Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
M A Cmagazine UHO
INSIDE THIS ISSUE TURNING 40, MACUHO MATURES TEN STEPS TOWARDS MOTIVATING STAFF DEVELOPING A NEW BRAND FOR MACUHO
Delaware • District of Columbia • Maryland • New jersey • Pennsylvania • West Virginia
TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter From the President
04
UPDATES 2012 Annual Survey Results
06
Annual Financial Report
07
FY 2011 Final Budget and FY 2012 Approved Budget
07
CONFERENCE Case Study Wrap UP
10
This Year’s MACUHO-REC
11
Award Descriptions
12
MACUHO AWARDS 2012
13
Turning 40, MACUHO Matures
14
2012 MACUHO Conference Photo Gallery
18
My Time As President
20
EVENTS Mid-Atlantic Placement Conference (MAPC) 2013
22
FEATURES Ten Steps Towards Motivating Staff
24
MACUHO Corporate Partner Program
28
Student Staff Live-In Experience
30
The Volunteer Incentive Program
32
Developing a New Brand for MACUHO
34
RA Training Goes Conference-Style
36
Move In Day with IPads
40
Repairing our ‘Ruef’ Community
44
THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS Sean P. Killion
Derek Mulvey
Kenrick Roberts
Brandt Grobeis
Devin Budhram
Alicia Moore
Vinita Tandon
Jesse Michel
Greg Costanzo
Michael Bumbry
Stephanie Giangrande
Angela M. Brockman
Ann DeStefano
Anne Elizabeth Greenip
EDITORS Christina Moran Philadelphia University DESIGNERS Morgan Knepper
Kate Cassidy
Temple University
Temple University
WI NTER IS SU E
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
“GREETINGS,
MACUHO FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES!
I’M IN!”
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MACUH O
MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
O
n November 8,
To our new profession-
Association structure with the
2012, I declared
als reading this article, think
consolidation of the Business
to you, echoing
about that for a minute. Our
Operations and Communica-
the words of
colleagues who have left the
tions functional area. Our new
our ACUHO-I
MACUHO region to live and work
views on Corporate Partnerships
President, Vennie Gore, that “I
all across the country came to
and the MACUHO Magazine
am IN!” I was heartened to hear
Baltimore to reunite with their
will result in a refined, polished,
the same words repeated back
MACUHO friends and col-
and professional approach
to me by so many of you that
leagues. In his outgoing speech
to these new critical areas.
night, via social media the next
(and reinforced in my incoming
few days, and through e-mail.
speech), MACUHO Past President
opening remarks I made in
“I’m IN!” was the declaration that
Shigeo Iwamiya talked about
Baltimore: To make a success-
Finally, I repeat to you the
you are indeed committing to be a part of MACUHO, the finest housing/residence life professional organization in our region! This is my first MACUHO Magazine update to you as your new president. I’m very excited to write to you today, and I hope you are equally as
“TO MAKE A SUCCESSFUL YEAR IN MACUHO, BLEND TOGETHER EQUAL PARTS OF EFFICIENCY, ENGAGEMENT, AND BRAND.”
excited to hear from me! In early November, MACUHO gathered in Baltimore, MD at our
the level of involvement that
ful year in MACUHO, blend
Annual Conference to celebrate
you could have in MACUHO.
together equal parts of Effi-
our 40th Anniversary. I was
Both he and I hope that you’ll
ciency, Engagement, and Brand.
pleased to be part of the celebra-
be on that stage someday to
I’m confident that the 2012-2013
tion and was happy to welcome
accept the MACUHO gavel and
MACUHO Executive Board will
over 100 new delegates to the
the challenge to lead our As-
do just that and I look forward
Annual Conference. Our profes-
sociation for twelve months.
to the next year … together.
sion is growing by leaps and
The 2012-2013 MACUHO year
bounds; we are welcoming new
will see many new initiatives
professionals at a fantastic rate!
and challenges. In Baltimore, I
At the same time, we
announced some changes and
welcomed 19 past-presidents to
expansions of the MACUHO
the conference. We welcomed
Executive Board. I welcomed
them home. For many, this was
Joe Peltzer as the first MACUHO
a homecoming; they’d traveled
social media coordinator. I also
from across the country to cel-
announced a minor change to
ebrate our 40th birthday party.
reporting structures of our new
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UPDATES
IMPORTANT ASSOCIATION
– UPDATES–
2012 Annual Survey Results We would like to extend a big thank you to
5.97%! Would you believe that out of those who
everyone who responded to the 2012 Annual
responded to our survey, the strongest growth
Survey this summer. 129 respondents answered
in our organization is in the New Jersey region
25 questions, and the results were very interest-
with an explosive 9.28% increase in participa-
ing! We learned, for example, that although it is
tion since last year? Way to go, New Jersey!
still the most commonly used tool, we are seeing that email usage as a primary means of communication is decreasing from last year by 2.7%
We would also like to announce the winners of our $25 Target gift card drawing. Congratulations to:
while social networks (+5.73%) and the MACUHO Magazine (+2.79%) are gaining popularity. We also learned that there has been an increase in graduate participation in the Annual Survey since last year (a jump of 8.12%!). Could the
• Matthew Zielinski, Busch Housing and Residence Life Office • Tamar Lawson-McPherson of New Jersey City University
stratification of communication have to do with
• Mindy Somerville of Robert Morris University
our graduate students introducing new technol-
• Conal F. Carr of Penn State University
ogy to our field? Quite possibly! And are you also noticing this next trend on your campus?
If you’re interested in finding out more about the
We’re seeing a general increase of Conference
results from our Annual Survey, please visit the full
Services responsibilities in our membership over
report, available on our website www.macuho.org.
the last year by 4.64% while the number of student conduct responsibilities has DECREASED by
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MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT The following financial information was presented at the MACUHO Annual Business Meeting on November 8, 2012.
CHECKING/SAVINGS ACCOUNT BALANCES
Account
As of Annual Meeting (11/8/2012)
As of 12/5/2012
Business Checking
$126,497.16
$69,495.18
Business Performance Savings
$53,898.80
$53,903.59
Business Savings
$19,361.26
$19,361.38
Total Funds
$199,757.22
$142,760.15
NOTE: The differences in account balances over
Thanks to the great work of Jennifer Thorpe, our
the last month reflect settlement of the expenses
sponsorship coordinator, we raised $11,550 in 2012
from our Annual Conference in Baltimore and
via our Corporate Partner Program. This money
interest accrued on the savings accounts.
was used in part to support the annual conference, and the remainder will go toward supporting new MACUHO initiatives in the future.
FY 2011 Final Budget and FY 2012 Approved Budget We ended the 2011 fiscal year with a small
year extends from January to December.
surplus of just over $11,000. This money
Access to the final budget for FY 2011
was moved forward and reallocated in
and the budget approved by the Execu-
the fiscal year 2012 budget, for which the
tive Board for FY 2012 may be found on
Executive Board approved an operat-
MACUHO.org under the “Latest News” link.
ing budget of $84,603. MACUHO’s fiscal
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MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
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Case Study Wrap UP With another conference closed and the 40th
their recommendations for the administration.
celebration of MACUHO over, the Personal and
They then had 10 minutes to present and take
Professional Development Committee (PPD) would
questions from our judges and the audience.
like to thank the Baltimore Host Committee and the Executive Board for a great conference. If you were unable to join us in Charm City or
This year our esteemed judging panel included Katie Boone, past MACUHO president and Director of Residential Life at UMBC; Craig
were there and didn’t get the scoop on the case
Allen, past MACUHO president and Director
study competition, here is a quick wrap up.
of Residential Services at TCU; and Kevin Feil
PPD once again sponsored and organized the New
Director of Residence Life at York College of
Professional Case Study Competition. There was an
Pennsylvania. Through their deliberation, Chris-
unprecedented 25 people who said they were in-
topher Bryant from Shepherd University and
terested in the competition. Unfortunately we could
Natalie Liston from Shippensburg University
only choose six teams of two to participate. We are
were selected as the winning pair. Christopher
hoping this interest continues to future conferences!
and Natalie won free registration to the 2013
This year’s prompt centered on a fictitious in-
MACUHO annual conference in Pittsburgh, PA.
stitution at which the administration was contemplating putting security cameras in the resi-
Thank you to our judges, all those who participated,
dence halls in reaction to the vandalism, safety
and the PPD Committee (especially Jess Oswald
and security concerns, and parent concerns.
who organized and guided our participants)!
