THE YEAR END/MID-YEAR ISSUE
the soundings the official nwacuho newsletter
northwest association of college and university housing officers
STUDENT LOAN INTEREST RATES GOODBYE, LANDER HALL TENT CITY
executive committee President Elaine Ames Operations and Marketing Manager, UHNSP Central Washington University 400 E. University Way, MS 7513 Ellensburg, Washington 98926 509.963.1838 amese@cwu.edu
Treasurer Micheal Seraphin Coordintor of Purchasing Willamette University 900 State Street Salem, OR 97301 503.370.6055 mseraphi@willamette.edu
President Elect Kelly Ammendolia Assistant Director of Residence Life University of Puget Sound 1500 N. Warner St. #1003 Tacoma, WA 98416-1003 253.879.3317 kammendolia@pugetsound.edu
Secretary Jenni Chadick Resident Director University of Puget Sound 1500 N. Warner St. #1003 Tacoma, WA 98416-1003 253.879.3317 jchadick@pugetsound.edu
Past President Steve Fitterer Director Residence Services Mount Royal University Alberta, Canada 403.440.6279 sfitterer@mtroyal.ca
Newsletter Editor Andrew K. Rogers Residence Life Coordinator Seattle Pacific University 206.378.5290 andrewkrogers@spu.edu Website Administrator Patrick Cunningham Application Develoer University of Oregon 541.346.4281 pcunning@uoregon.edu
Products and Services Coordinator Esther Gaines Area Coordinator Gonzaga University 502 East Boone, MSC 2515 Spokane, Washington 99258 509.313.4155 gaines@gonzaga.edu
British Columbia Representative Lawrence Lam Residence Life Coordinator University of Victoria. PO Box 1700 STN CSC Victoria BC V8W 2Y2 250.853.3136 laml@uvic.ca
Alaska-Yukon Representative Maria Bonifacio Associate Director of Residence Life University of Alaska Anchorage 3700 Sharon Gagnon Lane, Suite 101 Anchorage, AK 99508 907.751.7448 mariab@uaa.anchorage.edu
Oregon Representative Erik T. Elordi Assistant Director of Family Housing & Conference Services Southern Oregon University 1250 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 541.552.6229 elordie@sou.edu
Alberta Representative Judy Eyben Res Life Facilitator Lakeland College 5707 College Drive,Vermilion, AB T9X 1T2 780.853.8480 Judy.eyben@lakelandcollege.ca
Washington State Representative Michelle Primley Benton Administrator for North Campus/ Diversity Initiatives University of Washington Housing & Food Services 206.543.4862 mprimley@hfs.washington.edu
the soundings the official nwacuho newsletter
northwest association of college and university housing officers
The Year-End, Mid-Year Dichotomy
4
In-Hall Academic Support
6
Saying Goodbye to a UW Landmark
8
Tent City On Campus
11
The Story of Student Loan Interest Rates
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the soundings the official NWACUHO newsletters soundings editorial board The editorial board is comprised of volunteer members throughout the NWACUHO region. Duties include assisting in the development of an editorial schedule, submission of interest articles, and soliciting articles and feedback from the members of the association. If you are interested in being a member of the editorial board, please contact your state or provincial representative or the newsletter editor. editorial and submission policies Deadlines for publications are based on distribution needs, and therefore it is important that members honor the established deadlines. Material not received on time, or not used due to space limitations will be considered for use in the next issue. Because soundings is the official publication of an educational association and reflects the professional standards of its members, necessary revisions will be made to ensure publication quality. soundings also reserves the right to edit submissions for space requirements. Authors bear full responsibility for references, quotations, and data accuracy of publications submissions. Authors also hold NWACUHO harmless from any liability resulting from publications of articles submitted for printing. Be sure to clearly indicate the author(s) and institution(s) on all submissions. Permission is granted to reproduce portions of soundings’ contents with proper attribution and credit to soundings. Advertisements in the soundings should not be considered an endorsement. For information on exhibitor advertising rates please contact: Esther Gaines, Product & Services Coordinator at gaines@gonzaga.edu or 509-313-4155. Please send all submissions (articles, letters to the association, updates from around the region, and announcements) to: Andrew Rogers, soundings editor at arogers@spu.edu **Please attach articles using MS word document or type the submission into an email.
The Year-End, Mid-Year Dichotomy By Elaine Ames
While writing this article, I am straddling several different timelines at once. We are
closing the residence halls for the 2011-2012 academic year, assigning students for the 2012-2013 year, and working on marketing for the 2013-2014 year. It is the same in NWACUHO. Countless hours have already been spent preparing for the February 2013 conference; negotiations and preparations are underway for the 2014 conference; work on the master plan is progressing; decisions and arrangements are being reached for the regional reception at the ACUHO-I conference, plans are being finalized for drive-in conferences, and upcoming webinars are being constructed. The list goes on and on. I find myself wondering how I can be early and late at the same time. It is interesting to me that we are at year-end at mid-year. During this transition when one year ends, we need to celebrate our accomplishments while being continuously aware of the opportunities that are coming in the new year even at mid-year. I suspect the scenario is the same for all of you as well, regardless of whether you are involved in residence life, facilities, operations,
or whether you are entry level and upper administration. With the closing of the academic year, it is also the time when many of you may be job searching or interviewing at different institutions. In some cases, you may be leaving our northwest region. While we wish the very best opportunities for you, we will miss you. Although we may catch up with one another at events like the ACUHO-I conference, know that you always have friends here and you are welcome at NWACUHO! Before we know it, fall will be here along with training and students moving on to campus for another year. It seems we barely have time to catch our breath from finishing one year before starting another. Enjoy your summer, look for the NWACUHO announcement of webinars and drive-in conferences, and plan for fall opening. The NWACUHO executive board will be meeting in Tacoma, WA in October, and in the meantime, we will continue to straddle all of those timelines to make sure we continue working on the master plan, the 2013 conference, recruitment of candidates for executive board positions, and more.
