2023 Residence Life Conference

RESIDENCE LIFE CONFERENCE

A special thank you to all of our presenters and attendees for making this Residence Life Conference a success! Meg Rebecca Jomo Felix Sabrinah

RESIDENCE LIFE CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

MEET THE RESIDENCE LIFE AND EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT TEAM

ACC PORTFOLIO MAP

Our Mission

Consistently provide every resident with an environment conducive to healthy living, personal growth, academic achievement and professional success.

RESIDENCE LIFE MODEL

The Department of Residence Life focus on providing the tools, resources, and support that enable property staff to cultivate an inclusive residential experience and allow residents to feel connected to their community while achieving academic success.

To create inclusive communities where students feel connected, are involved in the university community, and are academically successful.

To develop partnerships with our affiliated universities which support the residents' academic success.

To support the financial objectives of the community by creating a vibrant and desirable student community.

RESIDENCE LIFE CONFERENCE HOSTS

Meg Nicholson

Res Life Conference Co-Host

I am so privileged to serve as your conference co-host! I joined the American Campus team in 2004 as an AGM and currently serve as the Director of Residence Life. My main role is to support the property staff in creating a strong sense of community among residents. Back in 2021, I was asked to collaborate with Jomo McCormack and create a Residence Life Conference for Melinda Farmer’s region. The conference expanded and became open for everyone in 2022.

The purpose of our Residence Life Conference is to provide an open forum where we can share our expertise with one another, sharpen our skills and improve our systems to create the best resident experience possible. I can’t wait for our conference this year!

Jomo McCormack

Res Life Conference Co-Host

I joined the Canadian Campus Communities team in 2016 as a Resident Manager. I currently serve as the Area Residence Life Manager for the Canadian Portfolio and work with our team of Residence Life Coordinators (Resident Directors) and Community Assistants, to ensure the creation, development and execution of a strong Residence Life & Student Engagement program at our CCC communities that Puts Students First.

My favorite Core Value is to Be Passionate, as I strongly believe that what the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve!

BUILDING COMMUNITY Breakdown

Staff Training - Personnel

Scenario-Based Training - Implement simulation training sessions focused on homesick residents, alcohol/substance parties, suicidal ideation and/or self-harm situations, etc.

Develop University Relationships - Form working relationship with local university mental health departments for collaboration and support opportunities that can include:

Walk-in counseling sessions on property for residents

Collaboration resident events with university department(s)

Connect Staff and Residents to Community Resources - Take your team on a scavenger hunt across campus to identify what mental health resources are on campus

Download our University Resources Handout on the Residence Life SharePoint page to outline university resources for your residents and staff to easily access.

Community Building

OBTAIN the knowledge on how to create a supportive environment for your residents.

Take advantage of the training resources provided and review past practices

MAINTAIN that supportive environment for your residents and staff.

Plan resident events and using ALL resident interaction as an opportunity to build community.

SUSTAIN property and company initiatives by making them part of your community.

Utilize planning resources such as your SMP and Res Life campaign documents

Resident Events

Our goal with Residence Life Events are to create inclusive communities where students feel connected, are involved in the university community, and are academically successful.

Proactive <-> Reactive Event Planning

Each interaction you have with your residents is an opportunity to set them up for success and alleviate stressors. Think about what stressors our residents have and how can we proactively set them up for success.

Example: Stressed about not knowing where classes are, go do class crawl tours before school starts Or teach your residents about simple cooking hacks so that they still get good nutrition for their health.

GUEST SPEAKERS Let's meet our speakers

Residence life is essential to the daily experience our residents have within our community. Residence life is a platform that encompasses events, resources and support to all of our students. It is not only necessary to create community in the social setting through residential life, but most importantly to create an environment of a greater sense of belonging and inclusivity where students can be their authentic selves and utilize tools provided so that they can be successful in their academics and everyday home life.

Moses Olukoya Regional Manager

A strong residence life program is crucial to the success and longevity of our operations. Residence Life provides community and support for students who may be away from home for the first time. It also offers valuable resources such as academic support, mental health services, and social events, contributing to a well-rounded college experience. Our students should always leave our facilities better than they came in, starting with facilitating well-rounded programs.

Georgianna Patterson

Rae Ann Pearson Regional Vice President Director of Human Resources

I think residence life at its core, directly impacts our customer – the student residents. The focus on creating a unique and positive experience for our residents is what sets us apart from other housing organizations. When we pour resources into our resident programs, we pour into our communities.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Support Linc - Employee Assistance

Emotional wellbeing and work-life balance resources to keep you at your best. SupportLinc offers expert guidance to help you and your family address and resolve everyday issues.