Each group had a little more than a day to put together their reaction to the prompt as well as
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MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
This Year’s MACUHO-REC Our Region’s Best (ORB) Award Recipients Each year, Residence Life supervisors from
• RA Halei Van Dyke - Felician College
throughout the Mid-Atlantic region are invited by
• RA Sarah Hann - University of Delaware
the MACUHO Recognition, Education & Connec-
• RA Madison Helmick - University of Delaware
tions Committee (REC) to nominate outstand-
• RA Sarah MacDonald - University of Delaware
ing student staff members from their universi-
• RA Martin Petrella - University of Delaware
ties who go above and beyond the call of duty
• RA Stephanie Schmidt - University of Delaware
and exemplify a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
• RA Vincent Tavella - Delaware Valley College
Winners receive an award plaque and conference registration for attendance at the upcoming MACUHO SSLI Conference. We would like to congratulate the fol-
• R A Alyssa Calderon - York College of Pennsylvania • RA Heather Dachiu - York College of Pennsylvania • RA Jackie Gibat - York College of Pennsylvania
lowing three RAs for being selected by the
• RA Meredith Hunt - York College of Pennsylvania
MACUHO REC committee as the 2012 Our
• RA Kelly Kolb - York College of Pennsylvania
Region’s Best (ORB) award recipients:
• RA Joe Mayes - York College of Pennsylvania • RA Kristen Gioffre - Towson University
RA Victoria Winslow – University of Delaware RA Tiffany Marriner – Delaware Valley College
Congratulations again to the winners and
RA Michel’le Bryant – Fair Leigh
the nominees; we hope to see even more
great RAs nominated next year!
Dickinson University
We had a total of 19 nominations, making
Sincerely,
the selection for this year’s award recipients very difficult. All the RAs nominated are ex-
Steven Couras
cellent and we look forward to hearing about
Co-Chair MACUHO-REC Committee
their continued success at their universities.
Assistant Area Coordinator Office of Residence Life
The MACUHO REC Committee would
Stevens Institute of Technology
like to recognize the following RAs for being nominated by their supervisors:
Dawn Ohanessian Co-Chair MACUHO-REC Committee
• R A William Capon III - Stevens Institute of Technology • R A Carolina Pelaez - Stevens In-
Assistant Director for Training and Development Housing and Residence Life Seton Hall University
stitute of Technology
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Award Descriptions Mid-Level Professional Award Intended to recognize significant contributions to our field by mid-level professionals. The recipient should be someone who has worked fulltime in the field of housing and residence life for between 4-8 years. The first Mid-Level Professional Award was presented at the 2007 Annual Conference in West Virginia. The David Butler Distinguished Service Award Intended to recognize contributions to MACUHO which are lasting and significant over a period of years. The recipient should be a consistent participant in and supporter of MACUHO activities. The James Hurd Outstanding Service Award Intended to recognize outstanding contributions to MACUHO by a committee members or executive member over the past year (since the last Annual Conference). The Ann Webster New Professional Award Intended to recognize significant institutional and/or regional contributions to our field. The recipient should be someone who has worked fulltime in the field of Housing/Residence Life for less than three years. The Vendor of the Year Award Intended to recognize outstanding contribution and commitment to the work and mission of the Association by a vendor. The Professional COLORS/Commiment to Social Justice Award Awarded to the individual who has done outstanding work in educating students, staff, and faculty of diversity related issues. Excellence in Operations Award Awarded to the individual(s) who have demonstrated excellence in housing operations, assignments, and/or facilities management.
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MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
MACUHO Awards 2012 Presidents Gavel
Shigeo Iwamiya
Nominated and Host Awards
Ann Webster New Professional Award
Morgan Sharpless
James Hurd Outstanding Service Award
Olan Garrett
David G. Butler Distingished Service Award
David Clurman
Vendor of the Year Award
Bar Z Adventures
Mid-Level Professional Award
Laura Randolph
Commitment to Social Justice Award
Tim Cherney
Excellence in Operations Award
Karen Kostelny
Host 2012 Chairs
David Clurman
Brian Medina
Outgoing Board Member Plaques - Committees
Recruitment & Retention Committee Co-Chair
Jane Sanchez
Rec., Educ., & Connections Committee Co-Chair
Dawn Ohanessian
Personal & Professional Development
AJ Nudo
Outgoing Board Member Plaques - Regional Coordinator’s
Delaware/Maryland Regional Coordinator
Joseph Uter
Central Pennsylvania Regional Coordinator
Sherri Sadowski
North East Pennsylvania Regional Coordinator
Chris Ottey
New Jersey
Lynn Riker
South East Pennsylvania
RJ Carroll
West Virginia Regional Coordinator
Stephanie Hurley
Outgoing Board Member Plaques - Officer’s/Director’s/Coordinator’s
Director of Annual Programs
Dana Severance
Macuho Magazine
Matthew LaBrasseur
Macuho Magazine Editor
Deborah Scheibler
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– TURNING 40, MACUHO MATURES – MACUHO’s 40th birthday only shows that,
launched a text-based evaluation system to reduce
like any good wine, we get better with time.
its own paper use for the conference. The Diversity
This year’s annual conference worked to high-
Committee hosted a service-learning project with
light the many wonderful years in MACUHO’s
Baltimore-based Moveable Feast, where partici-
history, providing hundreds of professionals
pants prepared hundreds of meals and discussed
with the context to the many changes clearly
this opportunity during the afternoon PDP session.
evident over four decades. The Tremont Plaza
Shigeo Iwamiya also unveiled our new asso-
Hotel and Grand space was a way to show how
ciation logo. We encourage you to go to www.
‘classy’ we can be while also maintaining our
macuho.org to see the new format, colors, and
core values and strengths as an association.
how this expresses a new chapter to MACUHO’s
For those who attended the conference,
history. These many changes were an effort to
you hopefully explored the many opportuni-
enhance and better emphasize the many great
ties offered to professionals in our field. Whether
things already accomplished through MACUHO now
you attended the Committee Expo, introduced
updated for an era filled with tweets and apps.
yourself to exhibitors, attended the many outstand-
Finally, we want to thank all of you who
ing workshops, or simply networked with col-
attended, volunteered, presented, and planned
leagues over good food, there was ample reason
for the 2012 Annual Conference. Without your
to be thankful for MACUHO’s “family-feel.”
participation and assistance, the Host Commit-
Attendees may have also noticed new initiatives for the annual conference. For those with smart-
tee would not have been able to provide such an amazing opportunity for so many in our region.
phones and tablets, the Guidebook App was a free download for conference attendees to manage their
Sincerely,
schedule, check out vendor website information,
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and see the evening entertainment options without
David Clurman and Brian Medina
the use of a paper. The Program Committee also
Host 2012 Co-Chairs
MACUH O
MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
2012 Highlights by the numbers • Nearly 300 delegates representing over 140 college and universities registered • 56 workshops were presented over the 3 days of the conference • 47 exhibitors with 55 display booths attended the conference • 19 past presidents of MACUHO were in attendance • $4036 was raised from the annual basket raffle
Program Award Winners at the 2012 Annual Conference Region’s Best Marcellus Connor, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore “Tips and Tools to Becoming a Friendlier Housing Professional” Best Presentation by a New Professional Dillon Eppenstein, Philadelphia University - “The Declining Involvement of Men on Campus and the Impact of Men’s Expectations and Perceptions of College” Best 30-Minute Presentation Julie Mulé, Lafayette College - “Repairing Our “Ruef” Community” Best Poster Presentation Shelly Burkholder, Albright College - “The Ripple Effect: The Community Development Programming Model – Intentional Residence Education/Curriculum Programming” Turning 40, MACUHO Matures
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WI NTER IS SU E Turning 40, MACUHO Matures
Special Thanks to the Host Committee 2012!