2012
a letter from the president
soundings
NWACUHO Soundings
In-Hall Academic Support How OSU and other universities, are enriching the residence life experience, one tutor at a time. by Nicholas Martin, Oregon State University
Creating a cultural shift within an institution is a challenging, lengthy process. Historically speaking, residence halls have served as spaces in which social interaction and community involvement flourish, often times resulting in a divide between the residential experience and academic career of a college student. Untapped potential exists within residence halls to truly enhance student skills and academic competencies outside of the classroom. For three years now, University Housing and Dining Services (UHDS) at Oregon State University (OSU) has been actively pursuing further opportunities for enhancing the academic experience of our residential population. Much of this work stems from feedback provided by campus partners (academic departments and support services), as well as critical reflection on the part of leadership within the department. Reorienting the strategic goals of UHDS to account for academic success and student development (our first strategic goal), the Residential Education branch of University Housing aims to make academics a
6
the soundings
summer 2012
2012
soundings
central component of the community experience.
yet, the subject of academic success
a community that is continuously
As the Graduate Teaching Assistant for
remains incredibly challenging
invested in dialogue on the subject
Academic Success and Engagement, my task
when marketing programs or in-
of academics and supportive of its
has involved leading programmatic efforts that
hall services. The topic itself is
members in this respect is paramount
challenge students to look beyond traditional
highly personal, especially so
to nurturing student success; hence,
measures of a successful college career
when a student believes they are
we have altered our approach to
(grades, GPAs, and even getting a degree)
unprepared or are already struggling
crafting a residential experience.
as well as creating ongoing conversations
to succeed in college (especially in
We are eager to expand our
on the subject of academics within our
terms of course grades). Identifying
efforts, and hope that others might
residential communities. Why are students
tangible channels via which critical
draw inspiration from and provide
choosing Oregon State or any institution of
reflection, self-exploration, and
constructive feedback to the work that
higher learning, for that matter? How does
knowledge of resources can be
we are attempting to accomplish with
the college experience tie into one’s life goals
fostered is ultimately critical if we
respect to changing the dynamics of
or career aspirations? What does a student
are to effectively support students in
residence life.
need to know to complete their first year?
their development. We believe that
These questions have informed and guided our efforts to meaningfully enrich and enhance the academic careers of our on-campus population. Such efforts have included supporting the implementation of in-hall tutors from both our Writing Center as well as Math Learning Center. With social cognitive theory in mind, we hope that students seeing other students working with tutors in a lounge may convey the fact that, in a residence hall, individuals focus on their studies. Refining and facilitating transition-themed, skill development-based “RE-THINK� workshops within residence halls has provided residents with opportunities to reflect on their own practices and develop the skills and knowledge sets necessary to become self-reliant. Hopefully, the workshops have sparked and will continue to generate greater conversation among students on definitions of success and practices to achieve such success. On a surface level, our efforts seem fairly simple - a few programs, tutors, in addition to intentional check-ins facilitated by Residents Assistants;
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summer 2012
NWACUHO Soundings
Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
Michelle Primley Benton says “goodbye” to a University of Washington landmark - and “hello” to an exciting new residence hall.
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summer 2012
2012
soundings
“If you want a happy ending, that depends,
saw firsthand with the closure of Mercer
as well as get a sneak peek at some of
of course, on where you stop your story.”
that, while what’s to come is exciting,
the plans for the new Lander site. Folks
residents past and present appreciate
got creative, with everything from Batman,
an opportunity to say goodbye. Working
Far Side cows and the Landa Panda
in student affairs, we know that change
etched on the walls, to whimsical poems
the University of Washington – Seattle has
and transition are never easy; with that
ode to Lander. Residents from the 50’s
been abuzz with cranes, scaffolding, and
in mind, we wanted to make sure that the
to this year took part in the celebration,
all of the typical accoutrement that come
existing Lander got a proper send-off.
and many got to leave with their very own
along with a large-scale housing master
Multiple units across our department came
Lander mailbox as a unique keepsake.
plan. As we’ve watched four new buildings
together to bid adieu to Lander in style.
rise up, the joy and excitement from
The Lander Residential Life staff hosted a
Saying goodbye is always difficult, and
residents and staff have been infectious.