In-the-moment support

Reach a licensed clinician by phone

24/7/365 for immediate assistance.

Financial expertise

Consultation and planning with a financial counselor.

Legal consultation

By phone or inperson with a local attorney.

Short-term counseling

Access up to six (6) nocost counseling sessions, in-person or via video, to resolve stress, depression, anxiety, work-related pressures, relationship issues or substance abuse.

Convenience resources

Referrals for child and elder care, home repair, housing needs, education, pet care and so much more.

Confidentiality

Strict confidentiality standards ensure no one will know you have accessed the program without your written permission except as required by law.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Support Linc - Employee Assistance

Your web portal and mobile app

The one-stop shop for program services, information and more. Discover on-demand training to boost wellbeing and life balance. Find search engines, financial calculators and career resources. Explore thousands of articles, tip sheets, self-assessments and videos.

Start with Navigator

Take the guesswork out of your emotional fitness! Visit your web portal or mobile app to complete the short Mental Health Navigator survey. You’ll immediately receive personalized guidance to access support and resources.

Convenient, on-the-go support

Textcoach

Personalized coaching with a licensed counselor on mobile or desktop.

Animo

Self-guided resources to improve focus, wellbeing and emotional fitness.

Virtual Support Connection

Moderated group support sessions on an anonymous, chat-based platform

RESOURCES FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Hi, how are you project

This information helps to mold our business practices in almost every department. This is a golden opportunity to hear how our residents experience a unique residential experience.

Mental health university

partners

Don't forget to check out your local University partnerships and counseling centers. They have some great resources in place.

College Student Mental Wellness Advocacy

COALITION

The College Student Mental Wellness Advocacy Coalition envisions a world where all young adults thrive with the support of residential communities who teams are dedicated to promoting and advocating for mental wellness.

A CASE STUDY: ACC SOLVE IT!

The 2nd Annual ACC Solve It! Challenge is here - this case study is a detailed examination or real world situation that needs a resolution.

The fall semester has kicked off and you have just challenged your CA staff to come up with events that their residents want to see during the annual RAW week. That same day one of your CAs approaches and informs you of a conversation they just had with a resident The resident confided to your CA that they have felt extremely homesick since moving in because their family lives several hours away, and they do not have a car The resident also revealed that they feel lonely and have struggled to venture outside of their room to connect with other residents in the community. The conversation goes unfinished because the resident must go to class The CA tells the resident they will reconnect this evening to finish talking, then comes to you for advice.

1. How would you help the CA prepare for the conversation that evening?

2. What are the services that your university or community can offer that would be beneficial to this resident? How would you connect this resident with said student services and resources?

3. How would you support your CA in following up with their resident?

Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit responses to our case study!

TJ Shepeard

Cassie Hughes

Sydney Sanders

Kate Slatton

Madeline Lee

Brittany Gates

Jorden Green

Brianna Yanes

Alan Guilloux

Morgan Davis

Kamari Holley

Ashton Ballinger

Corey Cummings

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Daniel Travieso

Amber Williamson

CASE STUDY FINALISTS

Cristina Aranda Residence Life Coordinator 814 - CampusOne

“I will ask the CA to host a special event to reach all residents who may be experiencing this same situation. The program will be called: From CampusOne with Love - In this event residents will be able to send out a CampusOne Postcard to their homes.”

Aaron Stormes Assistant General Manager

555 - The Village on Sixth

"I would take the initiative with the CA to provide them with an At-Door Warm & Fuzzy Package. What does this mean? I’m so glad you asked! A Warm & Fuzzy package is a package to bring joy to the resident and show that the community is there for them.”

Lisa Williams Assistant General Manager 308 - University Commons

“Avoid Rushing the Conversation: Encourage the CA to take their time with the conversation It’s important that the resident feels heard and understood, so the CA should not rush to find solutions right away. ”

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK!

Help us continue to improve our Residence Life Conference. Share your thoughts using this QR code.

We value your feedback and hope to make this experience worthwhile.

FOCUS FORUMS

OCTOBER – Oct 11th & 12th

TOPIC: Operations Overview

OCTOBER – Oct 18th & 19th

TOPIC: SMP Resident Events

OCTOBER – Oct 25th & 26th

TOPIC: Supervision and Staff Development