LIST OF VIPs
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Martin Petrella
University of Delaware
Alexa Kline
Salisbury University
Nicole Rizzuto
College of Saint Elizabeth
Pananya Kamkourkong
Felician College
Kyle Stuber
Montclair State University
Samuel Case
Rowan University
Brandon Quiles
Rutgers University- Camden
Felix Gouanette
Shepherd University
Erin Hensley
Marshall University
Amanda Gilmore
DeSales University
James Thren
Shippensburg University
Huong Nguyen
Washington and Jefferson College
MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
Special Thanks to our Sponsors! AJ Stationers – Binders and Index Tab Dividers ASI Campus Laundry – CHO Reception Balfour Beatty Campus Solutions – NJ Regional Dinner Design Collective, Inc. – Casino Night, including Refreshments Chartwells – Host Shirts Foliot Furniture – Karaoke Night L.A.M. – Conference Bags MacGray – SEPA Regional Dinner Public Identity – Name Badges Stanley Security – Wireless Access
Turning 40, MACUHO Matures
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MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
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MY TIME AS PRESIDENT BY: SHIGEO IWAMIYA, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY-NEWARK
Back in 2001, when I attended by first MACUHO conference in Cherry Hill, NJ, I sat in the
of both regional and interna-
leadership structure changed
tional associations of ACUHO-I.
through the year and created a
During my time, I tried to focus
group of individuals that made
audience towards the back of
my attention on learning beyond
me look amazing as well. Dana,
the room during the recogni-
the conference, and kick started
Grace, Shana, Jen, Olan, Derek
tion dinner and wondered who
our webinar program. I am glad
and Lulu, thanks for all the hard
all the people were on stage
I was able to use my connec-
work you did, and I couldn’t have
and listened to them talk about
tions that I have created through
done this without you! While
MACUHO. They spoke as if it was
the power of social media and
the Director team was hard at
the one of the most amazing
bring them on as presenters as
work, Sean, Joe, Greg, Crystal and
experience of their career. Their
well. I hope you were able to
Olan, I can’t even express how
stories were remarkable and I
participate in these amazing
much it meant to me to be part
was moved that an organization
programs throughout the year.
of this group. The elected officer
could have this kind of profound
Also, in anticipation of our
group helped me see the bigger
effect on so many people. At
40th Anniversary conference in
picture and showed me the way.
that very moment, I promised
Baltimore, MD, I started com-
A president is often defined
myself that I would someday
municating with our past presi-
by their supporters, and I have
be president of MACUHO.
dents. It was one of the most
to say, everything I did within
amazing experiences to be able
MACUHO is because the execu-
Reading, PA, I had my opportu-
to connect with all of the men
tive board was there to support
nity to make that promise come
and women that carried the gavel
me for every step of the way.
true. When taking the presidency,
before me. Many of the past
the one thing I promised myself
presidents shared their cherished
For everyone that was involved
is that when I look back when it
memories of their presidency and
in a committee, region or a task-
was all over, I wanted to say that I
helped me see the long line of
force, you are the reason that our
did it all without regret. It was an
amazing talent I represented as
association is where it is today.
absolute joy to get to know you,
well. Seeing so many of the past
It’s the programs at the confer-
and work on so many projects. I
presidents all in one room during
ences, it’s the placement confer-
got to see MACUHO in a whole
the 2012 conference will be an
ence that continues our growth,
different way, and got to connect
experience that I will never forget.
it’s the mentoring of the next
10 years later, in 2011, at
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During 2011 and 2012, our
But the list doesn’t stop there.
generation, it’s our attention to
MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
construction and facilities, it’s our
towards our common goal of
and you gave me one of the
relationship with our vendors,
creating a better experience for
biggest opportunities that I could
it’s our recognition programs,
housing professionals, and thus,
possibly imagine. You essentially
it’s our regional drive-in confer-
creating a rich experience for our
were my spotlight that helped
ences, it’s our social justice ini-
students all around the region.
me shine. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your president,
tiatives, it is in our very fabric
I did my best to represent the
of every little involvement and
association in a positive way and
and I am eternally humbled by all
commitment that our members
let the Housing and Residence
the support and love I received.
give to our association that
Life world know that there is
makes all of our programs work.
amazing talent in MACUHO. You
Sincerely,
It has been humbling to watch
taught me everything I needed
Shigeo
all of our professionals work
to know to fulfill the presidency,
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EVENTS
Mid-Atlantic Placement Conference (MAPC) 2013 February 21 and 22, 2013 | Reading Crowne Plaza | Reading, PA By: Alexander Tsikerdanos
It is that time of the year again. The leaves have begun to turn and it feels like it will snow any day now. That means it is time to start thinking about the Mid-Atlantic Placement Conference (MAPC)! Since 1996 professionals have been using the MAPC to recruit and be recruited by the schools of the Mid-Atlantic region. Many recent graduates have found their starts in our field at Delaware, Lancaster, and now in Reading. Here are the top three reasons to attend the MAPC: • Low Cost. Attending a national conference can cost you hundreds of dollars. Early bird registration is only $70 for candidates and $95 for employers. With minimal travel costs, you cannot afford to pass this up. • Warm Atmosphere: The MAPC Host committee prides itself on creating an environment where candidates and employers can feel comfortable. • Stay Connected! The annual conference isn’t the only time to catch up with friends
Registration is open now, and Early-Bird
and colleagues! There are plenty of op-
registration ends January 21st. Sign up
portunities to catch up at the MAPC.
through the MACUHO website today!
Interest in the MAPC has continued to grow over
“Mid-Atlantic Placement Conference:
the years. The host site of last year’s annual con-
Making successful employment matches in
ference, the Reading Crowne Plaza was a great
the Mid-Atlantic Region since 1996!”
site for us last year’s MAPC and will be a great site this year. You will not find a more cost-effective and accessible opportunity. If you have been to the MAPC before, we hope that you will come back. If you have never been, join us in Reading!
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MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
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FEATURES
TEN STEPS TOWARDS MOTIVATING STAFF By: Becky Falto, an Area Coordinator in the Office of Residence Life at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey.
As we approach the start of a new semester, it’s a good time to review how your staff is doing and find ways to help them stay motivated now that the kickoff highs are over! This is especially challenging for student staff. Here are ten tips to help you keep your staff morale high.
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MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
1. Start by setting realistic expectations for
4. Challenge your staff and provide them with
yourself as a supervisor. While you play a significant
new experiences that can help them learn and
role in creating a work environment that is positive
grow. Balance having staff members work in their
for your staff, you need to remember that you can’t
strong areas with having them work on their weaker
single-handedly determine their level of enthusi-
areas as well. But don’t set them up for failure or
asm for the job or remove their personal obstacles
being overwhelmed. For example, don’t have them
and challenges. If you come into the job thinking
take the lead on designing event flyers if they truly
that you can do this, you will always feel like you
struggle with creative tasks; just don’t exclude
are coming up short. Instead, view yourself as the
them from these functions either. That person can
person who gives them the tools and surroundings
be part of a team to help plan the event publicity,
where success is possible. When a staff member
but the team should be led by someone who has
struggles, your role is to help them identify those
a genuine interest and talent for this kind of work.
challenges and the resources available to them.
