Educational Services) CT CT/RI Small University of Rhode Island RI CT/RI Large
Lyndon State College VT ENY/VT Small Utica College NY WNY Medium
Malloy College NY Metro NY Small Vassar College NY ENY/VT Large
Manhattanville College NY Metro NY Medium Vicky Massey (Fordham University) NY Metro NY Affiliate
Marist College NY ENY/VT Large Wentworth Institute of Technology MA MA Medium
Marymount Manhattan College NY Metro NY Small Wesleyan University CT CT/RI Large
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts MA MA Medium Western New England University MA MA Medium
Worcester Polytechnic Institute MA MA Medium
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 10
Membership Update
Paula “Raz” Randazza, President
Hello NEACUHO Members!
I am so pleased to provide you a mid-year update on our
organization. We began the 2011-12 year as our Annual
Conference concluded at RIT in June. Since that time, the
Executive Board has had three group meetings, working as a team
to move the organization forward. In addition, each of us has
worked through our position requirements towards achieving our
goals of increased membership, financial stability, improved
communications, and providing high quality events/publications/
activities for our members.
Those involved with the Strategic Planning Steering Committee
have begun to meet with their think tanks in order to carve out
initiatives in each of our five focus areas. We have had three
successful conferences: the Fall Drive-In, focusing on Ideas Worth
Sharing; the Fall RD2B, designed to inform and educate our
undergraduates for entry into the field; and the Residential
Operations Drive-In and Trade Show, redesigned this year to offer
our operations specialists a top notch experience in residential
campus master planning.
You are currently reading our 3rd newsletter, and many of you have
already attended or will soon attend a roundtable or social in one of
our six districts, sponsored by the District Coordinators. Speaking
of the DCs – their teamwork along with the guidance of our
Membership Coordinator has us on track to reach all of our
membership goals! With new members come new opportunities
and with sustaining members come trusted friends – this certainly
has helped with our site selection process which is currently
underway for the 2012-13 year.
The NEACUHO website (www.neacuho.org) has been updated, and
we have again invested in the technology needed to reduce travel to
meetings by offering on-line options. We have also continued to
update our operations manual to ensure that the
organization can rely on standard operating procedures while still
allowing for new initiatives that make each year unique.
The Corporate Relations Committee has secured six partners and
two associates; our relationship with our corporate friends is
invaluable to the success of our organization. The Finance Task
Force has reviewed, revised, and recommended a balanced budget
while ensuring that all of our financial guidelines were honored.
These two accomplishments allow us to offer you all of the benefits
of membership in NEACUHO.
It has been a successful first six months, and we look forward to the
next six months during which we will offer the 5th annual Social
Issues Retreat Series, the Spring RD2B, a Risk Management/Legal
Issues webinar, three additional newsletters, the New Professionals
Conference/Mid-Level Institute, the 2012 Annual Conference at
Northeastern University, and, finally, the first ever NEACUHO
Strategic Plan!
It is an exciting time for NEACUHO! I want to offer each of you
the opportunity to be a part of the next six months–You can
participate by recognizing a colleague through our awards
nomination process; submitting a program proposal to share your
knowledge; volunteering to join one of our ten committees, or
applying to be chair; running for an Executive Board position,
writing an article for the newsletter, attending a district event, or
joining us at one of our four spring conferences. Please enjoy the
benefits of NEACUHO membership! If you have a suggestion,
comment, complaint, or complement, I invite you to contact me
anytime so that I can better serve you. NEACUHO‘s success is only
possible because of our committed members. Thank you, for your
continued interest in our organization.
Kind Regards,
“NEACUHO’s success is only possible because of our committed members.”
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 11
District Updates Connecticut and Rhode Island
Jennifer Crane
Thank you to those who came out to the Connecticut and Rhode Island Resident Assistant Selection Roundtable. It was a great event for all those in attendance. Also, a huge thank you to UCONN and Nancy Abohabtab for hosting the roundtable and being so accommodating to us. One of the participants, Paul Serignese of Eastern Connecticut, had this to say about the round table. "Knowing that other campuses encountered similar problems and we were not alone was reassuring and everyone was helpful with advice how to address the problem.‖
There are many exciting development opportunities provided by NEACUHO in the near future. Go to www.neacuho.org for more information on The Social Issues Retreats on January 5 and 6, 2012. Your colleagues have been working hard to put together outstanding events; I hope you take advantage of them. For those of you who were affected by the pre-Halloween snow storm and power outage, we hope that no one is left in the dark and the damages at your institutions and homes were minimal.
Each summer Connecticut and Rhode Island host an RA Training conference. If you are interested in being on the mailing list, hosting, and or just want more information, please feel free to contact me.
To contact Jenn, please email her at [email protected].
Happy holidays everyone! I want to wish you all the best of luck as you close down your halls and campuses for the winter break. Enjoy your holidays and rest up for the second half of our year. Thank you to all whom attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York on Friday, December 9 for a roundtable discussion titled ―Res Life – Moving Our Processes Online.‖ Over the break I‘ll be working to set up a roundtable discussion for us in the spring. If you would like to host this discussion on your campus, have a topic idea, or have preferred dates in mind please feel free to email me. To contact Joe, please email him at [email protected].
With only a few weeks left to the semester, things are gearing up! I hope you are all going to enjoy a well deserved and much awaited winter break. We had our first district roundtable of the year at Brockport this past month and it was amazing! With SUNY Fredonia, Genesee Community College, Monroe Community College and everyone at Brockport, we had a fantastic discussion about sexual misconduct and how to respond, plus what other institutions are doing to raise awareness and be proactive. If you are interested in hosting a district roundtable for next semester or possibly host a webinar, please contact me as I am beginning my search for schools as well as topics. Have a wonderful holiday season and hope to speak with some of you soon! To contact Kristen, please email her at [email protected].
Eastern New York and Vermont Joe Murphy
Western New York Kristen Eldridge
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THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 12
District Updates
The Annual RLAGS Conference took place on November 5, 2011 at Southern New Hampshire University. Twelve New Hampshire institutions participated in the RA Conference. It was a great opportunity for professionals and para-professionals to communicate their unique issues, ideas, and plans for programming and department initiatives. I was able to take the opportunity to provide a roundtable on ―Getting Involved‖ for professionals in attendance. The roundtable presentation gave participants the opportunity to talk and discuss ideas, provide feedback to the District Coordinator about district involvement in NEACUHO, as well as receive information about how to get involved in RLAGS and NEACUHO! Next year‘s RLAGS Conference is scheduled for November 3, 2012 at Keene State College. There is an upcoming district social in the works to reach out to the Maine institutions. The conversation will be around winter training and a best practice question and answer. It will be a great opportunity to connect and learn more about how our district can be involved in the organization. I will be sending out more information as it becomes available but keep an eye out for a district social near Portsmouth, NH coming in December. Lastly, the district is preparing for the Social Issues Retreat Series set to take place January 5-6, 2012 at Southern New
Hampshire University. ME/NH will host the social for that conference and we are excited to open up Northern New England to
NEACUHO. Additionally, I am looking for institutions in the ME/NH district who would be interested in hosting a conference
next year.
To contact Zachary please email him at [email protected].
Greetings Metro New York!
We had our first social of the year at Uno‘s in Yonkers, New York on October 27. Thank you for coming out in that bad rainy weather. It was really great to see you all. We had folks from Pace University-Pleasantville campus, Manhattanville College, Hofstra University and SUNY Purchase College. We did not discuss anything heavy. The group in attendance simply enjoyed each other‘s company and talk about what‘s happening with their departments and institution. Don‘t worry; there will be more socials to come. If you have an idea for January or February, please let me know.
Membership Updates: we have 18 institutions registered as members. If you are still looking to become a member, please click here. You can always email the Membership Coordinator, Stephanie Ketterl, at [email protected] or myself with membership related questions. I hope everything goes well for the rest of the semester.
Happy closing and holidays!
To contact Angela, please email her at [email protected].
Maine and New Hampshire Zachary Irish
Metro New York Angela Kang
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THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
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District Updates
The Social Issues Committee‘s Annual Winter Retreat Series is taking place January 5-6 at Southern New Hampshire University, just a short drive away in Manchester, NH. Massachusetts own Tanika Mangum of Newbury College is the chair of the committee this year, so be sure to support her by going! This year the retreat will feature a special banquet to recognize this impressive event. Keep your eyes peeled for information about registration on the NEACUHO website soon! Be on the lookout for the call to programs for the Annual Conference to come out around the first of the year. There is always a huge need for programs in order to make sure that the conference is a great success, so start talking to colleagues and perhaps co-presenters now about potential topics! Also, please remember that all members are welcomed to send along articles for the NEACUHO Navigator. It‘s always good to learn from our colleagues and be kept up to date about current trends and the goings on in the region. Believe it or not, folks are already starting to talk about the 2013 Annual Conference. Cindy Long-Porter NEACUHO’s President-Elect, is looking for potential host sites for the annual and other conferences. If your institution would be at all interested in hosting, feel free to send along an email and let me know so I can pass the information to Cindy. It‘s always great to have these types of events in our own state, and since some of our institutions are fairly central within the region, it is often convenient for other districts as well! Finally, I‘m working with Jess Faulk of Simmons College to host a very interesting workshop/roundtable on the use of technology and social media. We are hoping to host the event at Simmons College sometime in January. I have also been chatting with Jessica Donovan of Clark University and Shruti Tekwani (RMLI Chair), of Wentworth Institute of Technology about hosting a great workshop program in February focusing on legal issues in Residence Life & Housing, which will serve as an opportunity for our members to learn more, and will hopefully draw in some new non-member institutions. To contact Eric, please email him at [email protected].