year-end event entitled Lights Out Lander,
indeed if we stopped the story there the
But sometimes, in order to make way for
giving current residents an opportunity to
result is a bit sad. For Lander, the story
new and exciting improvements, it means
not only wrap up the end of their first year
continues: demolition is underway, and
letting go of a piece of campus. Last year,
of college (Lander served as a First Year
new Lander Hall will be an important
we said goodbye to Mercer Hall. This
Experience community), but to leave their
anchor in our West Campus community,
month, we said farewell after 55 years to
mark on the building itself. Equipped with
housing our regional desk and introducing
Lander Hall.
paint, Lander residents gathered in the
a new architectural element to the area
first floor entry and placed their multi-
when it opens in 2014. You can find more
As home to many of the Housing and
color handprints on the wall, along with
information about our growing West
Food Services offices, as well as the
their signature. Residents were thrilled to
Campus Community here. As we continue
primary meeting spaces within our system,
engage in a little bit of sanctioned graffiti.
to implement our Housing Master Plan, we
– Orson Welles
For the past 2 years, West Campus at
Lander holds a special place for many
learn from each new building we bring on
staff members throughout the department.
As news spread that Lander would not
and offline. Knowing we will say goodbye
From new staff experiencing their first HR
be renovated, but would need to be
to Lander’s attached sibling Terry, we can
trainings in one of its meeting rooms, to
demolished, former residents and staff
begin to celebrate what it’s been, and look
the thousands of first-year students who
came out of the woodwork looking for an
forward to what it will become. The closure
have called it home, Lander has welcomed
opportunity to say goodbye to their former
of the building is not where we stop our
many to the University of Washington. In
stomping grounds. From that interest
story, and we look forward to welcoming
Residential Life our Assistant Director,
came the Farewell Lander event, an open
some very happy residents to the new
Chris Jaehne, began his UW career as the
house inviting past residents to share their
Lander in 2014!
Lander Hall Resident Director in 1992. We
memories and experiences on the walls,
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summer 2012
2012
NWACUHO Soundings Creating a cultural shift within an institution is a challenging, lengthy process. Historically speaking, residence halls have served as spaces in which social interaction and community involvement flourish, often times resulting in a divide between the residential experience and academic career of a college student. Untapped potential exists within residence halls to truly enhance student skills and academic competencies outside of the classroom. For three years now, University Housing and Dining Services (UHDS) at Oregon State University (OSU) has been actively pursuing further opportunities for enhancing the academic experience of our residential population. Much of this work stems from feedback provided by campus part-
10
ners (academic departments and support services), as well as critical reflection on the part of leadership within the department. Reorienting the strategic goals of UHDS to account for academic success and student development (our first strategic goal, to be exact), the Residential Education branch of University Housing aims to make academics a central component of the community experience one encounters at OSU. As the Graduate Teaching Assistant for Academic Success and Engagement, my task has involved leading programmatic efforts that challenge students to look beyond traditional measures of a successful college career (grades, GPAs, and even getting a degree) as well as creating ongoing conversations
on the subject of academics within our residential communities. Why are students choosing Oregon State or any institution of higher learning, for that matter? How does the college experience tie into one’s life goals or career aspirations? What does a student need to know to complete their first year? These questions have informed and guided our efforts to meaningfully enrich and enhance the academic careers of our on-campus population. Such efforts have included supporting the implementation of in-hall tutors from both our Writing Center as well as Math Learning Center. With social cognitive theory in mind, we hope that students seeing other students working with tutors in a lounge may convey the fact that, in a
spring 2012
2012
soundings
Tent City goes to school by Andrew K. Rogers, Seattle Pacific University
On a warm Saturday during Spring Break, when many students were out enjoying time off, dozens of Seattle Pacific University students chose to forgo relaxing in favor of helping their homeless neighbors. For the previous two months, SPU hosted Tent City 3, a portable community of 100 homeless men and women, on their athletic field. Now, Tent City 3 was scheduled to move to a new site, and many students wanted to help their new friends with the transition, loading moving trucks with crates and supplies, giving hugs and saying their proper goodbyes to their neighbors. During the winter quarter, SPU had the opportunity to assist TC3 while bringing awareness to students of the issues of homelessness.
up their site. During those winter months,
Once a week, TC3 residents and students
on any given day, students would visit
would gather to hear SPU professors
their new neighbors, bringing them meals
talk on topics ranging from “Women in
or knitted clothes, read books together,
Homelessness,” “Affordable Housing
take tours of the community, offer haircuts,
Crisis,” and “Advocacy” in an open forum.
wash feet or talk about life. Peer Advisor Audrey Riddle was selected Tent City 3 Resident Tracy Arant was
by SPU administrators to act as the
overwhelmed at the gracious welcome.
Tent City 3 liaison. Riddle visited the
“They make us feel like real people,”
community on a weekly basis, spent time
Arant told reporter Rachel Belle from Kiro
getting to know the residents and helped
97.3. “You’re on the bus and they’ll start a
relay information from their community
conversation with you. They come down
to the SPU community. For Riddle, being
all during the day and hang out. When
in community with the TC3 residents
you’re used to be looked down on for
was deeply impactful. “It’s not about
being homeless, or people are leery of you
me serving someone, it’s about us both
or afraid of you because they think you’re
serving each other,” she said. “It was such
gonna rob them or kill them or something.
a blessing to be a part of their story for a
These people, it seems like they really
season.”
do understand that we’re them, just in an unfortunate set of circumstances.”