Then, it is a win-win. When possible, create opportunities for staff to develop new skills, via resources
2. Reflect on your own work experiences and
such as manuals, training sessions, and attendance
look for times in your career when you’ve been
at professional development functions such as
most motivated. Why were you more moti-
MACUHO’s Student Staff Live-In (SSLI) conference.
vated then? What work conditions helped contribute to that feeling? What did your supervisor
5. Reward your staff in ways big and small for
do to help boost your morale and productiv-
a job well done. When staff members go above
ity? Can you create similar conditions for your
and beyond, praise their efforts in front of other
staff? Often the best way to figure out what
staff members to not only congratulate them but
your staff may need is to identify when you
also to inspire the others to do the same. Even
yourself have (or have not) had that need met.
when they have simply done a good job handling their regular job duties, do what you can to ac-
3. Get to know your staff and what their inter-
knowledge that what they’re doing is not always
ests and skills are. Try to assign work based on
fun or easy. For instance, when an RA on my staff
that information whenever possible and ap-
does a great job checking and prepping rooms
propriate. This may seem obvious, but it’s easy
before residents move in, I’ll offer to buy his or
to overlook this strategy during busy times and
her lunch on our budget as a thank you for a
it is so important for engaging staff and keeping
task that is very tedious and physically demand-
them interested. For example, suppose you super-
ing. It’s a small gesture but one they appreciate,
vise resident assistants who are planning a large-
which often motivates them to continue doing a
scale event. Why not assign the more artistic staff
good job. It shows them they’re appreciated.
members to handle the event publicity, while your more logical, detail-oriented staff members can
6. When a staff member is not meeting expecta-
handle gathering the needed supplies, and the
tions, address the issue privately. Speak with the
more outgoing, social ones can serve as facilitators
person one-on-one to better understand what
of the event? This is just a general example but it
factors may be contributing to the situation. For
pays to keep looking for ways to give staff leader-
instance, a staff member who is constantly forget-
ship opportunities which utilize their strengths.
ting deadlines may be having personal problems. This doesn’t mean you should let poor performance
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slide, but you may be able to help them figure
supplies. I firmly believe we should give our staffs
out solutions to the issue. Even when that is not
the same respect we would want because even if
possible and a staff member has to leave the job,
they are students, that doesn’t mean they don’t
it helps your reframe the situation for them as not
warrant common courtesy. I want my staff to see
an opportunity for them to work on improving their
that I give them the same consideration that I ask
circumstances instead of simply being “let go.”
of them, which can in turn help motivate them to be more balanced, productive employees.
7. Answer staff members’ questions as honestly as you can and empathize with them when
9. Provide staff with opportunities for social-
possible. Let them vent when stressed and let
izing with their peers on staff in positive ways.
them know they’re being heard—better they do
If your staff gets to know one another well, it will
so with you than with their peers on staff or with
help strengthen their bonds for stressful times. I’ve
non-staff, which can ruin morale and your depart-
heard it said that a sign of an effective manager is
ment’s reputation. Also, try to be as transparent as
one who can leave without the office falling apart,
possible—when appropriate, of course. This includes
and a key part of that is ensuring that your staff
admitting when you’re unsure of something or
members know they can trust and rely on one
have made a mistake. If you’ve ever had a supervi-
another. To create this dynamic, offer opportunities
sor shirk responsibility, dodge tough questions or
for them to go to dinner, attend an event together,
minimize your concern about a situation, then you
share compliments about one another both as
know how it feels. Try to avoid doing that to your
part of required trainings and as optional outings.
staff. They will be able to tell just as you can. Taking time to explain policy rational or the history of an
10. Although you may be their supervisor, be
issue goes a long way toward making your staff feel
willing to let them provide direction at times. They
you understand their concerns and care enough
will inevitably have great ideas and unique perspec-
to address them. If you want them to be honest
tives that you don’t. Make use of them. By imple-
with you, do your best to do the same with them.
menting their suggestions, they will feel validated and encouraged. You want them to feel engaged
8. Practice what you preach. If you tell your staff
with their work, and by taking direction from them
members about certain expectations you have
when it makes sense, you will help instill a sense of
for them but then consistently break your own
pride in the job that will go a long way in motivat-
rule, you cannot expect them to follow it. Take,
ing them to continue doing their best on the job.
for example, when I tell my staff when contacting me after hours is appropriate, and when it isn’t. I
These are just a few ideas on how to motivate
explain that although I “live-in,” I need space and
staff. More can be found by researching
time to myself just as they do. So, the same way
employee motivation. I recommend taking
I wouldn’t knock on their doors late for a minor
tips from a variety of sources. For instance,
issue, I ask the same from them. Then I follow my
when trying to motivate R.A. staff, I research
own rule. I don’t call them or go to their rooms
more than just residence life strategies. I also
during off-hours (barring anything urgent). Yet I’ve
seek ideas from corporate HR resources. This
worked with colleagues who sometimes see their
provides me with a multifaceted approach to
supervisor role as license to do otherwise, even
ensure I reach all members of my staff. I wish
going so far as to key into R.A. rooms to drop off
you good luck in doing the same for yours!
26 |
MACUH O
MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
MACUH O
| 27
WI NTER IS SU E
FEATURES
By: Jenn Thorpe, Sponsorship Coordinator
www.adirondacksolutions.com • CALL US TOLL-FREE: 800.372.3165
28 |
MACUH O
MACU H O MAGA ZI N E
I
MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
n 2011, MACUHO introduced
The program will be evaluated
the Corporate Partner Program.
by our partners themselves and
Corporate partner programs
by us, to ensure the success of the
are common in other asso-
program as it grows. Our corporate
ciations similar to ours. This
partners enjoyed their time in Bal-
program strengthens our financial
timore, and we enjoyed their par-
health and fortifies our relation-
ticipation in our events. If you are
ship with vendors. Past and current
interested in being involved in the
MACUHO vendors were invited to
Corporate Partner Program, please
partner with us and could enroll at
email Jenn at thorpej@chc.edu.
three levels; Gold ($2,000), Silver ($1,000) or Bronze ($500). Exhibitors were casually surveyed at the annual conference in 2009, and research was done on similar types of programs. After many discussions at executive board meetings over a two year period, we were ready to launch. A page was added to the MACUHO website for vendors so that they could access advertising, sponsorship and exhibiting information easily. The Corporate Partner Program was also detailed on this new page. There was much success during the inaugural year as five corporate partners enrolled. In
Thank you to our Corporate Partners!
2012, we have doubled that support with 10 corporate partners. The program helps support the
Gold Butler Woodcraft
annual conference and scholarships
Dorm-In-A-Box
for our members. Reciprocally, long-
On Campus Marketing
time and new vendors benefit from
Savoy & Sons
the added value of being a partner
University Loft Co.
(for more details on the levels of
US Postal Solutions
sponsorship and benefits included, go to www.macuho.org and click on the
Bronze
“Sponsors� tab.) Added promotion
Adirondack Solutions, Inc.
in publications and at events keeps
Caldwell & Gregory
their support known year-round. In
Image Team Outfitters
addition, partners have access to our
The Brill Company
directory to continue establishing relationships that are mutually beneficial.
MACUH O
| 29
WI NTER IS SU E
FEATURES
STUDENT STAFF LIVE-IN EXPERIENCE NEWARK, DE MEETS NEWARK, NJ By: Ashley Nickelsen, UDel Residence coordinator
It was before the crack of
tation on Neighborhood Em-
theme of the MACUHO-SSLI
dawn when three University of
powerment Teams also known
Conference, Project: Inspira-
Delaware vehicles pulled up to
as NET at the University of
tion, resonated for students
the Perkins Student Center in
Delaware. As a new professional
and professionals like.
preparation for the two and a
staff member at the University of
After attending presenta-
half-hour drive to the MACUHO
Delaware, it was amazing to hear
tions, learning best practices
Student Staff Live-In (SSLI) Con-
RAs discuss their passion for
from various institutions, gaining
ference 2012 at Rutgers-Newark.
student engagement and share
leadership skills by facilitat-
11 eager and excited Resident As-
experiences and practices that
ing presentations, observing
sistants piled into the three vans
truly work in their floor commu-
the structure of the Rutgers-
and got comfortable for the trip
nities. It was also refreshing to
Newark campus, and getting to
up the New Jersey Turnpike from
see the RAs discuss challenges
know their fellow RAs better,
Newark, Del. to Newark, N.J.
and ways to improve the NET en-
each University of Delaware RA
vironment in their communities.
walked away from the MACUHO
Nine out of the eleven RAs representing the University
I attended RA Patrick
SSLI Conference with a uniquely
of Delaware presented at the
DeRosa’s presentation on the
amazing experience. RA
MACUHO SSLI conference on a
Five Practices of Exemplary
Madison Helmick commented
wide variety of topics ranging
Leadership, and I was extremely
on how Rutgers-Newark was
from engagement strategies
impressed at both his ability to
such a beautiful campus, and
and community development to
articulate James Kouzes’ and
she spoke about how apprecia-
sustainability initiatives. Each
Barry Posner’s five principles,
tive she was of the experience
RA integrated their own experi-
and that he was able to make
to attend a conference and meet
ence and practices into their
tangible connections between
RAs with such diverse experi-
presentations. Not only did they
each principle and the RA role.
ences. Each RA was reenergized
thoroughly enjoy the presenta-
More than 40 undergraduate
and excited to bring their new
tion experience, but each RA
students, graduate students, and
ideas back to the University of
also learned something new
new professionals attended this
Delaware. The trip from Newark,
about their leadership style.
presentation. It was evident that
DE to Newark, NJ inspired many
many individuals were inspired
RAs to integrate the knowl-
Helmick, Martin Petrella, and
by each of the principles and mo-
edge learned into their own
Marianna Fleish, practiced their
tivated to bring their experiences
practice and to continue explor-
presentation on the drive up to
back to their home institutions.
ing their own leadership style.