Cathy’s Column Want a better understanding of the behavior of students today?
Need help finding balance at work and at home?
Searching for advice on a career?
Looking to have a different perspective on some questions you are simply just not getting answered elsewhere?
Why not Ask Cathy? If she doesn‘t have the answer, she‘ll ask someone who does! Consider submitting
your questions for the chance to have them answered in the next issue of The Navigator.
Please submit questions to: [email protected].
Check out this month’s column on page 33 of The Navigator.
Photo of, and provided by, Cathy Raynis Meeker.
Massachusetts Eric Rollo
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 14
Committee Updates
Greetings from the Media & Publications Committee! The committee has been hard at work the past several months putting together the latest issue of The Navigator! This month we feature several articles including a write-up from the Fall 2011 NEACUHO Drive-In including a spread of photos, updates from our Regional Affiliations Director from ACUHO-I, Cathy‘s Column, Membership Spotlight and much more! If you are interested in contributing to the newsletter, send all inquires to any member of our committee. If you are interested in joining The Media & Publications Committee, we are always looking for individuals who have a passion for writing, working with social media and content management. Cheers to a new year!
To contact Peter, please email him at [email protected].
The Program Committee is excited that in just one month, in January 2012, we will announce the official Call For Programs for the 2012 Annual Conference. Although the conference is not until June, NEACUHO members are asked to submit proposals from January through early March. Bookmark NEACUHO.org today and check out the website for the official call for programs starting in January 2012. We are excited to offer a full range of program offerings at the Annual Conference in Boston at Northeastern University this coming year, including poster presentations. If you are interested in joining the Program Committee this year it is not too late. We are gathering in late March to select the programs to be offered at the Annual Conference and then reconvene as a committee at the Annual Conference in June for a variety of committee responsibilities.
If you are thinking that you would like to get more involved in professional development, network with others in the field, and have an excellent reason/excuse to attend the Annual Conference in June, then please consider joining the Program Committee. Already comprised of a great group of members, the Program Committee is always looking for additional membership.
To contact Dave, please email him at [email protected].
Media and Publications Peter Nardone
Program Dave Stender
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 15
Committee Updates
The Annual Host Committee at Northeastern is hard at work developing a conference that offers the best blend of professional development and socializing in the city. Boston is home to so many historic and exciting destinations, we hope to give each of our Annual Conference attendees a glimpse of our hometown. The conference will be housed in our newest residence hall, International Village. International Village is one of the largest, single facility residency halls in all of Massachusetts. INV, as we call it, is also LEED certified in keeping true to Northeastern‘s commitment to maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment on campus. Be sure to visit our website here as new updates will be available soon! Also join our Facebook page by ―liking‖ us. Let us know if you are attending by answering our poll. Northeastern is very excited to host this year‘s Annual Conference and we cannot wait to see all of you this summer. Be sure to request the dates now, (June 6-9, 2012) so you don‘t get left out of what is sure to be one of the best annual conferences! See you in June! To contact Tim, please email him at [email protected].
NPDC is happy to report that the Fall RD2B Conference at Rhode Island College was very successful. Thank you to Rhode Island College for your great hospitality! Thank you to all of those who volunteered their time as mentors for our up and coming new professionals! The Spring RD2B will be held at Skidmore College (look for our advertisement in this month‘s issue of The Navigator). Registration will open promptly on January 9, 2012. We are also looking forward to putting on a great day for new professionals across the membership at the New Professionals Conference on March 16 at SUNY Cobleskill. SUNY Cobleskill is one of the most central points for the NEACUHO membership, and we hope to see you there! Our theme for the day along with the Mid-Level Institute is ―Building Blocks for your Future‖. To contact Casey, please email her at [email protected].
Thank you for a successful Fall Drive-In Conference. Please see the wrap up article featured in this issue of The Navigator. The Professional Development Committee is currently working on developing the Mid-Level Institute which will take place on March 16, 2012 at SUNY Cobleskill. To contact Kristin, please email her at [email protected].
Annual Conference Tim Touchette
New Professional Development Casey Wall
Professional Development Kristin Murphy
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THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 16
Corporate Partners: Adirondack Solutions, Inc.
(http://www.adirondacksolutions.com)
Foliot Furniture (www.foliot.com)
John Savoy & Son, Inc.
(www.johnsavoyfurniture.com)
L.A.M. Enterprises, Inc. (http://lam-solutions.com)
Proforma—Shrader and Shrader
(www.shraderandshrader.com) or (www.proforma.com/shrader)
Corporate Associates: Dr. Maura Cullen
(www.TheDiversitySpeaker.com)
Dynamic Influence (dynamicinfluence.org)
Please visit the websites of our Corporate Partners and Corporate Associates!
2012 Diversity Summit
The Diversity Student Summit features one of the nation‘s premiere diversity speakers, Dr. Maura Cullen. The Summit will dramatically increase student‘s level of diversity skills and knowledge to be more effective campus leaders. This positive high energy and high impact learning environment will focus on many facets of diversity, not just one issue. It will be hosted by University of Rhode Island in Kingston, RI on March 3, 2012. Go to www.DiversityStudentSummit.com to learn more & see what past attendees have to say about this incredible event!
NEACUHO Would Like to Thank Our Corporate Partners & Corporate Associates
“Helping to keep you connected to the needs of your students’ world.”
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 17
ACUHO-I and You: Collaboration for Professional Development
Chuck Lamb, Rochester Institute of Technology
With the holidays upon us the last thing you probably need is
another individual or group with a tin cup out requesting financial
assistance. We all are trying to ―Pay the Rent‖, reduce our debt load
and calculate the fiscal wiggle room for the potential purchase of
holiday gifts! The monetary demands for all of us are significant in a
chosen profession where the salary could be considered less than the
private sector. That‘s why this is not an appeal for your do-re-mi at
this time!
This is simply a reminder or an introduction about the ACUHO-I
Foundation. The ACUHO-I Foundation was formed in 1988 to
provide a way for individuals, institutions, corporations,
government agencies, and other foundations to support the
collegiate housing profession through gifts and grants.
In previous Navigator articles I have shared with you the ways the
foundation works for you and other colleagues and your
professional development as a residence life/student housing
professional. These are exciting and challenging times for our
profession and having a little bit of assistance along the way is
always beneficial.
The ACUHO-I Foundation is our fundraising vehicle and we can‘t
provide the assistance to you without fiscal support of our members
and others. Many of the corporate partners and friends from whom
we purchase goods and services are and have been significant
contributors to the Foundation. Some ACUHO-I and NEACUHO
members have chosen to ―pay back/pay it forward‖ to promote the
efforts of the foundation. It might be with a $5 of $10 raffle ticket at
the regional conference. Some have chosen to make an annual
contribution. Others actively participate in the Silent Auction at the
ACUHO-I Annual Convention. Whatever the reason, many
contribute with different amounts because they care about the
future of the profession and ultimately the lives of students living in
the residence halls and apartments on our campuses.
These are some colleagues in the NEACUHO family who have
contributed to the ACUHO-I foundation. I asked them to comment
on the reason they ―gave back‖ via contribution to the Foundation
and here are their remarks:
“ACUHO-I has been a constant in my career since 1983. Early on,
it gave me opportunities to connect with more experienced
colleagues from similar institutions from whom I learned much and
to whom I am most grateful. Those interactions provided perspective
that informed my work. This is just as true today. ACUHO-I has
been good to me in so many ways and I truly would not be where I
am today without its influence. It is my privilege, and I'm not
kidding, to be able to give back to our profession and our
Association that has meant so much to me.”
-Eddie Hull
Executive Director of Residential Life
UMass Amherst
“I give to the ACUHO-I Foundation because as a professional I
strongly believe that I should support my professional organization.
Personally, I have benefitted from the foundation through financial
assistance to attend the Annual Conference via the “Best of Awards”.
I think that the way we sustain our profession is by investing in its
future and the work of the foundation supports younger
professionals and encourages them to be involved. The foundation
also recognizes the hard work and dedication of members who go
above and beyond.”
-Beth Moriarty, Ed.D.
Director of Residence Life and Housing
Bridgewater State University, MA
“ACUHO-I has been good to me in so many ways.”