Students were more than eager to get involved. When Tent City 3 moved to SPU in January 21st, almost 200 students greeted the residents and helped them set
“The best part is it’s not like it’s an act,” Arant says about SPU students. “They’re
In return, the Tent City 3 residents talked
genuine, in everything they say and do. It’s
about their experience and taught students
really cool. For what it’s done for my spirit
about issues regarding homelessness.
inside? Words won’t explain.”
From left to right: Tracy Arant, (student) Audrey Riddle, Lisa Ewing, (student) Alex Mikulas. (97.3 KIRO FM Photo/Rachel Belle)
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summer 2012
NWACUHO Soundings
The Story of Student Loan Interest Rates Josh Gana, University of Washington, explores the political debate on how to keep interest rates low on students loans - and the price students may have to pay.
12
summer 2012
2012
If you have been following political landscape in the United States over
the past couple of months, you may be scratching your head and wondering what the heck is going on with student loan interest rates. You’re not the only one. It’s probably all the more perplexing for our Canadian colleagues. What is clear is that the July 1 deadline is drawing near and it’s an election year, so really, anything could happen – and likely will have by the time you are reading this article. So, what is the issue? In 2007, Congress approved a law that reduced interest rates on new federally subsidized student loans as part of the College Cost Reduction and Access act. The act dropped rates over the following four academic years from 6.8% to 3.4%. Well, July 1, 2012 is the four-year mark so the law is set to expire – and unless further action is taken, interest rates will revert to the 2007 rate of 6.8%; double what it is right now. The good news is that both Democrats and Republicans have agreed that the loan rate SHOULD be kept at the current level. The dissent comes in how to pay for it. The cost of maintaining the low rates is approximately $6 billion per year, and the funding has to come from somewhere. Republican lawmakers have proposed increasing premiums employers pay on federally insured pension plans, Democrats have proposed eliminating a tax preference for corporations, and other proposals have suggested eliminating a portion of the health care overhaul.
soundings
sun setting of a law that will result in an immediate increase in interest rates on any new federally subsided student loans. Both sides don’t want it to happen but nobody can agree on how to pay for it. So, it’s deadlocked. By the way, these subsidized loan recipients represent nearly 8 million need-based students in the United States. These are the students who are borrowing to get through college, often paying to live in the residence halls with student loan proceeds. If they’re anything like me, they wouldn’t make it through college without loans. A doubled rate would incur approximately $5000 in additional interest costs for each of these students; many with tenuous job prospects in this market. I’m sure that there will be some sort of compromise before this issue of Soundings is published, and whether it is a temporary extension, a compromised long term solution, or a full-fledged reauthorization of the current law what is clear is that education in the USA is very much a political issue, and it all comes down to dollars at the end of the day. Either way, taxpayers end up picking up the tab – but is now really the time to increase the costs of attending college with the state of the economic condition? Josh Gana is the regional representative for the ACUHO-I Public Policy Advisory Committee, a group that analyzes pertinent legislative action for the Association.
So here I write, two weeks before the
Editor’s Note: According to US News & World Report, in a last minute decision by Congress, the interest rate on subsidized Stafford loans taken out as of July 1, 2012, will remain at 3.4 percent for one more year. But under a temporary provision that lasts until July 1, 2014, holders of subsidized Stafford loans taken this year and next will no longer enjoy an interest-free grace period after graduation. Historically, the federal subsidy extended for six months after a student completed school, meaning students would never pay for the half year of accruing interest. For more information, visit http://studentaid.ed.gov/
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summer 2012
NWACUHO Soundings
Alaska
state and provincial updates
Alaska Pacific University
Submitted by: Tim Flynn & Sonja Olson Summer at APU comes with some
robust new class of students from all over
relaxation and planning for the fall. Our
the lower 48 and Alaska
student staff is working with conference
recently
completed
Summer in Alaska means construction McMillen
and we are in the process of replacing
services for all of the camps we host on
Student Center recently received our
the sidewalks on half of our campus and
campus and our summer students are
brand new furniture and also got new
improving the walkways to and from our
out enjoying the Alaskan summer and
technology that will allow us to stay eco-
academic buildings. A recent energy audit
the occasional black bear on campus.
friendly.
We are now able to utilize an
pointed out some areas where we could
Preparations for welcoming back students
interactive events calendar so that student
be saving money and helping save the
in August are underway and collaboration
groups can post activities on our new flat
environment, so APU is in the process of
is ongoing with our neighbors next door,
screen televisions. In addition to our new
several renovations to improve our carbon
UAA, for student staff training and
couches and tables, APU put out new
footprint.
welcome week activities for residential
study furniture in the Atwood Residence
students.
Halls to welcome back the students in the
We are looking forward to a
Our
fall.
University of Alsaska Anchorage Submitted by: Maria Bonifacio We are excited for the arrival of our new
will be all equipped with fire sprinklers!
improved classroom.
Residence Coordinator, Jessie Pooler.