Throughout all of the pre-
Project: Inspiration – Success!
One group of RAs, Madison
the Rutgers-Newark campus. These three facilitated a presen30 |
MACUH O
sentations, it was clear that the
MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
REC Encourages You To…
STAY CONNECTED After the Annual Conference
Network with staff outside
ON YOUR CAMPUS
of your department over lunch Support or help organize an event within your region
WITH MACUHO
International
RA
Appreciation Day
2/20/13
Video Thank You
IN THE REGION
Build connections on the site through your MACUHO profile
DID YOU KNOW? REC would like you to take the opportunity in 2013 to recognize all the hard work that our region’s student staff members do! International RA Appreciation Day will be quickly approaching Wednesday, February 20th! This is a day to recognize the outstanding efforts and accomplishments of Residence Life paraprofessionals everywhere. Celebrate and recognize your RAs, CAs, SAs, RCs, etc. Whoever your student staff is at your institution in a special way!! Look out for more information & ideas on the MACUHO website in early February 2013.
Favorite Candy Gifts
Write a Poem
Decorate Staff Doors
MACUH O
| 31
WI NTER IS SU E
FEATURES
The Volunteer Incentive Program in 1,2,3 & Why It Matters By: Erin Hensley, Marshall University 1) Professional Development sdBeing involved in the Volun-
Why does it matter? The Volunteer Incentive Program is an outstand-
teer Incentive Program opened
ing way to get students professionally involved
my eyes to the world of profes-
in Student Affairs. As a current undergraduate
sional development. I realized
student and sneior, attending the MACUHO con-
how important conferences are
ference further solidified my decision to pursue a
to stay up-to-date on current
career in this profession. By combining opportuni-
and future practives and how
ties for professional development, mentoring, and
beneficial they can be for institutions. This experi-
networking, I was able to learn how to become a
ence prompted me to become involved in national
more involved future professional and how to transi-
and regional organizations in the near future.
tion into the field. Because of the Volunteer Incentive Program, I am more aware of opportunities in
2) Mentoring One of the most helpful aspects of the Volunteer
regards to committee work, leadership positions, research, publishing, and conference involvement.
Incentive Program was connecting with a mentor.
It was an incredible learning experience, and on
I was able to meet with someone from a different
behalf of all of the VIPs, I would like to thank all
institution and gain insight on the profession. While
of you for your hospitality and for the chance to
meeting with my mentor, I learned about graduate
attend the 2012 MACUHO Annual Conference.
programs, interview tips, how to get my foot in the door in regaurds to publishing, and more!
How can you use it? As student affairs professionals, you may not see
3) Networking
the Volunteer Incentive Program as soething that
The Most challenging portion of the con-
you yourself can utilize; however, the possibilities are
ference was networking, but it was also very
endless! If you would like to be directly involved, vol-
helpful. I was given many opportunities to talk
unteer to be a mentor for a potential future profes-
with current students and professors from
sinal or get involved in the recruitment and retention
graduate programs of my interest, was given
committee. Both of those are great ways to interact
tips on how to successfully network in the
and give back to the student affairs community.
future, and why this is crucial in the field.
Aside from mentoring and committee work, I urge you to advertise the program to your current students or staff. It’s an incredible experience, and a great opportunity for anyone interested in entering the field. Promote the program, and hopefully it will have enven more applications to choose from next year!
32 |
MACUH O
MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
In November, I was fortunate
genuine, intelligent, and char-
enough to attend the 40th annual
ismatic people I have ever had
MACUHO Conference as one
the pleasure of meeting. I was
of twelve students in the Vol-
amazed how quickly we bonded
unteer Incentive Program (VIP)
with each other and became
selected from a pool of over 80
friends. We are still in touch and
applicants. As excited as I was
following each other’s progress.
when I found out I was accepted
Possibly the most uplifting
into the program, the experi-
moment at the conference was
ence far exceeded my expecta-
the honor of meeting Mr. Thomas
tions. I expected to learn more
Pierce. Hearing his story and that
about student affairs and hone
of his daughter reminded me
my skills, and I did. However,
how important it is to fully live
what I got out of the confer-
your life, to appreciate the people
ence on a deeper, inspirational
around you, and to love the career
level was even more beneficial.
you choose for yourself. His in-
In the three days of the con-
domitable optimism touched all
ference, my interest in the field
of all of the VIP students, and we
days quickly evolved to match
will never forget that Lisa Pierce
everyone else’s passion. I guess
is at the heart of the program
that I “caught the MACUHO bug.”
that we were able to enjoy.
The group’s warm, friendly, and
With all my new connections
positive attitudes made me want
and a plethora of invaluable
to be a part of that community
advice, I left the MACUHO Confer-
more than ever. I certainly did
ence feeling energized, confident,
not have to look far to attain that
and ready to tackle the applica-
feeling of acceptance; all of the
tions that were waiting for me
professionals were more than
back at home in Pennsylvania.
happy to welcome us and mentor
To everyone who was involved
us throughout the conference.
in giving us all this opportunity,
Whether it was offering candid
and to everyone who mentored
advice, a complete makeover to
us while we were there, please
my résumé, or simply a business
know that the VIP program had
card paired with a smile and
a lasting impact on me and my
the invitation “let me know if
professional ambitions. From
you need anything,” it seemed
a student who experienced it
that everyone I spoke with was
firsthand, I thank you so much.
willing to share their experience and time to help me. It didn’t stop with the professionals, though. The other eleven
Sincerely, Amanda Gilmore DeSales University, PA
VIP students are some of the most MACUH O
| 33
WI NTER IS SU E
FEATURES
Developing a new brand for MACUHO By: Sean P. Killion, Associate Director for University Housing & Residential Life at Temple University
N
ike, Coke, McDon-
a Pepsi fan) or attempting to sell
level administrators are finally
alds, Walt Disney,
me cigarettes by using cartoon
considering the experiences and
Apple, BMW,
characters like Joe the Camel
resources that have a transfor-
Target, and South-
(yes, believe it or not, before
mative affect on students and
west Airlines...
the early 1990s, cigarette com-
lead to improving retention. For
what do these companies have
panies targeted advertising to
years, those in the housing and
in common? BRANDING. Ac-
children). What, you might ask,
residential life areas have known
cording to BrandZ’s fourth annual
does this have to do with me, my
of our importance; however,
ranking of the top brands in the
role in higher education or, more
more and more universities are
world, in 2009, a year of global
importantly, our housing field?
stressing the importance of on-
economic turmoil, when every key
The answer is quite simple.
campus, residential experiences
financial indicator plummeted, the
Over the course of the next
and are looking to partner with
value of the top 100 brands in-
decade, the number of college-
our departments to illustrate
creased by 2 percent to $2 trillion.
age students entering our
the value of living on-campus.