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“I started to give to the foundation at my first ACUHO-I
conference in 1995. I realized that if I had one of those green
ribbons that I wouldn't continued to be hassled to give...in a good
way of course! So I signed up for the 5x$50 program and continued
to give once that commitment ended. I made the jump to Major
Donor because ACUHO-I, and NEACUHO, allowed me to continue
to serve on the Foundation Board as an Associate Member during
my unexpected "year off" from active employment. I made the
internal commitment to do what I could when I once again had a
steady paycheck. I continue to give because as my professional alma
mater, this organization has provided me with education from
colleagues that has had a profound impact on students that I have
worked with all these years; my professional network; and friends
who mean as much as my family. Without the support of the
Foundation, this organization would have far less depth.”
-Gary Bice, Jr.
Director of Residence Life
SUNY Fredonia
My simple request is to keep your ACUHO-I Foundation in mind in
the future. Continue to read articles like this in future issues of The
Navigator and/or ACUHO-I Talking Stick about the opportunity to
pay back/pay forward and the continuing ways the ACUHO-I
Foundation assists the profession and particularly its members.
We fully realize you have numerous competing demands for your
discretionary income. Just consider the foundation if a contribution
can be made by you at some time in the future! Thanks and best
wishes for the spring term!
Chuck Lamb is a Director of Residence Life at the Rochester Institute of
Technology. To contact Chuck, please email him at [email protected].
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 18
The Campus Housing Operational Survey
Flo Johnson
Chair of the NASPA Assessment Student Voice Consortium
ACUHO-I understands how much you value data to make informed decisions about your campus housing operations. That is why we are so excited to join with the NASPA Assessment & Knowledge Consortium, and Campus Labs (formerly Student Voice) to compile an incredibly robust database of the information you need to succeed. The ACUHO-I Campus Housing Operational Survey, when complete, will offer data and benchmarks on virtually every aspect of campus housing including operations, staffing, students, and facilities. The Campus Housing Operational Survey is open November 16, 2011 - March 16, 2012. Compiling this information will require the cooperation of many campus housing organizations like yours. It also will require a significant investment of time and, likely, the work of multiple individuals within your organization. However this investment will be returned many times over. Campuses that complete the survey and subscribe with Campus Labs will be able to analyze their results and benchmark them against all other campuses. ACUHO-I members will be eligible for discounts on data analysis. We also are offering reduced rates for smaller housing operations to make this valuable resource accessible to as many campuses as possible. Please share this information with other institutions in your organization so they can also have the opportunity to participate. I have included two web sites that can provide additional information. Links: FAQ page The Student Residential Experience presentation
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 19
Not Your Entry Level Position: The Search for a New Breed of RA
Jennifer Crane, Quinnipiac University
Forty residence life professionals from Connecticut and Rhode
Island, as well as three from New York gathered at the University of
Connecticut to discuss RA selection best practices. What started
out as a routine district round table ended up being a conversation
that has stuck with me since we drove away from that beautiful
Storrs campus.
After opening remarks from Dr. John Sears, UCONN‘s Associate
Director of Residential Education, participants were split into
groups to accommodate a more intimate conversation. Ideas were
exchanged about marketing, interview questions, GPA
requirements, and compensation. Participants struggling to attract
candidates and participants at institutions with too many candidates
each left the event with ideas to assist their own processes.
Examples of ideas that were offered:
1. Expand your diverse population: Partner with your
multicultural offices to review your interview questions and/or
marketing to review from a cultural lens. Nancy Abohabtab,
Program Specialist at UCONN, provided her own experiences
by stating she was advised to consider this: ―Could our full-time
professionals answer these questions at a reasonable level? If
not, then why are we expecting our potential RAs to be able to
provide a reasonable answer?‖
2. Use personal invites in your marketing: Ask faculty, staff, and
students to recommend students for the RA position. Once you
have these names, send the potential candidate a personal invite
stating something in the spirit of ―Professor Crane has
recommended that you have qualities that might make a great
RA. We hope you consider applying‖.
3. Consider your compensation: Look at the possibilities of
raising or negotiating the way that it is provided to students.
Consider changing board to a stipend or the term scholarship
being changed to ―housing stipend‖.
These ideas and more were suggestions that participants found
useful. For me nothing echoed louder than when I heard Nancy
Abohabtab say, ―Our RA position is not intended to be an entry
level position‖. She was talking specifically about the position at
UCONN, but those words have inspired me to look at our position
at Quinnipiac. We are currently undergoing a change from a
teaching paradigm to a learning paradigm to empower
students to begin thinking differently about their education and to
become ―intentional learners who can adapt to new environments,
integrate knowledge from different sources and continue learning
throughout their lives‖ (Learning Reconsidered, 2004). As this
paradigm changes the way we look at our curriculum. It also
changes the way we provide a shared experience to our residential
students. RAs will be expected to understand the paradigm shift and
demonstrate how they are making connect ions
everyday to their majors, how they are benefiting from the learning
that takes place between their academic life and residential life, and
how they will use the RA position to help shape a student‘s total
experience. RAs will need to use programming and cross curricular
initiatives to encourage students to strive to view college as a
journey and not a final destination. One might say, ―That is fine and
dandy, but what does that look like?‖ Examples of what this ―breed‖
of RA may look like:
RA who takes the time to actually care about his/her
resident‘s classes; not just say, ―Hi, how are you?‖ in the
hallway.
RA who can know the expected outcome from a program,
create an idea and follow through on their own.
RA who welcomes campus partners and take opportunities to
meet others on their own.
RA who doesn‘t have to ask the ―what if‖ questions about
“We are undergoing a change from a teaching paradigm to a learning paradigm to
empower students...”
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THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 20
losing their job.
RA who cares enough about their own career to make the
right decision when it matters.
RA who gives you something other than the average answer
to ―Why do you want to be an RA?‖
RA who enjoys their position and doesn‘t look at the job as a
check list.
I not only encourage my own staff to look for the new breed of RA,
but I encourage other institutions to consider looking at candidates
who have already demonstrated a time in their life where they have
had to make the right decision when no one was looking, candidates
who can articulate why the RA job is important to them, and RAs
who want their residents to have a positive experience based on
their performance as an RA. Finally even if you are struggling to get
RA candidates and have to find creative ways to market to them,
avoid hiring just a warm body. Don‘t be afraid to look for an RA
who has already demonstrated either in college or elsewhere they
can get things done and are prepared to be part of a community. If
you have too many candidates, don‘t be afraid to be highly
selective and hire those who have demonstrated in college or
elsewhere a record of investment in their leadership roles.
Jennifer Crane is an Associate Director of Residence Education at
Quinnipiac University. To contact Jennifer, please email her at
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 21
Straight Jacket Escape and Social Media Dangers at WPI Drive-In
Rob Hackenson, Dynamic Influence College Speaker
Did you miss the
straightjacket escape at
the WPI Drive-In? If so,
then you also missed the
message that went along
with it. During the
―Cyber Safety & Liability
4 College Students‖
presentation, dynamic
magic, illusions, and
video were used to talk about social media and cyber dangers our
college students are now facing. As I struggled to escape out of the
straightjacket, I explained that RAs needed to make their students
aware of the dangers and have them think ―Target,‖ not ―Victim.‖
Victim vs. Target
So what is the difference between a Target and a Victim? You have
most likely heard stories about students and cyber bullying, cyber
predators, or having personal information or images (sexting)
shared with thousands of others and feel bad about how they were
victimized. However, the term victim is very passive; it suggests
there is nothing that person could have done to prevent the
situation or outcome. However, when it comes to cyber safety and
liability with social media dangers, this simply isn‘t the case.
Think “Target”
Instead of labeling of these individuals as victims, use the more
proactive term of target. Though these individuals were targeted by
cyber bullies and cyber predators, chances are they could have
prevented themselves from being targeted or found a way out of the
proverbial ―cross hairs‖ after becoming a target. By teaching your
students to differentiate between a victim and a target, it will
empower them and get them thinking.
Quick Story
All too often students use things like Facebook, Twitter,
Foursquare, and YouTube without thinking. They post personal
information that can be used by predators or enemies. I was
speaking to college students during an orientation and I heard a
story about a girl who met a guy at a bar and told him to ―friend
her‖ on Facebook. She accepted this stranger‘s friend request, and
he subsequently began to stalk her.
Later on, she posted that she was having a party in her residence hall
room, with details down to her room number. The guy took this
public post as an invitation and he showed up. He waited around
until someone walked into the building and scooted in (easy enough
to do), and he went up to her room. She was surprised to see him,
to say the least, and asked him to leave, which he refused to do. It
got to the point where she had to actually call campus security to
have the guy escorted out.
How Students Can Protect Themselves
As your students think ―Target‖, you also need to help students
understand that the internet and social media are powerful tools,
and that with great power comes great responsibility (Spiderman,
anybody?). Simply put, your students need to think before they
post. They need to have empathy for others when it comes to cyber
bullying and realize that the internet is written in ink, not pencil.
The information they post can be seen by the entire world,
including family, friends, loved ones, coaches, employers, and even
their own kids down the road. This
includes embarrassing pictures and
video. They need to be careful of
the personal information they post,
as it can be used by hackers or other
cyber predators to harm them. This
includes Foursquare and Twitter‘s
―check-in‖ and Facebook‘s ―places‖
as this can allow stalkers to know
“By teaching your students to differentiate between a victim and a target, it will empower them and get them thinking.”