Hooray! This summer also calls for the
A handful of our student leaders and two
She is coming to us from Northern Arizona
arrival of some new furniture and the
of our ACUHO-I Interns (Thomas Harwell
University, where she received her Master
painting of some of our areas. Along these
and Lauren Moguel) got the opportunity to
of Education in
same lines, Residence Life has received
attend a three day E3 leadership retreat.
Counseling- Student Affairs . She will
funding to totally reconstruct/ update one
The University partners with Volunteers
be taking over for our previous Residence
of our two on campus classrooms. The
of America’s Communities Mobilizing for
Coordinator, Stephanie Whaley, who after
classroom is North Hall will be painted,
Change on Alcohol, who were partnering
three years in Residence Life here at UAA
new desks have been purchased and it
with our local military base and the E3
will be moving over to Career Services.
will become a smart classroom. We are
High Ropes Leadership retreat. All of the
sprinkler
looking forward to showing the students
students and staff that participated had a
renovations are being completed this
who are enrolled in our Creating Success
lot of fun, but also learned a lot too.
summer, so our Main Apartment Complex
in College course all about our new and
The
last
installment
of
A group of UAA students learned the value of teamwork at the E3 High Ropes Leadership Retreat.
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summer 2012
2012
Alberta
soundings
University of Lethbridge
Submitted by: Steve Brodrick Greetings from Southern Alberta!
to the west.
The coulees in Lethbridge are very
In support of our academic mission and
green after a rainy spring. Despite the
the student experience, Residence Life
weather, construction is moving ahead
at the U of L is also pleased to announce
with a new and exciting building project.
a new positions being created for fall
The University of Lethbridge skyline is
2012. The newly created Residence Life
dominated by two cranes on the south
& Education Coordinator role will help
end of campus where our new five story
develop community as well as facilitate
259 bed apartment building is under
academic and social success through
construction. Situated at the south end of
programming. Please keep your eyes
Aperture Park, the new facility will feature
peeled for a posting coming soon. The
a commanding view of the Old Man river
past year has been action packed and we
valley to the east and the Rocky Mountains
look forward to another exciting year of
growth and development in 2013.
Construction is underway for new 5-story student apartment building at the University of Lethbridge
Lakeland College Submitted by: Judy Eyben Facilities Update: All new windows are being put in the single housing units in Lloydminster this summer.
British Columbia University of Victoria Submitted by: Chelsey Evans
Staffing Changes: We will be saying
vide the requisite skills needed to succeed
pleased to be offering the following options
goodbye to Residence Life Coordinators
in their positions based on previous experi-
in September 2012: Health & Wellness,
Dan Cantiller and Olivia Harvey in June.
ence in the role.
Sustainability, Academic Engagement, and
Both Dan and Olivia served our program
- This year we will be piloting a mandatory
Leadership & Civic Engagement. We will
for two years and we wish them luck in their
Roommate 101 Program in our shared,
also be offering our Substance-Free and
new endeavors. We are pleased to wel-
suite-style neighborhood. This program
Quiet Floor interest-based communities.
come our new Residence Life Coordinators
includes the development of a Roommate
David Protheroe (who was a student and
Guide and agreement for students to fill out
Professional Development Initiatives: In
Residence Coordinator at UBC) and Alison
with their Community Leader (student-staff
March we held a one-day Residence Stu-
Dailey (who was a student at Wilfred Lau-
member) in the fall.
dent Leadership Conference for current
rier University, and a Community Coordina-
and prospective staff living in residence. Initiatives: Our Themed and Interest-
Student-staff ran workshops for their peers,
based Communities, which launched last
covering diverse topics from programming
September, saw great success throughout
to student engagement. This year we were
Training Changes: This year, we have
this past year. This year, we will be working
pleased to host delegates from both the
added differentiated fall training streams
to further engage students and enhance
University of British Columbia and Vancou-
with associated learning outcomes for our
our intentional programming efforts within
ver Island University.
new, returning, and senior paraprofessional
these communities. We have readjusted
staff. The purpose of this addition is to pro-
the focus of some of our themes and are
tor at the University of Waterloo), who will be joining our team at the end of June.
University of the Fraser Valley Submitted by: Tracey Mason-Innes Staffing Changes: Whitney Fordham
Training Additions: Junelle Mah is taking
joined us last November as our Housing
the ACUHO-I RA Training course and
Assistant-Accommodations.
we look forward to getting new ideas and
15
implementing them.
summer 2012
NWACUHO Soundings University of British Columbia Submitted by: Kate Ferguson Staffing Changes: We were pleased
the University of Guelph working as
to welcome three new Residence Life
an Assistant Residence Life Manager
Talking When the Stakes are High – Kerry
Managers to UBC in June.
where he oversaw a student staff team,
Patterson
• Crucial Conversations: Tools for
First, meet Pamela Wettlaufer. Pamela
managed student behavioural issues, and
• The Holy Man – Susan Trott
joined us from the University of Waterloo
worked with the rest of the management
where she has worked this past year
team to provide training and development
World That Can’t Stop Talking – Susan
as a Community Coordinator in one
opportunities.