Growing up during the 1980s and
colleges and universities will
1990s, I was exposed to many
continue to decrease. Coupled
as building a perception of your
attempts by companies to market
with the fact of increases in
organization in the mind of con-
and brand their products to me,
tuition and decreases in state
sumers. In many cases, brands
whether they were trying to sell
funding, students have seen a
help consumers relate to orga-
popular consumer products,
steady increase in the overall
nizations in a human way that
like Coke and Pepsi during the
cost of their college education.
evokes feelings, emotions, at-
Cola Wars (sorry, Coke, but I’m
Now, more than ever, senior-
titudes, and beliefs. Through
3 4 |
MACUH O
Branding is simply defined
MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
brands, consumers feel more con-
The research firm said the year
As MACUHO celebrated its 40th
nected to a company and hence
got off to a slow start but hit $128
anniversary in Baltimore, MD this
build stronger relationships. The
billion by the end of March, with
past November, the Executive
process of developing environ-
that month in particular jumping
Board determined that one of
ments that help our students
4.5 percent year-over-year.
the priorities it wanted to focus
build relationships is exactly
Internet advertising grew by 12.1
on was the creation of a new
what we do in housing; however,
percent, the most of any media
MACUHO logo and branding
we rarely take credit for it nor
channel, but still only accounted
document to help the asso-
do we align ourselves strategi-
for 2.6 percent of the quarter’s
ciation improve its brand and
cally within our organizations to
total ad spend (equivalent to
value to its members. Given
capitalize on building our brand.
outdoor advertising’s spend
that in recent years, we have
share). Meanwhile TV dollars
invested in improved communi-
Office of University Housing and
rose by 2.8 percent and ate up
cations and enhanced informa-
Residential Life has worked to
61.9 percent of total ad spend.”
tion technology as directed by
build a stronger brand within the
According to a June 25, 2012
our strategic plan, it seemed
University community and has
article in Advertising Age, the
like the appropriate next step to
partnered with several depart-
increases seen the nation’s 100
consider developing and execut-
ments to ensure it remains vital
biggest advertisers in 2011,
ing a new brand for the future.
to the organization while inte-
boosting total U.S. ad spending
grating its brand with the Uni-
by 4.8%, hasn’t been seen in
next strategic planning initia-
versity’s brand. This process is
traditional outlets. Money is
tive, my hope is that we will
an example of integrated mar-
being diverted into unmeasured
continue to place a high impor-
keting communications and is
disciplines such as various digital
tance on marketing and branding
seen throughout all successful
plays including search marketing,
in our profession and associa-
businesses around the world.
online video and some forms
tion as this will be an important
At Temple University, the
As MACUHO launches the
area for us in the future.
“Branding is simply defined as building a perception of your organization in the mind of consumers.” According to the July 10th, 2012
of social media, promotion and
For more information about
edition of AdWeek, “Between the
direct marketing. According to
marketing and branding strate-
Olympics and the U.S. presiden-
the article, the appeal is clear.
gies in housing and higher edu-
tial election, 2012 is a biggie for
Marketers are putting money into
cation, feel free to contact Sean
brands, so much so that they got
disciplines that directly connect
Killion at skillion@temple.edu.
out of hibernation early. The first
them with targeted consumers.
quarter is usually quiet for adver-
The idea of directly connect-
tisers, but the period’s global ad
ing to your target consumer has
spend increased by 3.1 percent
major implications for our profes-
from last year, according to
sion considering the trends we
Nielsen’s Global AdPulse Report.
are seeing in higher education.
Developing a new brand for MACUHO
MACUH O
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WI NTER IS SU E
FEATURES
RA TRAINING GOES CONFERENCE -STYLE By: Stephen Flemming, Resident Director, Rowan University
As professionals in the field, we often get opportunities to partici“It was nice to have different work-
pate in local and regional confer-
shops that we chose to go to because
ences. During the experience, we
we personally thought we would benefit
make new connections and collect
from them. It was also nice to see return-
innovative ideas about topics we
ing Resident Assistants present infor-
want to learn more about. Even
mation that they thought was relevant
better, we are learning from people
and valuable. It also showed that they
who have been there and done
have taken something away from the
that. Why shouldn’t such a re-
job that was necessary for those taking
warding experience be available to
on the job to know. It was not only in-
student staff? Why not bring this
formative, but also interactive, which
fun, unique style of learning home?
helped get conversation going and
Last summer, first-year RAs at
allowed for the newer Resident Assis-
Rowan University experienced a
tants to meet their fellow employees.”
returner-led conference—a new
-Resident Assistant (RA) Kaitlin Kemp
addition to the annual training schedule. Returning RAs led sessions on topics that they felt would benefit the first-year RAs.
36 |
MACUH O
“Having the conference led by return-
The forty-five minute presenta-
ing RAs provided a more down-to-
tions were divided into sessions to
earth experience, which made the
provide participants with a variety
conference more relaxed, enjoyable,
of topics to choose from. Begin-
and easier to get along with everyone.
ning with a whole-group address
Also, the returners were able to convey
and ending with recognition of
relevant information that had helped
those involved in planning and
them in their past experiences.” –
executing the event, the day was
John Gaffney, a fellow first-year RA
truly a conference experience.
MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
A Different Way of Learning As we progress through grade school, there is very little choice
and, in turn, absorb more infor-
command of a certain topic and
mation they find to be necessary.
build a presentation, the pre-
Within the RA group there
senter must become comfort-
associated with learning. Even
are very helpful, and sometimes
able with that topic. Odds are,
in colleges and universities,
underutilized, sources of knowl-
as they plan their presentations,
academic programs prescribe
edge. They can provide first-
your presenters will also learn
an extensive list of core require-
hand accounts of what it’s like
something. Furthermore, ques-
ments and general education
to be an RA at your institution.
tions will very likely arise during
courses that leave little room for
They have been in the trenches.
the presentations to challenge the
electives. Motivation and learning
They are, of course, your return-
presenter. These are all helpful
are very closely linked. For one to
ing RAs. The conference-style
in that they help make the pre-
truly learn there must be incen-
training provides an opportu-
senter stronger in that area.
tive to do so. If an RA chooses to
nity for collaborative learning
go to a particular session of this
that encourages a partnership
conference, they are more likely
between first-year and returning
to gain from it. Choice is impor-
staff. It also allows for the first-
planning a conference is not
tant to the learning process as
year staff to hear from people
always an easy task. A lot
it places a level of responsibility
other than their supervisors.
goes into making a conference
on the individual. They become responsible for their own learning
This style is not only beneficial for the first-years. To develop a
Factors That Matter As many readers can attest,
happen, even a home-grown conference. Recruiting people
MACUH O
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WI NTER IS SU E RA TRAINING GOES CONFERENCE-STYLE
to present, screening presenta-
there are a variety of topics for
and for ushering the RAs to
tions, and evaluating the confer-
each session. If you have three
where they need to be next.
ence are all factors that matter.
different proposals for program-
Usually, larger events such as
ming, distribute those amongst
Evaluation and Recognition
this will require collaboration
the different sessions instead
between multitudes of people.
of having them in one session.
sessions and had lunch. Now,
Some of those individuals may
Look closely at logistics; limit
it’s time to bring the whole
be on the forefront, such as your
the amount of chairs in each
group back together and close
fellow graduate and professional
room so that each presentation
your conference. This is the
staff members. There are the
gets a reasonable audience.
perfect opportunity for you to
people who book the rooms, set up the rooms, print the programs, and provide the catering. There
Your RAs have gone to their
process the event and recognize It’s Go Time! So conference day is here! Your
everyone that made it possible. Ask probing questions for both
is nothing wrong with one person
returners are pumped for what
the presenters and the first-year
taking the lead on the project,
may be their first time presenting
RAs. What was it like for you to
but delegation is a must.
and your first-years are anxious
learn this way? What did you like
The biggest question is will
about what may be their first
about it? Did you enjoy present-
it be a requirement that all re-
“conference”. Choose who will
ing? What would you like to see
turning staff must present? If
address the group as a whole.
change for next year? These are
participation is mandatory,
During that address, make sure
all questions that could stimu-
consider working as a team
your rules for the conference
late conversation and provide
to mindfully group returners
are clear and give directions to
information for you as you
to present together. If it is not
where the sessions will be. In
plan for next year’s training.
mandatory, your team will need
addition to covering that, it may
to gather interest and deter-
be fun to have a key note speaker
recognize everyone who made
mine who will present. Those
of some sort. Be creative with
the event possible, especially the
that do not present can partici-
this. You could choose someone
presenters. Making certificates
pate in the conference alongside
who was an RA years ago at
for the presenters acknowledg-
the first-year staff members.
your institution or a town icon.
ing their contribution is a great
Just remember, the goal of the
way of saying thank you. You
best presentations is a proposal
key note is to give the group
and your team can decide if you
form. On it, RAs can list who they
something to take with them
would like to do this publicly
are working with, the topic of
when they leave their chairs.
during the closing or privately.