Photo provided by Rob H
ackenson.
Photo provided by Rob H
ackenson.
Continued on next page...
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 22
exactly where they are or are going to be. By thinking ―Target‖ and
utilizing security settings on social media sites, your students can
help prevent them from becoming a target and have an enjoyable
online experience.
If you want to see the video summary of this presentation at the
WPI Drive-In you can watch it here.
Membership Spotlight
Do you know an involved mid-level or new
professional that should be the next NEACUHO
Membership Spotlight?
Email your suggestions to Peter Nardone:
Photo taken at the 2012 NEACUHO Fall Drive-In.
Photo taken at the 2012 NEACUHO Fall Drive-In.
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 23
What are you searching for?
Career in Res Life? To be a Resident Director?
Attend RD2B!!
RD2B is geared towards undergraduate students interested in the field
of Housing & Residential Life and provides information about:
Conducting a Job Search
Applying for Graduate School
Life as an RD
Seasoned Professional Mentors will present to participants as well as
provide guidance and share their valuable experiences.
Registration is limited to 50 participants, 3 per institution
and is first come first serve.
Registration will open January 9, 2012 at www.neacuho.org For more information contact:
Casey Wall [email protected]—Binghamton University
Brought to you by: the New Professional Development Committee
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 24
RIT will be hosting the annual Western NY Placement Exchange
(WNYPE) on Friday, March 9, 2012. This is the eighth year
we‘ve offered the opportunity to bring together institutions who
are seeking candidates for the 2012-13 academic year staff and
candidates interested in working in Western NY (and other places)!
In previous years, we have engaged over 26 institutions providing
interviews and nearly 70 candidates each time we have held this
event. We are taking specific steps to increase the number of
candidates – once again offering this experience to
candidates with no costs for registration, low costs for
overnight accommodations and no costs for meals!
This event will take place during RIT‘s spring break and can serve as
a great practice/warm up for the forthcoming ACPA and NASPA
conferences/Placement Exchange. With the ‘12 NASPA Placement
Exchange being held in Phoenix and ‘12 ACPA Conference in
Louisville, distance and travel costs may prevent many from heading
to those locations. WNYPE could be a perfect alternative for those
with time or fiscal restraints. Although the focus of available
positions in past has focused on Residence Life/Housing related
jobs, this year we will attempt to offer other Student Affairs
positions as well.
In order to make WNYPE successful, we need your help and you
can assist in two major ways:
1. Inform friends/colleagues/staff about WNYPE. We‘re always
seeking additional candidates and employers.
2. Pencil the WNYPE date on your calendar and the calendars of
your staff. Discuss the benefits of possible attendance by your
institution to speak with candidates who may be interested in a
position at your school, even if the position could be in a
―maybe‖ category.
But don‘t just believe me! Here are some comments submitted on
evaluations of previous WNYPE‘s:
Easy and efficient – appreciated being able to do it so early.
Registration was easy; candidate information was readily
available.
Comparable to larger placement exchanges. I think this is an
excellent ―test‖ environment for candidates who may be going
onto the larger venues. For those who go to WNYPE, this is
true to the format of a placement exchange
Spaces were comfortable and discreet.
I don‘t know that there is much more that can be done to
improve upon WNYPE. It runs so smoothly.
Organized well – kept up to date. Listed everything we needed
and more. I felt very prepared and knew what to expect.
For your planning, employer costs for 2012 WNYPE will
only be $50 per table-the same cost as last year! This event
is also held with generous support from NEACUHO and
CSPA, New York’s ACPA organization!
We hope to see you in March and if you have any additional
questions, don‘t hesitate to contact me. We will also have our
website live after January 1, 2012 with up to date information.
Chuck Lamb Director of Residence Life Rochester Institute of Technology (585) 475-6022 [email protected]
Western New York Placement Exchange Returns!
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 25
They’re Just Like Us or Are They? MACUHO Annual Conference Report Cindy Long Porter, Quinnipiac University,
President Elect
The Mid-Atlantic Association of College and University
Housing officers hosted its 39th annual conference October 26
-28 in Reading PA. The theme of this year‘s conference was
―Unmasking Your Potential‖ and the sessions provided
participants with opportunities to do just that! In my role of
President Elect of NEACUHO, I was fortunate enough to
attend as a participant/observer and get a behind the scenes
look at the conference operation.
Just like us at our NEACUHO annuals, the conference opened
with an engaging keynote speaker who set the tone for the
conference. This year‘s speaker was the 2010 Diversity
Speaker of the Year, Matt Glowacki who challenged
participants to create their own happiness.
Like NEACUHO, new professionals had the opportunity to
participate in a case study competition. Participants were
faced with planning for an evacuation of the college due to
flooding when power was out and the Director not available
due to cell phone service being out. I served as a judge and
witnessed the critical thinking, crisis management planning
and communication skills of several talented new professionals
who may one day end up in our region.
Like NEACUHO, MACUHO has been engaged in strategic
planning. The organization has identified five critical areas for
the association to address: membership, governance and
culture, finance, communication and assessment. At this
year‘s conference, governance was the issue being addressed.
Now Past President, Sean Killion, had been in constant
communication with the membership prior to the conference
to share the proposal to reduce the size of their Executive
Board from 43 members to 11. The change was passed at the
business meeting.
MACUHO has its own annual conference traditions: charity
basket raffles which this year benefited operation SMILE, a
vendor luncheon complete with awards and prizes and
elections held as part of their annual business meeting. Joe
Russo from Drexel was voted President Elect/Vice President
and Crystal Lopez from Georgian Court University was voted
secretary. Instead of a closing banquet, MACUHO offers an
awards dinner where the new President gives his inaugural
address. Shigeo Iwamiya introduced M:375, an initiative to
keep members involved during the next 375 until the next
conference. For me the most exciting tradition MACUHO
offers is the Volunteer Incentive Program or VIP. This
program gives an opportunity for undergraduates in the field
to attend their annual conference, network with professionals
in the field, attend special VIP sessions and connect with a
mentor. Over 70 paraprofessionals from within the region
applied for 12 slots! MACUHO rolled out the red carpet for
these young people who were highly engaged throughout the
conference!
I enjoyed my time at the MACUHO conference. They too,
know how to throw a great party complete with dances and
even more prizes. Like NEACUHO I did not win any prizes
but I did the ―cha-cha slide‖ with the best of them! Thanks to
MACUHO for a warm welcome and a great conference.
Cindy Long Porter, President Elect, is an Associate Vice President for Student
Affairs and Director of Residential Life at Quinnipiac University. To
contact Cindy, please email her at [email protected].
“MACUHO offers a Volunteer Incentive Program...for
undergraduates in the field to attend their annual conference.”
Phot
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THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 26
Bridging the Gap with the Academic House as a New Professional
Matt Talbot, Endicott College
It was August of 2009 and I found myself at in the Hospitality Suite
of the Post Center at Endicott College. I was in a room with seven
other individuals with a very relaxed demeanor and very few people
dressed even business casual. This was my first professional staff
training outside of graduate school. I had, in a previous life, had
professionalism and proper attire drilled into my head repeatedly
for two years. It was a confusing world. Little did I know the next
two and a half years of my life would be devoted to helping to
develop and improve the department in conjunction with
co-workers as well as my supervisors. There were so many things to
fix.
With a new Vice President, everyone raced to improve the campus
on all fronts. Sweeping changes were made regularly with a large
amount of change, came some resistance. Ultimately it was
recognized that once those ―obvious‖ changes were made, things
would need to be evaluated more closely in order to change. In two
years time there were large changes to the conduct system, guest
policies, RA expectations with regard to duty, RD expectations,
First Year Residential Experience, increased funding for
programming, and a determination that a change in the on campus
culture was inevitable.
There was some great programming going on in some of the halls,
but nobody seemed to give it credit. Eventually my supervisor was
able to show off our stuff. We were able to bring our programs to a
community meeting with administrative staff as well as faculty. The
programs were thrown out there and all said that they never
realized how much goes on in the residence halls. It was only a
starting point as they appreciated these events as things to do, but
there wasn‘t that recognition of being educators.
My institution has always stated how important it is for all faculty
and staff to work together to make a better Endicott. The idea was
there, but it seemed to never fully enter the minds of the faculty
that the RDs were even professionals. Everyone that I met asked if I
was in graduate school. I explained that this is my first full-time
professional position. I always got the same response with raised eye
brows, ―Oh that‘s interesting.‖ I tried to help people to understand
that we were educators as well, just not in the traditional sense.
The faculty had a hard time understanding what I meant. They saw
the RDs as important but as ―the ones that watch over things when
the rest of us get to go home.‖ It was recognized that our position
was one that was difficult and of importance, but there lacked that
sense that we were educators. We needed to do something to fix
this problem.
It was at this time that a new idea came into play. I had always
followed a programming model and it had always been dictated to
us. Our Vice President wanted to set a new initiative to change to a
curriculum based model. We all thought that it would be
interesting to try. Res Life worked together and created a mission
statement and objectives to govern the department in our winter
training. The group was very proud of the mission. The semester
started and things went on and the mission statement was forgotten
about.