Cain
• Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a
of Waterloo’s largest residence halls,
And finally, say a big hello to Amy
UW Place. In her role as a CC she
Stewart! Amy is very familiar with UBC and
What Motivates Us – Daniel H. Pink
supervised a staff team, supporting them
the Residence Life program as a former
• The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
in their personal growth and development,
Residence Advisor. Amy spent the first
identifying
team
two years of her Residence Life career
Hate Networking: A Field Guide for
development, and addressing issues that
at Totem Park and then moved to Gage
Introverts, the Overwhelmed, and the
arose.
for the suite style experience. In 2011
Underconnected – Devora Zack
opportunities
for
Before joining the team at UW, Pamela received
an
Honours
BA
from
Amy graduated from UBC with a BA and
• Drive: The Surprising Truth About
• Networking for People Who
• The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team – Peter
the
a double major in Economics and Human
University of Toronto Mississauga with
Geography. For the past year, Amy has
• Multipliers: How the Best Leaders
Crime, Law and Deviance and Political
been developing her supervisory skills as
Make Everyone Smarter – Liz Wiseman
Science majors. While at UTM, Pam also
a Residence Coordinator at Place Vanier. Traditions: UBC’s Mentorship Program
worked as a student staff member, both as a Residence Don and a Programming Assistant.
Lencioni
Training
Additions:
Residence
is entering its 4th year. Each year students
Coordinator Book Club – Our Residence
in senior leadership positions in our
Kyle Lethbridge is a graduate of Wilfrid
Coordinator team of 16 will be assigned
Residence Life program are matched up
Laurier University where he earned a BA
to read a book and will take turns leading
with a mentor from the Student Affairs field
in Communication Studies and Geography
a book club discussion once/month in
at UBC.
and Psychology Minors. While a student
conjunction with a partner RC and a
To prepare our staff to get the most out
at WLU, Kyle worked as a Residence
Residence Life Manager. The books we’ve
of the relationship we focus some training
Don. Most recently, Kyle has been at
selected for this project are:
around
networking,
what
mentorship
means and how it can be beneficial to their experience. As a result of this program our staff have been able to connect with other professional staff around campus.
The
culture of mentorship is now strong Residence Life and our student staff are excited about the tradition of mentorship that has been established and the potential it holds. Many staff have shared that their mentors were an influential part of their experience and they continue to keep in touch with their mentors. Many
of
mentioned
our that
past the
mentors
have
experience
was
beneficial for them, keeping them informed of the current student voice and about relevant topics on our campus.
16
summer 2012
2012
soundings
Oregon
Oregon State University Submitted by: Ann Marie Klotz Ann Marie Klotz is the new Associate Director of University Housing & Dining for Residential Education. Ann Marie comes to OSU from DePaul University, where she served as the Assistant Director of Programming and Training in Residential Education. She is in the process of completing her Ed.D. from DePaul in Educational Leadership. Alexander Matiash is a new Resident Director who will be working in Poling Hall. Alexander comes to us from the University of Connecticut, where he recently earned a Master’s Degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Leandra Schaffer is our new Graduate Assistant for Academic Success & Engagement. Lea earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Pacific University in 2011, and will be pursuing a Master’s Degree in College Student Services Administration at OSU. Dawn Snyder is our new Operations Manager for Residential Conferences & Building Services. Dawn was a Resident Director at Oregon State University for
three years and prior to that completed her Master’s degree at Penn State University. Aimee Scrivens is our new Residential Conferences & Building Services Coordinator. Aimee was a Resident Director at California State Polytechnic University for two years and prior to that completed her Master’s degree at the University of San Francisco. We are introducing a new transfer student living experience in or residential program. This will be a unique opportunity for transfers students to live in a community with others who are undergoing a similar transition to OSU. We are in the process of developing learning outcomes, identifying academic partnerships, and budgeting for this unique living community. Transfer students choosing this living option will have the option to live in a double-asa-single room, have an optional meal plan, and an upgraded community kitchen option. First Year Experience: OSU is beginning the process of
redefining our priority for providing a comprehensive first-year experience on the Corvallis campus. More to come! Nicholas Martin (Former Graduate Assistant for Academic Success & Engagement): Graduate Student Scholarship for the 2012 Northwest Association of College and University Housing Officers (NWACUHO). David Akana (Assistant Director for Residential Education): OSU Division of Student Affairs Service Award. Ann Marie Klotz (Associate Director for Residential Education): Herstory Award from the Association of College and university Housing Officers International (ACUHO-I). Kathryn Magura (Operations Manager, Assignments & Customer Service ): Robert P. Cooke Talking Stick Article of the Year Award for the article “Making Gender-Neutral Housing Work” that appeared in the July + August 2011 issue of the magazine
Pacific University Submitted by: Jessa Carpenter In the 2011/2012 academic year the department of Residence Life at Pacific University successfully operated under a new organizational chart. Instead of using 5 entry-level professionals as Resident Directors, one for each hall, the new structure allowed for two experienced professionals to split the campus in half. This meant larger paraprofessional staffs, decreased visibility, and a real hard look at some of the more time intensive administrative tasks that had previously fallen on the Resident Directors. Ben Dictus and Megan Hockert, the newly appointed Area Coordinators, rose to the occasion, not only maintaining the level of services available and student satisfaction
17
but, in some cases, improving! Ben Dictus was previously a Residence Director here at Pacific University and Megan Hockert joined us after 4 years as Residence Director at Syracuse University. This summer Residence Life and Housing are continuing along the same path of continual improvement by hosting their very first (and therefore best ever) ACUHO-I intern, Jessa Carpenter (me!). As the inaugural intern I have been asked to benchmark some current processes and protocols against other institutions and to dig deep into assessment. I am currently a graduate student in the University of Florida’s SPHE program and this is my
first time ever living on a college campus! Meanwhile, the Housing department is spending the summer coordinating Pacific University’s growing pains. Our enrollment continues to increase every year, bringing even more eager students to the doorsteps of our 100% capacity residence halls. Housing is currently exploring every possible option to welcome those waiting list students onto our residential campus while still providing the student services that lead to success. Together we are tackling transitions, challenges, and opportunities!