An effective way to choose the
their presentation, a brief outline
As the RAs disperse to their
It is extremely important to
Speaking from past experi-
of the material covered, and any
sessions, have a graduate or pro-
ences, I know many RAs enjoyed
materials they may need. From
fessional staff member outside
being recognized in front of their
there, your team can decide
of each room to monitor how
peers. Recognition of graduate
relevance of the presentation
crowded it gets. That person
and professional staff members
topic to first-year RAs and select
could also sit in on the presen-
is also important, but a verbal
the presentations accordingly.
tation. This person can also
commendation would suffice.
Group the presentations so
38 |
MACUH O
distribute a written evaluation
RA training teaches the ins
MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
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| 39
WI NTER IS SU E
FEATURES
MOVE IN DAY
WITH IPADS Barbara Lea-Kruger
40 |
MACUH O
Move-in is one of the most exciting and
campus until they were fully checked into
emotional days for students and parents.
their rooms,” said Douglas Berger, execu-
It is also the first introduction to college
tive director of Business Services who is
life for many residents. Manage move-in
in charge of Penn’s Residential Services.
poorly, and the frustration and dissatis-
“Although we had recently transitioned to
faction residents experience can have a
an online housing assignments program,
negative impact that will take a long time
there was a disconnect between our new
MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
for staff, and the institution as a whole, to overcome. But managed successfully, move-in can create a sense of pride in the institution and leave both parents and students feeling secure and comfortable. “The common vision across all of our departments is to ‘Set the Standard,’ and that means ensuring that move-in for each of our residents and their families is a singularly enjoyable and efficient event,” said Marie Witt, vice president of University of Pennsylvania’s Division of Business Services that oversees Residential Services. “To reach that goal I asked our staff to push beyond the routine and look for innovative ways to improve our operations.” That can be a tall order. Each year, the University of Pennsylvania welcomes over 6,700 residents in 11 college houses.
streamlined assignments technology and the paper-based registration process which was a legacy of our previous system.” According to Berger, his staff realized
The campus is situated in the densely-
that in order to solve this problem they
populated, urban neighborhood of West
needed a technology that would easily
Philadelphia, where crowded city streets,
deliver information from the database
limited parking, on-going construction and
to the complex “on the street” op-
historic structures are the norm. But the
eration. Following the example of their
staff embraced Witt’s challenge and un-
student residents – the department
dertook a comprehensive look at its op-
made the decision to go mobile.
erations to determine if there were ways to make service delivery even better. Given the location, the natural assump-
Using wireless devices made it possible to overcome the limitations of data lines and power sources. After comparing
tion was that there needed to be a way
options, the decision was made to use the
to improve traffic flow to ease conges-
Apple iPad which had the functionality that
tion. But after reviewing every aspect of
was needed. The staff was familiar with
their process, staff found that managing
the device, meaning there was no need to
traffic wasn’t the problem. Where the
invest in training. Based on an analysis of
process fell short was in the paperwork.
annual arrival data, it was determined that
“When we mapped it all out, we realized
30 devices could handle the daily volume
that move-in required 29 independent
with a few extra on hand to address battery
steps from the moment students arrived on
drainage and any potential damage.
FEATURES
MACUH O
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WI NTER IS SU E IPAD ARTICLE CONTINUED
But identifying a mobile technology was only
The good news is that not a single one was lost!
part of the solution. “The device only takes you
Not only did the mobile solution help make opera-
so far,” said Nathan Cochran, strategic planning,
tions more efficient, it improved the bottom line.
reporting and assessment coordinator for the
Berger expects that the cost for purchasing the
department, who headed up this project. “The
mobile devices and all related expenses (such as
more critical piece was developing a way to allow
customizing the software and database) will be
staff to quickly and easily input all of the data
offset in just two years. This includes savings from
required to check students into their rooms.”
a reduction in operational and printing costs.
Residential Services had recently moved
According to Berger, the technology was so simple
its housing assignments data to Star-Rez, and
to use that the time it took to train the part-time
Cochran and the University’s IT staff worked
student workforce that is hired each year to help
closely with the company’s developers to create
manage move-in was significantly curtailed. Some
a seamless interface. In the end, they were able
of the savings comes from finding other uses for
to leverage the web portal through the iPad
the technology. Penn now has a mobile strategy for
to enable staff to simply swipe a student’s ID
on-call staff to access the key system and the mobile
card to obtain the necessary information, elimi-
database 24 hours a day allowing the building op-
nating the need for any manual data entry.
erations team to go almost completely paperless.
However, the fact that some students, such
The advantages of this mobilization for the
as the majority of freshman, arrived without
move-in process have also extended beyond
a university ID card still had to be managed.
the projected financial savings. Since staff were
This time the answer was easier.
not tied to their desks for the month prior to
It was determined that using Quick Response
move-in preparing thousands of paper data
(QR) codes would solve this problem. Using Mi-
cards, they had more time to devote to room in-
crosoft Word, relevant information could be trans-
spections. As a result, complaints about unpre-
ferred to a QR code that could then be labeled
pared rooms or damaged furnishings declined.
on each individual key package. This code, when
But the biggest benefit was that staff was no
scanned with the iPad’s built in camera, was
longer primarily focused on operations.
able to perform a resident check-in with the
“We were able to check-in residents liter-
same efficiency and ease as a card swipe.
ally standing on the side of the street,” said
“With a simple swipe or a quick snapshot,
Cochran. “Lines at our check-in stations were
we eliminated 7,000 printed data cards and
totally eliminated, allowing our staff and vol-
14,000 custom printed labels that were previ-
unteers to spend their time actively engaging
ously needed to issue the 15,000 keys we distrib-
all of our residents and their families which
uted to residents each year,” Cochran explained.
greatly enhanced the move-in experience.”
In addition to finding an easy technical solution,
Berger added, “Daring to transform our existing
the security of both the mobile devices and the data
process, leveraging the latest available tech-
was also a critical concern. To address these issues,
nologies, and having a staff willing to embrace
staff utilized the iPad’s built-in technology which
the initiative were key elements to our success
made it possible to disable any device and wipe
and enabled us to provide the experience we
it clean of data if necessary. Each device was also
sought to achieve for our campus community.”
branded with Residential Services information and registered with Penn’s Department of Public Safety.
42 |
MACUH O
FEATURES CONTINUED
MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
MACUH O
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WI WINTER NTERIS ISSU SUEE
FEATURES
Repairing our ‘Ruef’ Community By: Julie A Mule’ Associate Director of Residence Life, Lafayette College
A
clause about
down the center of the build-
machinery: community billing.
community
ing’s spiral staircase. Investi-
The costs were enough to
damage billing
gation of the incidents did not
charge each resident a nominal
exists in most
uncover the actors responsible.
fee. The Assessment for
housing con-
What we did find was a lack
Damage clause in our housing
tracts - but what is its purpose?
of intervention and account-
contract gave us the right to
To recoup losses? To sanction
ability by the residents of the
bill on a per capita basis. We
students for unacceptable
building. As is often the case,
agreed that it was a sound plan.
behavior? To remind residents
we believed that these acts did
they have responsibilities as
not go unobserved. Yet ,they
about it, the more I realized
members of a community?
were not reported or stopped
that billing alone wouldn’t
by those who witnessed them.
achieve what we really wanted
Last year, Lafayette College experienced frequent acts of
4 4 |
Our initial response was to go
However, the more I thought
for this group. Billing alone
vandalism in one of the predom-
into our tool box and pull out
would actually be the easy
inantly first-year buildings, Ruef
our trusty tools: e-mail notifica-
way out for most of these
Hall. Initially, the disruption
tions, floor meetings and RA fol-
residents. Our demographic is
consisted of noise and a high
low-ups. They are worthwhile
socioeconomically affluent. I
level of activity. Over time, the
tactics, but they were not the
surmised that, in most cases,
disruption changed to destruc-
right tools for this job. In the
the bill would be paid by the
tion in the form of ripped down
meantime, the cleaning, repair
parent, and there would be no
flyers and bulletin boards, trash
and replacement bills kept piling
consequence to the student.
left in common areas, and food
up, and the behavior continued.