During pro staff training it was announced that not only would we
be using a curriculum-based programming model, but the RDs
would be creating the programming curriculum for their individual
areas. The entire curriculum was to be based on objectives that our
residence life team came up with to support our mission statement.
Through the two weeks leading up to RA training the RDs worked
hard on creating their curriculum based solely on the mission
statement and objectives created by the staff.
There is nothing but buzz surrounding the programming model and
curricular based programming. Professors and Deans alike have
stated how impressed they are about the change. It has just made
everything so clear to faculty that we as residence hall staff are
“[The programming model has] made it clear...that
residence hall staff are actually educators on campus.”
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THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 27
actually educators on campus. It has created an opportunity to get
more faculty into our halls as they have a new found respect for the
programming that we are doing. The curriculum has allowed for an
extremely intentional and well organized basis for programming. It
feels great to have been able to create something to better the
relationship between faculty and residence life in addition to
creating a better experience for students within the halls.
Matt Talbot is a Residence Director at Endicott College. To contact Matt,
please email him at [email protected].
Fall 2011 Drive-In Conference Participants
Thank you to all the colleges, universities, and corporate partners and associates for attending!
We hope you enjoyed your experience.
Adirondack Solutions Albertus Magnus College
Assumption College Bay State College Becker College
Binghamton University Brandeis University
Bridgewater State University Bryant University Clark University
College of St. Rose College of the Holy Cross
Connecticut College Dynamic Influence Endicott College
Fitchburg State University
Green Mountain College Herkimer County Community College
Iona College Johnson & Wales University– Providence
Keene State College Lincoln College of New England
Lincoln Culinary Institute Manhattanville College
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Merrimack College
Montserrat College of Art Mount Ida College Newbury College
NHTI– Concord‗s Community College Northeastern University
Pace University
Quinnipiac University Rhode Island College
Rivier College Sacred Heart University
Skidmore College St. John Fisher College
SUNY Delhi SUNY Fredona
SUNY Purchase College TC3
University of Hartford Wentworth Institute of Technology
Wesleyan University Western New England University
Westfield State University Worcester Polytechnic Institute
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 28
ACUHO-I Update Bill Fox, Regional Affiliations Director
At the October ACUHO-I Executive Board meeting, the board
focused their efforts on strategic planning, with specific attention to
the long term strategy related to our membership, inclusivity, and
benefits as well as the newly adopted CHEMA Guiding Principles
for Diversity, Inclusion and Equity. You will see more information
and opportunities to provide insight on these two topics in the
future.
A new tool is available this fall called the Hall Director Toolkit.
This on-line resource, Self-Assessment Toolkit for hall directors and
their supervisors, uses competency-based self-assessments to help
hall directors create professional development plans while
assisting supervisors with coaching, support, and overall
departmental planning. An introductory, limited time special price
is offered through the end of the year with the understanding that
the participating members provide feedback regarding the
assessment.
A comprehensive Campus Housing Management Book Series is
currently being written by numerous contributing authors within
the profession.
In an effort to keep current and to provide the membership,
volunteer leaders, and staff with enhanced functionality, the
association is investing in a new enterprise system. The new
financial management and association management systems will be
launched in 2012.
The success of our credentialing project continues with the launch
of the Housing Occupancy Management certificate. Pre-registration
is live on the website. The Certificate in Housing Assessment has
proven to be of high interest to our
members with enrollment of nearly 150
housing professionals.
The ACUHO-I Foundation continues to
lead the way in providing invaluable
resources for our members and the
association through their support of educational and research
endeavors. Look for more information about the foundation and
how you can invest in the future of the profession by visiting their
website at acuho-i.org/foundation.
The Nominations Committee is working to identify qualified
professionals for the positions of Business Practices & Enhancements
Director, Physical Facilities & Services Director, Workforce
Development Director and Vice President. To learn more about
these positions and our upcoming Executive Board election in
February, please visit our website at www.acuho-i.org.
CHOs received an invitation in November to participate in an
operational survey, being conducted in partnership with the NASPA
Assessment Consortium. We encourage all member and non
member institutions to participate.
“The ACUHO-I Foundation continues to lead the way in
providing invaluable resources for our members…”
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 29
NEACUHO: Ideas Worth Sharing Fall 2011 Drive-In Conference Wrap Up
Josh Hettrick, Westfield State University
The Fall Drive-In Conference was held during the fall semester for
the second straight year and resulted in a number of positive
experiences for both NEACUHO and the participants who
attended. Taking place at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in
Worcester, MA, the conference was ideally located to pull
participants from over 50 institutions in the NEACUHO region.
Participants were welcomed to the conference by current
NEACUHO President, Paula Randazza and Chair of the
Professional Development Committee, Kristin Murphy. With
volunteers and staff from WPI leading the way, the conference was
off and running.
This year‘s conference was very well received and was designed to
meet the needs of over 130 attendees in a new and innovative way.
In addition to the traditional program sessions looked forward to at
each NEACUHO event, the Professional Development Committee
added TED Talks. Standing for Technology, Entertainment, and
Design, TED Talks seek to, ―give everyone on-demand access to the
world‘s most inspiring voices.‖ Utilizing the voices of NEACUHO,
the TED Talk Track was added to each program session by offering
two shortened programs. These programs offered up ideas and
advice on such issues as partnerships with other offices,
recruitment, utilizing technology, and how we are preparing our
students. In discussing the TED Talks with a conference attendee,
he stated, ―The TED Talks were a great addition to the conference
this year. I really enjoyed getting information in a short format and
from people I already looked up to in NEACUHO.‖ In addition to
the TED Talks, a participant stated, ―The conference sessions were
great this year. I really enjoyed the technology based sessions and
the fact that they addressed new ideas just coming out.‖ A big thank
you goes out to everyone that took the time to present and the time
they put into their presentations.
In addition to all of the great programs attendees were treated to,
thanks must be given to the conference committee and staff at WPI.
Both groups worked very hard to prepare a conference that was
well rounded and offered something for everyone in attendance.
The smiling faces of everyone who helped attendees get to where
they needed to be made the rainy day an afterthought. Offering so
much to those in attendance, it‘s no surprise that this year‘s Fall
Drive-In was a huge success.
Josh Hettrick is an Assistant Director for Housing at Westfield State
University and is a NEAUCHO Professional Development Committee
Member. To contact Josh, please email him at [email protected].
“This year’s conference...was designed to meet the needs of over 130 attendees in a new
and innovative way.”
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Jos
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THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 30
NEACUHO 2011 Fall Drive-In Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Photos provided by the Media and Publications Committee.
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 31
ResLife 2.0: Leveraging Video in Residential Life and Housing
Thomas Kelley, Rhode Island College
How are you sharing information within your office, and outside of
it? Have you ever thought about using video in your pursuit to
inform students? It seems like it could be difficult, right? With the
right tools and support, leveraging video in your office may be
easier than it seems. This month we are going to cover the three
important areas of leveraging videos: streaming, advertising, and
services. As usual, these are my opinions of best practices, and they
are inspired by personal experiences and what I have seen work at
other institutions. This is just the tip of the iceberg that is video, but
I hope it sparks some new ideas and initiatives in your office and in
your halls!
Streaming
Streaming, for all purposes, live-streaming allows you to send live
video and audio to users across the world (or just your residential
community). There are multiple services and websites that allow
you to stream video, and in due time I will cover those, but I want
you to think of an event you do on campus, maybe an annual thing
or maybe something that is set on a weekly basis. Now, imagine you
are a student who wants to attend this event but for one reason or
another you cannot, maybe you have homework or you are sick.
How can a student feel like they are there without necessarily being
there? How can that information presented at that program or hall
council meeting get to that student? How can they immediately
contribute? Streaming is the answer.
What do I need to stream? Streaming at its most basics can be fairly
simple. Most
laptops these
days come
with a built in
webcam, if
you do not
h a v e a n
i n t e r n a l
webcam, a
quick Google search yielded a price range of $20-$80 for an
external USB webcam. With the webcam you can connect it
through a laptop and stream the video of the whole room or just the
presentation going on. More advanced streaming would need
multiple cameras and a service that would allow you to edit on the
spot for mixing.
There are many things to keep in mind about streaming. It is
important to inform the room that streaming is going on so they can
position themselves in a place where they are comfortable. Some
people don‘t mind being on camera, others may feel otherwise.
Another thing to keep in mind is having the permission of the
presenter or council, making sure they are comfortable with the
idea of a live stream. Some services with live streaming allow you to
use chat with viewers, so it would be important to have someone
serving as the liaison between that media and the event. If you are
not using a service that promotes chat, you can always follow a
#hashtag using Twitter.
One great feature about streaming is that most platform sites allow
you to record your live stream as it happens. Later you can create
archives of events or presentations, for your community to relive
the semester or even be used in future videos to advertise for events
or be used in retention initiatives.
Advertising
Using video can be just the thing you need to reach students in a
new way. How easy is it to get students to read a four-page
newsletter or even a flyer on their door? How about an email that is
packed with information? Sometimes, it‘s easier than you would
“Using video can be just the thing you need to reach students in a new way.”