summer 2012
NWACUHO Soundings Southern Oregon University Submitted by: Tim Robitz We would like to thank Michelle Schuster, Assistant Director for Maintenance and Operations for her years of service to University Housing. Michelle worked for Housing for 15 plus years and will be moving over to the Southern Oregon University Library. We are lucky to keep her in the SOU family. The North Campus Village - our new Residence Halls and Dining Facilities
are currently under construction and proceeding on time with opening set for Fall 2013. The joint partnership with ACC will allow SOU to add 702 new beds to housing. The residence halls will have suite style and semi-suite style units located adjacent to a new dining facility that will emphasize made to order display cooking. You can track progress on the development at construction.sou.edu/ northcampus
Currently Southern Oregon University is in the process of awarding a new Campus Food Service contract. With the new facility and campus changes, the institute is looking at a number of companies to oversee and develop an all encompassing campus food service. The selected company will oversee: residential dining, all retail, concessions, catering and vending.
Hall), Michael Wode (Corrado Hall), Amanda Murphy (Kenna Hall), Danny Zimmerman (Villa Maria Hall), Sr. Sue Bruno, OSF (Fields Hall), and Joe Burke (Christie Hall). New assistants are: Abi Stokes (Kenna Hall), Tyler Zimmerman
(Christie Hall), Diana Querciagrossa (Mehling Hall), Erin Kelley (Corrado Hall), and Fiona Corner (Fields Hall). We are excited to welcome these new staff members to the University of Portland and to NWACUHO!
Additionally, we are delighted to welcome new staff to our team. Anelise Montán joins us as the new Quad Area Coordinator. Anelise comes to WOU most recently from the University of Portland where she served as a Resident Director. Michael Mann, Coordinator for Leadership and Programs and the new RHA Advisor, joins us most recently from Illinois State University where he completed his master’s degree. Prior to attending ISU, Michael was an undergraduate student
at Oregon State University and worked in University Housing and Dining Services. In terms of building projects at WOU, we are taking a break from constructing new facilities in Housing, but are doing a minor remodel in Barnum Hall this summer. However, the University is moving forward on a new Science Building. The groundbreaking for the DeVolder Family Science Center, a 21,000 square foot facility, took place June 16 and is scheduled to be completed by September 2013. The Science Center
University of Portland Submitted by: John Merchant The University of Portland will start the 2012-2013 academic year with several new hall directors and assistant hall directors. Joining the Residence Life team as hall directors are: Mark DeMott, CSC (Shipstad Hall), Gina LoSchiavo (Mehling
Western Oregon University Submitted by: Tina Fuchs
Several changes are taking place at Western Oregon University as summer continues. At the end of June, University Housing said farewell to Valerie Bagley, Assistant Director, and Justin Collins, Area Coordinator for the Quad. Both are moving on to new endeavors that will offer them unique challenges and experiences. David Sundby, Assistant Director, and currently the RHA Advisor, will assume new duties related to Academic Initiatives and Assessment.
NWACUHO Facebook Page
NWACUHO on Twitter
NWACUHO Blog
NWACUHO on Linkedin
Search for “NWACUHO” under Groups and ask to join. You can share photos, engage in discussions, or connect with friends from the region.
We have a blog where you can post your thoughts and comments on various topics from the Soundings to next year’s annual conference.
18
Follow the latest trends and institutional updates on Twitter with other professionals from the region. Go to twitter.com/ NWACUHO to get started.
It’s Facebook, but for professionals. Check out all the professional connections you can find by linking into the NWACUHO profile. http://lnkd.in/htviZB
summer 2012
soundings project will help accommodate record enrollment by providing increased space for program development and improved the student learning environment by leveraging current technologies, state-of-theart analytical techniques and modern safety controls.
Finally, University Housing wishes to congratulate our own Stephanie Anderson, Ackerman Hall Area Coordinator, on receiving the 2012 ACUHO-I New Professionals Scholarship. With the award, Stephanie was able to attend her first ACUHO-I conference this summer. Way to go Stephanie!
Willamette University Submitted by: Elizabeth Trayner Willamette University’s Office
institution, WSU. Jess Varga
of Residence Life has had a
has moved over to lead the
number of changes. Elizabeth
Kaneko Commons as the
Trayner started as the new
Coordinator for that area.