What would they learn?
and other items being dropped
It was time to bring in the heavy
MACUH O
MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
Then, I had a thought. This job
students would be exempt from
for one incident and pay restitu-
required something different—
the community damage billing.
tion for the damage caused. In
something new. We needed a
Students who did not participate
our conversations with students
way to show the residents that it
would split the repair and resti-
and in te essays submitted, we
is important to take pride in their
tution charges for the building.
heard acknowledgement that
living environment and clean up
The events involved hanging
had they gotten involved when
their own messes. They needed
bulletin boards, creating appre-
they saw people behaving in a
an opportunity to improve their
ciation cards for the custodians,
manner that was disrespectful to
surroundings, to be a part of the
clean-up activities, and reflective
the community, they could have
solution, and to demonstrate
essay writing. The initiative was
possibly stopped some vandalism.
they care about each other and
carried out over four weeks.
their building. They needed a
The building residents were
“This is a piece of information
chance to play a role in maintain-
contacted via email and invited
that that I will take with me and
ing a welcoming and respectful
to participate. The RA staff
employ in the future communities
environment and a way to get
promoted the events with their
that I live in” wrote one resident.
involved and educate each other.
residents. A professional staff member greeted participants at
Beyond these positive results
A new idea was born: The Ruef
each event and led a brief dis-
within the affected community,
Community Action Initiative.
cussion about community living
we learned several things from
by encouraging them to share
this initiative:
The learning outcomes
their thoughts and feelings about
for the program were:
the actions which prompted the
1) involve every student in a
initiative. Once the five events
it is never too late to step
specific action in support
were completed, non participat-
in to help.
of the community
ing residents were contacted
2) encourage feeling of
about a last chance to be a part
• Don’t write off a community;
• Don’t be afraid to get in there with the students.
ownership for the resi-
of the program: a reflective essay
dence community
addressing the question, “What
disruptive behaviors will
have I learned from living in the
help bond them together
Ruef community and how will I
against the acts.;
3) prompt students to intervene as by-standers
use this knowledge in my future The initiative consisted of five events designed to improve the cleanliness of the hall, to exhibit
communities”? Submissions were reviewed and awarded credit. Overall, we were pleased – even
• Making students aware of
• We needed to find a safe way for them to tell us things. • In the future, use the creative methods sooner.
appreciation for the role each
surprised – by the results. Of the
person plays in the community
143 residents in Ruef, 112 partici-
(including the custodial staff),
pated (78%). During the four week
spurred some new initiatives be-
and to consider how the actions
span of events, there were no
ginning this academic year. We
of the few can affect the entire
additional billable damages. The
now send out timely notices to a
community. To entice students
nuisance incidents that plagued
community announcing that an
to participate, we developed
the community came to a halt.
act of vandalism has occurred
a hook. In acknowledgment
We even had a student come
of their efforts, participating
forward to take responsibility
Reflection on this experience
and provide details. To encourage students to provide infor-
MACUH O
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WI NTER IS SU E
mation about the incident, we
students to prompt reflection
leave you with an excerpt from
established an anonymous tipline
on the negative consequences
an essay submitted by a resident
that students access via a link
of their behavior on the commu-
which reinforced that our initia-
from our department homepage.
nity. This approach demonstrates
tive had some positive results.
Utilizing an online survey tool, we
to all students that the depart-
created a simple report that asks
ment is committed to supporting
only for the date and location
a healthy living environment as
power of bystander action. Since
of the incident and whatever
we let residents know when an
the Ruef Community Action Initia-
information they have to share.
incident is “solved” and commu-
tive was established a month ago,
This semester, we have received
nity billing is no longer necessary.
I have seen a change not only in
over a dozen reports through
Community damage is an
“I have also learned the sheer
the way my fellow floor mates
the tipline, many of which helped
unfortunate distraction and
interact but also in the way the
identity the responsible parties.
disturbance that plagues many
community as a whole behaves.”
Not only have we been able to
residential environments. With
appropriately assign repair costs
a bit of effort and creativity, we
to the responsible individual,
can show our support for the staff
but we have also met with these
and try to effect change. I will
46 |
MACUH O
MACU H O MAGA ZI N E MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Executive Officers
Business Operations
Annual Programs
IT
Membership Development
Training and Development
Strategic Initatives
LAST NAME
FIRST NAME
BOARD POSITION
INSTITUTION
Russo
Joe
President
Drexel University
Glockey
Dan
Vice President/President Elect
Fairmont State University
Lopez
Crystal
Secretary
Georgian Court University
Garrett
Olan
Treasurer
University of Maryland- College Park
Iwamiya
Shigeo
Past President
Rutgers University-Newark
Reynolds
Grace
Director of Business Operations
Lafayette College
Feil
Kevin
Co Chair Corporate Relations
York College
Thorpe
Jenn
Co Chair Corporate Relations Co Chair Housing & Facilities
Chestnut Hill College
Carr
Conal
Co Chair Housing & Facilities
Penn State University
Peltzer
Joe
Social Media Coordinator
Drexel University
Moran
Christina
Magazine Editor
Philadelphia University Townson University
Media
Brian
Director of Annual Programs
Carroll
RJ
Co Chair Program
Cabrini College
Grumbine
Hillary
Co Chair Program
Widener University
Willis
Christopher
Host 2013
LaRoche College
Morgan
LJ
Host 2013
LaRoche College
Zygmund
Brooke
Host 2013
West Virginia University
Smith
Derek
Director Of Information Technology
Deleware Valley College
Eppenstein
Dillon
Webmaster / Systems Analyst
Philadelphia University
Merrit
Shondrika
Director Of Membership Development
Temple University
Smith
Brandon
RC PA Central
Lebanon Valley College
Gentile
Jackie
RC DC Metro
University of Maryland- College Park
Dains
Krystal
RC DC Metro
Cathlotic University of America
Ferarro
Chris
RC MD/DE
Townson University
Barber
Christian
RC MD/DE RC NEPA
Mount St. Marys
Tasch
Brittany
RC NEPA
Lycoming College
Moses
Jocelyn
RC NJ
NJIT
Barry
Laura
RC NJ
Felician College
Shel
Aly
RC PA West
Millersville University
Piff
Sarah
RC SEPA
Villanova University St. Joseph’s University
Egan
Laura
RC SEPA
Lewis
Andrew
RC West Virginia
O’Hara
Eric
RC West Virginia
West Virginia University
Kaliher
Lulu
Director of Training and Development
Temple University
James
Matt
Co Chair Diversity
William Paterson University
Florendo
Anthony
Co Chair Diversity Grade Student Task Force
Rutgers University-Newark
Yencha
Sarah
Co Chair Personal and Professional Development
Lafayette College
Tsikerdanos
Alex
Co Chair Personal and Professional Development
Maryland Institution College of Art
Ohanessian
Dawn
Co Chair Recogonition, Education, and Connections
Seton Hall University
Couras
Steven
Co Chair Recogonition, Education, and Connections
Stevens Institute of Technology
Derry
Jennifer
Director Strategic Initiatives
Villanova University
Belice
Josh
Co Chair Recruitment and Retention
Sheppard University
Triose
Lori Ann
Co Chair Recruitment and Retention
Montclair State University
Tann
Laura
Archives Coordinator MACUH O
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