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THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 32
expect, but for the rest of the time, there needs to be something
more to reach our students. Using video can be the solution. Reach
students where they are by posting a video on Facebook or over
twitter, send it to their email, post a QR-code with a link to the
video all over your building, set the video up on loop on a lounge/
common area television. Reaching students can be much more
attainable if you are willing to give video a try.
But how difficult is it to produce a video? I don‘t have time for that!
The most elaborate videos can be fairly difficult and timely to
produce, not to mention all that equipment needed, but if you have
a smart phone, digital camera, or even a webcam, making videos
just got that much easier! You don‘t need million dollar special
effects, you just need to get your information on video (funny
costumes, characters, and lots of energy are always helpful).
Compile all your information into a short video and either post it
directly to your social medias and website or send it to some of the
free video software that most laptops come with. If you don‘t have
someone who feels comfortable using editing software, seek out
your resources. There is a good chance that someone who lives in
your building or on your campus has an interest in video, so seek
out those untapped resources.
Services
There are plenty of services that you can use when it comes to
video. If you are looking to stream, looking into free websites like
Livestream, Ustream, or YouTube, all of these websites allow you
to stream video to viewers, you just need to send them the url.
When it comes to hosting a video somewhere, the most popular
places to share video are YouTube and Vimeo. By creating an
account, users can upload videos and host them either on their
campus website, Facebook page, attached in an email or even
through Twitter posts. It is important to consult your web
communications office in regards to campus policies about video
hosting and distribution.
If you are looking for something mobile, I suggest trying Tout.
Tout, lets users upload 15 second video statuses and can be a great
way to promote events,
give short reports about
office/building initiatives,
and a fun way to get
students involved and
invested in the halls.
If you are looking for a
service for more
l e a r n i n g b a s e d
measures, check out
Slideshare. I am a huge
fan of Slideshare, and
have been ever since we
started doing streaming
of presentations to students. Using Slideshare you can upload a
PowerPoint presentation and then host an open webinar of sorts,
using a webcam feed of the presenter, explain/presenting the
content of the PowerPoint. It‘s a great way to do afternoon
presentations and create access to students who may be unable to
attend evening info sessions. Slideshare lets you blend live
streaming with presentations, and allows you to use a chat window
to see comments from viewers. It is an awesome tool to use!
Closing Thoughts
There is so much you can do with video. With technology
becoming more and more accessible, it becomes more tempting to
try it out in the workplace. There are so many options, so why not
try it out. Remember to find your student resources that are
knowledgeable about video, consult with your web communication
office about campus policies, and share your video masterpieces
with me! I hope this article has sparked a new idea or discussion in
your area. If you have questions about video, hit me up on Twitter:
@thomas_a_kelley. I am always interested in hearing new ideas with
how technology is being used in your office or with your staff.
#technologyinreslife
Links:
YouTube- www.youtube.com
Vimeo- www.vimeo.com
Slideshare- www.slideshare.net
Ustream- www.ustream.com
Livestream- www.livestream.com
Tout- www.tout.com
Thomas Kelley is a Residence Hall Director at Rhode Island College. To
contact Thomas, please email him at [email protected].
Photo of video use on YouTube provided by Thomas Kelley.
Photo of tutorial video made in Camtasia provided by Thomas Kelley.
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 33
Cathy’s Column Ask Cathy! Want a better understanding of the behavior of students today? Need help finding balance at work and at home? Searching for advice on a career? Looking to have a different perspective on some questions you are simply just not getting answered elsewhere? Why not “Ask Cathy?” If she doesn’t have the answer, she’ll ask someone who does! Consider submitting your questions for the chance to have them answered in The Navigator.
Phot
o of
, an
d pr
ovid
ed b
y, C
athy
Ray
nis
Mee
ker.
Cathy, I have recently switched institutions (actually this
has been my third institution change in the past six years)
for a position in which I am greatly excited about! I am
an advocate for change and certainly would love to bring
new ideas to my new department, however I am concerned that working in a
variety of colleges in such a short period of time makes my ideas lack
"depth". I am good at adapting to my surroundings and don't want to come
off as too strong too early. Any ideas or advice?
Congratulations on your new opportunity. Your
excitement about your new position will be
welcomed by those who have worked there long
term and/or by those who are exhausted from
surviving a challenging semester.
As I contemplated your question, the first thing that came to me
were the words respect and balance.
Respect. Being a change agent and having new innovative ideas is
great. You are often able to energize and improve a service or
program of the department. On the other hand, sometimes being a
change agent at an institution where you‘re new limits your ability
to empathize with those who have been there a while. You may
never have stayed at an institution long enough to start a program
and then to have another change agent come in and try to change
your program for the better. The trick is to be a change agent who is
extremely respectful of all who have worked hard at your institution
before you were there! If you learn about the history of the
program, who worked hard to see it succeed over the years, and
come to understand how it was developed, you will be able to
modify your ideas for change to suit that department. You will also
demonstrate greater sensitivity to those who have invested in the
program or event over the years, and that will help you draw allies
to your ideas. By listening to those who have developed the program
or event, adapting your change ideas based on this history, and
building positive relationships with those who have invested in the
program before your arrival, you will be able to build a network of
support as you implement changes. In addition, talk to your
supervisor to make sure you are representing their hopes for change
before you move forward. Ultimately you will be more effective as a
change agent if you are respectful of the history of the program, the
department, and your supervisor‘s wishes. Your supervisor should
guide the speed, breadth, and depth of the changes you implement.
Balance. Change agents who do not carry out that change with
both respect and balance may make that change happen, but may
also step on toes and limit their own ability to stay at an institution.
Change agents as well as those who work on a program long term
can balance one another for the good of the department. The energy
of a new person and the energy of a seasoned staff member can also
balance each other for the good of the department. Keep in mind
that you are probably not the first person with a good idea and your
idea may have been tried at your new institution at some point in its
history. It seems like you are starting to see that those who develop
a program and nurture it may have a ―depth‖ of understanding of the
history of a program that may be beneficial to the ongoing quality of
services that a department offers. I would suggest you find balance as
a change agent by learning from those with ―depth‖ at the new
institution. This balance will allow you to effectively implement
change by fine tuning and building on the good and great ideas that
are already established at the new institution. Your ability to respect
the old and implement the new
will make you a welcomed and
respected member of the
department.
I wish you all the best at your
new institution.
Q:
A:
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THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 34
Cathy, with conference season just around the corner, I
am strongly encouraging my professional staff to take
advantage of memberships, conferences regionally as well
as nationally and even presenting at drive-ins. Other than
conferences, what are some ways I can get my staff to take advantage of
professional development opportunities? And, while at conferences how should
I make sure they are getting the most "bang" for their buck? I am trying to
be as supportive as I can while meeting their needs as well. Thank you.
I think it is great that you are supportive of the
professional development of your staff. As you
know, in addition to attending and presenting at
regional and national conferences and retreats,
professional development can happen in many other ways. Some
additional ways to get your staff to take advantage of professional
development opportunities include:
1. Take staff to professional development presentations and events
so they see you actively engage with colleagues and invest in
your own professional development.
2. Be active in professional organizations. Your role modeling will
have a profound impact on your staff.
3. Make sure your department hiring materials, mission
statement, and job expectations show that you value and expect
that all who work there to participate in a variety of professional
development activities.
4. Encourage staff to get involved in committees and leadership
positions of professional organizations.
5. Encourage staff to write and share their ideas with on-line
websites, journals, or blogs.
6. Develop a reading list to help staff grow in different areas. Set
expectations for reading each semester.
7. Develop a professional development program that allows staff
to learn and talk about the things they are reading,
experiencing, and learning. Incorporate new findings in the
field, training to enhance skills, and knowledge the staff should
gain in order to be prepared for current and future positions.
8. Implement opportunities for staff to talk about, present, and
share what they learn at conferences. Often we attend sessions
and never get to share what we‘ve learned. By sharing the
information, we educate others, reinforce our own learning,
and collectively develop ideas from conferences that may help
to improve programs and services for the department.
9. Attend presentations by faculty and other speakers on campus
and in the community that will enhance the staff‘s
understanding of students or the work we do.
10. Develop a system that tracks, encourages, and reinforces staff to
actively participate in different types of professional
development opportunities.
Ultimately each individual is responsible for his or her own
professional development. Often new professionals think it is the
institution‘s responsibility to develop them by sending them to
conferences. It is nice if an institution can afford that, but we all
need to invest in our own professional development and make sure
we approach it in a multifaceted manner. Each of us needs to help
our supervisors to understand our dreams and aspirations so they
can help guide us to experiences and materials that will help us
grow. Individually, we can use free time to learn more about skills
and knowledge that will improve our abilities. We can read research
articles, journals, books, blogs, newsletters, and websites to stay
current in our field. We can write, present, research, blog, film,
and share in order to preserve and enhance our ideas. Professional
development is also enhanced by the connections we make with
others in our field. This community of learners can be an amazing
source of rich conversations that force us to think, learn, and grow.
We need to create a community of learners all around us to point
the way to information, conferences, retreats, presentation,
research, and writing opportunities. Hopefully the friends and
colleagues we work with along the way will challenge and support
us to grow and prepare for future positions. As a supervisor, it is
extremely important to challenge staff to meet new people at
conferences and to also get out of their offices and develop
relationships across campus.
I think the biggest way for new staff to see the value of
memberships, conferences, and presentations is to see you and their
other bosses actively engaging in professional development. Make it
an expectation of employment and consistently encourage and
reward their active involvement in professional organizations. Take
staff with you so they see the value of long term involvement in
professional organizations. To make the most of a conference or
retreat, talk about your expectations before anyone attends one.
Make sure your staff understands they will come back and present
on a certain topic (assessment, staff selection, occupancy, diversity
topics, veterans, parents, student development, technology) and
that you expect they will develop a resource list and outline of the
main points of information they learn. Take the staff meeting or
professional development time to allow staff to present what they
have learned at the conferences. I believe doing so can make staff
accountable so they are more likely to attend sessions. By presenting
Q:
A:
Continued on next page...
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 35
at the staff member‘s home institution, the rest of the staff learns
about sessions they could not attend, each person learns how to
present, and learning that took place at the conference is reinforced.
In addition, if the list of programs comes out in advance, guiding
staff to topics or presentations that will help them grow and develop
to better meet their goals could help you get the best bang for your
buck.
Answers submitted by, Cathy Raynis Meeker, PhD, President of NEACUHO
2008-09.
Cathy is NEACUHO’s 2011 Lifetime Service Award recipient for her work and dedication to the organization and within the field. If you have a question for her email Peter Nardone at [email protected].
Your question will be answered anonymously in the next issue.
Thank you to all of the program presenters at the 2011 Fall Drive-In Conference
The day could not have been successful without you!
Ryan Young, Associate Director of Residential Life for Training & Development, Pace University
Dave Stender, Complex Coordinator, Johnson and Wales University
Jennifer Durocher, Assistant Dean for Student Life, Albertus Magnus
Sally Bertolino, Assistant Director of Residence Life, Merrimack College
Jessica Looney, Resident Director, Merrimack College
Max Koskoff, Resident Director, University of Hartford
Robert Hackenson, Speaker/Entertainer, Dynamic Influence
Matthew Barry, Outreach Coordinator, WPI
Cindy Long Porter, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs/Dir. of Residential Life, Quinnipiac University
Megan Igoe, Residence Hall Director, Quinnipiac University
Ryan Greelish, Resident Director, Bridgewater State University
Beth Moriarty, Director of Residence Life and Housing, Bridgewater State University
Shelly Keniston, Associate Director of Residence Life and Housing, Bridgewater State University
Erin Kennelly, Resident Director, Bridgewater State University
Erin Courville, Resident Director, Bridgewater State University
Heather Macmillan, Resident Director, Assumption College
Marie Lalor, Assistant Director, Housing & Operations, Connecticut College
Michael Sale, Director, Implementation & Training Services, Adirondack Solutions
Jennifer Crane, Associate Director of Residential Life, Quinnipiac University
Thomas Kelley, Resident Director, Rhode Island College
Joel Quintong, Director of Residential Life, Sacred Heart University
Robert Hackenson, Speaker/Entertainer, Dynamic Influence
Beth Moriarty, Director of Residence Life and Housing, Bridgewater State University
Shelley Nicholson, Assistant Director of AMERICORP Job Ready Program, Mount Wachusett Community College
Gary Bice, Jr., Director of Residence Life, SUNY Fredonia
Michael Hamilton, Assistant Director, WPI
Tanika Mangum, Newbury College, Area Coordinator/Housing Operations Coordinator
Nicoy Pusey, Area Coordinator, Herkimer County Community College
Keith Johnson, Resident Director, Iona College
Heather Quire, Resident Director, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Chris Rader, Assistant Director of Residential Life, Sacred Heart University
Mary Feeny & Jared Otte, Bowditch and Dewey
Matthew Foster, Complex Coordinator, WPI
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 36
Something you want to see in The Navigator?
Let us know if there is something you’d like to see included in the
next issue!
If you have a question about the latest trends in housing and higher
education, but don’t know where to find the answer, let us do the work!
Are you the expert on a topic? Write an article and share your knowledge
with the Northeast. See page 40 in this issue for submission guidelines.
This newsletter is member- and
reader-driven, so your suggestions are important.
Email your feedback and suggestions to
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 37
Membership Spotlight Welcome to the NEACUHO Member Spotlight; each issue The Navigator will let you meet and learn
about the dedicated individuals that are part of NEACUHO. Meet up and introduce yourself to our
Spotlights at various NEACUHO Events
Position: Assistant Director of Residence Life
Institution: SUNY Purchase College
How long have you been in your current role? I‘ve been at
Purchase for 6 years and this is my 3rd year as an Assistant Director.
Education: M.A. in Higher Education in Student Affairs and B.S.
in Family Studies from University of Connecticut.
NEACUHO Involvement: In 2008, I signed up for my first
committee which was Professional Development Committee and
within PDC, I‘ve chaired Mid-Level Institute and Spring Drive-In
Conference. I‘ve also served on the Program Committee for 2 years
and now I‘m the Metro NY District Coordinator. I will be finishing
up my DC position at the end of the Annual Conference in 2012.
Biggest issue(s) facing new professionals and/or CHOs: I
think parents and sometimes grandparents are still a challenge for
us. Sometimes, they can be a great support for what we try to
accomplish with our students but sometimes they can be the
complete opposite. I had a parent call me to find out about the RA
selection process. I explained everything to her and ended our
conversation with ―make sure your daughter attends the information
session and encourage her to contact me with any questions.‖ But
not too long after, the same mother called me with more questions.
Yes, it is great that they want to be involved and are involved but
sometimes it takes away the opportunity for the student to grow.
What piece(s) of advice do you want to share with new
professionals about working in the field? When I was a new
professional, I did not know how to say ―no‖. I thought if I said ―no‖
that meant, I wasn‘t committed or that I was a bad staff
member. That really took a toll on me because instead of spending
time for myself where I can recoup, I was at work. In our field,
personal wellness is very important. Sometimes, it is OK to say ―no‖
to the late night events or supervising off campus events on the
weekends. Always, let you know supervisor know how you are
doing and what you are doing at work. You never know, sometimes
your supervisor will be the one saying ―no‖ for you because you‘ve
been working very hard.
Favorite tradition your department does: Our Director, John
Delate, takes us out for lunch at a local restaurant every semester.
He is a busy man on our campus. So it‘s nice to have his undivided
attention and talk to him about everything else but work.
Sometimes, he‘ll apologize and ask us about something work related
but those conversations do not last too long. We usually talk about
how we are doing, our future vacations/trips and crazy things
happening in the world. This especially helped during my first
semester at Purchase because it really allowed me to see John as a
person rather than just a supervisor.
Biggest challenge(s) you have faced: My first year as a
professional. I had been an RA for 3 years and even earned a
Master‘s degree but it still did not prepare me for my first hall
director job. I was so unsure of everything I did. I didn‘t know how
to supervise students who were only 2-3 years younger than me. I
surely did not know how to have an educational conversation during
judicial meetings. With help of colleagues and supervisors, I
survived my first year and grew tremendously as a professional.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I still
would be doing what I enjoy doing which is staff selection and
training. I really enjoy doing paraprofessional selection and
especially the meetings that I get to have with candidates who didn‘t
get a position. It‘s my opportunity help them grow so next time,
they can be selected for a position.
What does NEACUHO mean to you? NEACUHO is a lot like
my first RA position. It gave me opportunities to come out of my
shell and explore and grow as a professional. It is a safe place for me
Angela Kang
Phot
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THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 38
Membership Spotlight to ask questions, get honest feedback and receive tremendous
support. I honestly believe everyone should be involved with the
organization.
Position: Associate Dean for Cultural,
Residential and Spiritual Life. In my role, I direct
the Residential Life program and provide
oversight to the John D O‘Bryant African American institute, the
Latino Student Cultural Center, the Asian American Center and the
Spiritual Life Center.
Institution: Northeastern University
How long have you been in your current role? 3.5 years
Education: Master‘s Degree in Economics
NEACUHO Involvement: President/Past President Elect,
Member at Large/Mass District Representative, Vendor Chair,
Program Tri Chair
Biggest issue(s) facing new professionals and/or CHOs:
New professionals – lack of understanding of the role/place of
customer service in working with today‘ s students. CHOs - in the
midst of a busy environment where there are far too many difficult
and complex demands I find that our major challenge is slowing
down enough to speak to and learn from our junior staff members
and students.
What piece(s) of advice do you want to share with new
professionals about working in the field? Stay away from the
office drama, master your first job before you move to the
next, understand that politics and ‗game playing‘ are not the same
thing, and find a mentor (someone who knows more than you do).
Make sure that your brain is engaged before you put your mouth in
gear. When working with staff, say ‗yes‘ whenever you can, ‗no‘
when you must. Understand that your degree helped you get your
job… it absolutely won‘t help you keep your job. We must become
comfortable with principles of assessment as it is becoming
increasingly more important for us to describe and defend our value
to the institutions we work for. Be organized, take risks, have fun.
Opportunity knocks but temptation leans on the doorbell… Stay
away from the things that you KNOW you ought not do!
Finally…. Watch ‗the Walking Dead‘ – A GREAT Show.
Favorite tradition your department does: End of year awards
banquet for professional and para professional staff. They are
publically recognized and eternally shrined on our wall of fame.
Biggest challenge(s) you have faced: Terminating a staff
member. This is something I have had to do too many times. It‘s
never easy, I hope it never will be.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Working in Full
Time Ministry
What does NEACUHO mean to you? It has been my home and
has afforded me the opportunity to learn, meet wonderful people
that have become lifelong friends and learn skills that have been
critical to my career. It is where I got my start and where I hope to
finish.
Bob Jose
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 39
Thank you to all who submitted articles to the October issue of
The Navigator
You Make A Difference!
Tyrone Brown, Clark University Marissa Derderian, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Matthew Foster, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Bill Fox, ACUHO-I
Thomas Kelley, Rhode Island College Cindy Lake, SUNY Cortland
Chuck Lamb, Rochester Institute of Technology Cathy Raynis Meeker, Former NEACUHO Past President
Eric Rollo, Bay State College Jeremy Shepard, Bay State College
Sarah Unruh, SUNY Cortland
Photo of Kara Curcio provided by Tim Touchette.
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 40
Transitions and Recognitions Rochester Institute of Technology
Transitions
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is happy to welcome Marc Goldman to the staff as the new Associate Director of Residence Life. Marc joins us from the University of Illinois where he served for a number of years most recently as Senior Assistant Director of Residence Life and also held the positions of Area Coordinator and Assistant Director for Academic Programs during his 15 year tenure in Urbana-Champaign. Marc received his BA from Cornell College in Iowa and his MA from Syracuse University. He also earned an MS in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois. Marc also worked at Syracuse University for 2 years as an Complex Director prior to his term at Illinois. We would also like to recognize Sharon Kompalla as she has been promoted from Assistant Director of Residence Life-Apartment Area to Associate Director of Residence Life and is responsible for over 3,200 beds in the 5 different apartment communities at Rochester Institute of Technology as well as the Greek Housing area. Cha Ron Sattler, former Associate Director of Residence Life, has been named Associate Director of the Women's and Gender Center at RIT where she will assist with the delivery of services to a burgeoning aspect of the vibrant RIT campus. Bill St. Jean, former 2011 NEACUHO Conference Host chair, was recently honored by his peers at RIT as the recipient of the Staff Council Award for Excellence.
Assignment & Billing Coordinator: Northeastern University would like to announce that Luci-Jean Mary is the Senior Assignment & Billing Coordinator. Sheryl Bunnell is transitioning from Customer Service Manager to Assignment & Billing Coordinator.
Assistant Director: Northeastern University would like to announce that Kara Curcio was recently hired as the Assistant Director for Living Learning Community & Academic Initiatives. First Year Experience Specialist: Northeastern University would like to announce that Johanna Martin was recently hired as the First Year Experience Specialist.
Global Initiatives and Diversity Education Specialist: Northeastern University would also like to announce that Chong Kim was recently hired as the Global Initiatives and Diversity Education Specialist. Resident Directors: Northeastern University would like to announce that Curtis Creekmore (FLYS Complex), Kevin Dillon (Speare), James Frier (Stetson West), Emily Johnson (Stetson East) and Patrick Lesswig (West Villages B&C) were recently hired at Residence Directors.
Northeastern University Transitions
Photo of Patrick Lesswig provided by Tim Touchette.
Photo of Chong Kim provided by Tim Touchette.
NEACUHO is an organization of housing, residential life, and student services professionals and paraprofessionals within the Northeast region dedicated to providing opportunities for
colleague support, professional development, sharing of information, collaboration, communication, research, and recognition of outstanding contributions to the field.
The association serves member institutions within Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
The Navigator issue schedule:
The Navigator Article Submission Guidelines
When submitting an article, please complete to the following: Program: Microsoft Word Font Type: Perpetua (use Times New Roman if Perpetua is not available) Font size: 12 Spacing: use only one space after a period, not two Paragraphs: use line breaks between paragraphs, do not indent Formatting: refrain from using columns and text boxes; bullets and numbering are acceptable Author information: include the author name, job title, institution, and email address at the beginning of the article, before the
title Title: create a title for your article; include it after the author information and before the article text Graphics: charts, graphs, etc. may be formatted into the article as needed Photos:
Photos pertaining to the article should be inserted at the end of the article or emailed as an attachment; do not format them into the article
Include a photo of yourself and other authors; they should be submitted like other pictures Saving the document: the title of the document should be: TwoWordsofTitle.AuthorLastName (example: RoomSelection.Smith)
The Media and Publications Committee thanks you for taking the time to follow the Article Submission Guidelines.
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 41
NEACUHO is an organization of housing, residential life, and student services professionals and paraprofessionals within the Northeast region dedicated to providing opportunities for
colleague support, professional development, sharing of information, collaboration, communication, research, and recognition of outstanding contributions to the field.
The association serves member institutions within Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
The Navigator issue schedule:
The Navigator Article Submission Guidelines
When submitting an article, please complete to the following: Program: Microsoft Word Font Type: Perpetua (use Times New Roman if Perpetua is not available) Font size: 12 Spacing: use only one space after a period, not two Paragraphs: use line breaks between paragraphs, do not indent Formatting: refrain from using columns and text boxes; bullets and numbering are acceptable Author information: include the author name, job title, institution, and email address at the beginning of the article, before the
title Title: create a title for your article; include it after the author information and before the article text Graphics: charts, graphs, etc. may be formatted into the article as needed Photos:
Photos pertaining to the article should be inserted at the end of the article or emailed as an attachment; do not format them into the article
Include a photo of yourself and other authors; they should be submitted like other pictures Saving the document: the title of the document should be: TwoWordsofTitle.AuthorLastName (example: RoomSelection.Smith)
The Media and Publications Committee thanks you for taking the time to follow the Article Submission Guidelines.
NAVIGATOR THE
Submit to
April Submit articles by March 12
Newsletter distributed week of April 9
June Submit articles by May 7
Newsletter distributed week of June 4
February Submit articles by January 16
Newsletter distributed week of February13
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
PAGE 42
NEACUHO Mission Statement
NEACUHO is an organization of housing, residential life, and student services professionals and paraprofessionals within the Northeast region dedicated to providing opportunities for
colleague support, professional development, sharing of information, collaboration, communication, research, and recognition of outstanding contributions to the field.
The association serves member institutions within Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Meet our Corporate Partners and Associates Adirondack Solutions, Inc. Dr. Maura Cullen Dynamic Influence Foliot Furniture John Savoy & Son, Inc. L.A.M. Enterprises, Inc. Proforma– Schrader and
Schrader
twitter name “NEACUHO”
Facebook Group: “NEACUHO and friends”
Facebook Page:
facebook.com/NEACUHO
Want to stay connected with NEACUHO?
Feedback & Suggestions?
We’d love to hear from you. Share your comments, feedback, suggestions, and questions about The Navigator with us so we can better serve you!
Email your feedback to [email protected]!
THE NAVIGATOR • DECEMBER 2011
2011-12 Executive Board
President Paula Randazza Rivier College [email protected]
President-Elect Cindy Long Porter Quinnipiac University [email protected]
Past President Jennifer Hapgood Binghamton University [email protected]
Treasurer Kim Schmidl-Gagne Keene State College [email protected]
Secretary Jen Golojuch Mount Ida College [email protected]
Connecticut/Rhode Island Jen Crane Quinnipiac University [email protected]
Maine/New Hampshire Zachary Irish Saint Anslem College [email protected]
Massachusetts Eric Rollo Bay State College [email protected]
Eastern NY/ Vermont Joe Murphy Skidmore College [email protected]
Metro NY Angela Kang Purchase College [email protected]
Western NY Kristen Eldridge Tompkins Cortland Community College [email protected]
Annual Conference Tim Touchette Northeastern University [email protected]
Corporate Relations Katheryn Bradford Westfield State University [email protected]
Media and Publications Pete Nardone Binghamton University [email protected]
New Professionals Committee Casey Wall Binghamton University [email protected]
Professional Development Kristin Murphy Fitchburg State University [email protected]
Program Committee David Stender Johnson and Wales University [email protected]
Residential Operations Rich Bova Brown University [email protected]
Risk Management and Legal Issues Shruti Tekwani Wentworth Institute of Technology [email protected]
Social Issues Chair Tanika Mangum Newbury College [email protected]
Membership Coordinator Stephanie Ketterl Saint John Fisher College [email protected]
Technology Coordinator Mike Hamilton Worchester Polytechnic Institute [email protected]
Historian/Strategic Initiative Gary Bice Jr. SUNY Fredonia [email protected]
Parliamentarian Julie Hershkowitz Northeastern University [email protected]
Elected Officers
Appointed Board Members
District Coordinators
Coordinators
Presidential Appointments
PAGE 43