Director of Residence Life as
Chris Toutain and Heather
of June 1 and is excited to be
Coakley are remaining in
returning to the Northwest.
their current areas. Tori Ruiz
Most recently she was serving
continues in her role as Office
as Assistant Director for Staff
Coordinator and a wonderful
Development and Diversity
asset to the office.
at the University of Southern California. Prior to that she
Katie Hellman of Bowling
had been at Occidental
Green and Amy Collinsworth
College, California State
of University of Tennessee
University, Chico and the
have been a wonderful
University of South Dakota.
summer addition to the team
Also joining the team is Janae
as ACUHO-I interns. They are
Brewster as Area Coordinator
excited to be here and get the
for the Eastside. She had
opportunity to explore Salem
been at a fellow NWACUHO
and the surrounding area.
summer 2012
2012
Washington Eastern Washington University Submitted by: Josh Ashcroft & Toni Taylor Staffing Changes: Welcome Rachel
fall, Josh will return to the University of
Department Initiatives: We purchased
(Rebar) Briscoe as a new Residence Life
North Carolina at Greensboro to complete
RoomSync, a Facebook application
Coordinator! Rachel returns to EWU after
his Master of Education in Student
that allows residents to select their
a stellar student staff career. She left to
Personnel Administration in Higher
own roommate. We are pleased with
complete her graduate work and earned a
Education. We already know we’ll miss
the results thus far. If anyone has any
Masters in Student Affairs from Northern
him!
questions about it, you’re welcome
Arizona University while a live-in graduate
Construction/Maintenance highlights:
to contact our Room Assignments
hall director. She just finished a year at
During spring quarter, construction
Coordinator, Melanie Duggan at 509-359-
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo as a Coordinator
began on the new residence hall! We’ll
6253.
of Student Development. Recently
have a web camera installed by mid-July
Professional Development Initiatives:
married, Rachel and husband Jeff will live
and you can check that out and learn more
This summer all staff are reading and
in Dryden Hall.
about the new building at http://access.
discussing “The Happiness Advantage:
ewu.edu/housing/reshallconstruction.xml.
The Seven Principles of Positive
Welcome also to new graduate assistant, Tricia Wahler. While Tricia
We are contracting the installation of
Psychology that Fuel Success and
continues work toward her Master of
shower stall inserts in Streeter Hall this
Performance at Work” by Shawn Achor.
School Psychology degree, she’ll be
summer using acrylic custom inserts.
Other news: At NACURH in June we
working on academic initiatives in the
Streeter Hall also will receive a hall
had two students sworn into the Regional
residence halls. Tricia was the Community
office overhaul making it more functional,
Board of Directors for PACURH – Richard
Advisor for an LLC floor in 2009–2010
ADA compliant and easier on the eyes.
Arquette as Director and Cameron
and implemented the very popular Library Lights Out program. Finally, we are grateful to have Joshua Moll working with us this summer as
Dressler and Pearce will have floor
Pilkinton as the Regional Technology
kitchen upgrades to include new cabinets,
Coordinator. Our National Communications
fixtures, sinks, stoves and increased
Coordinator was awarded a conference pin
counter space.
by the Director for her excellent work as a
an ACUHO-I intern. Josh is working in
Pearce and Streeter Hall will be fully
first time NCC. Advisor Michelle Schultz
many facets of the operations including
wireless by end of summer, leaving only
received her 4 and 5 year PACURH Pins
closing a hall/EOY checkout of residents
one hall without full Wi-Fi.
of Service.
while the hall director was on maternity
Traditions: The Moonlight Breakfast
leave, summer camps and assisting with
during finals week was well-attended and
Outstanding Student Organization at the
FirstSTEP freshman introductions. This
expanded to include all students.
Student Leadership Excellence Awards.
RHA won the 2011-2012 EWU
Gonzaga University Submitted by: Esther Gaines Gonzaga is in an exciting place with
New to the RD team are Justin Muzzi,
The excitement of new energy and ideas
new staff joining us in waves. Joey
Adam Strenge, Rachel Rasmussen, and
is brought a great level of excitement
Sammut received a promotion and now
Marche Simon. We also are gearing up to
to the department and we are looking
holds the position on Area Coordinator.
bring a new Grad RD on board, Chris Doll.
forward to how it will play out this year.
Seattle Pacific University Submitted by: Andrew Rogers spend more with her newborn son. Stacia
McCulluough, has accepted a Academic
wishes to three of our teammembers in
We’ve said goodbye and well
Cumberland, our crackshot Administrative
Affairs position at Whitworth University.
Residence Life that are moving on in
Assistant, has moved from teaching
We thank them for their service and
their careers and lives. Dana Stadelmen,
staff how to balance their budgets to
dedication to their work and students.
Apartment Residence Hall Coordinator,
teaching kids how to play piano. And our
is moving to California and excited to
sweetest and most optimisitc RLC, Anna
20
summer 2012
soundings University of Washington Submitted by: Michelle Primley Benton It’s an exciting time of transition on the
Stevens Court Resident Director to the
years to make way for additions to our
University of Washington – Seattle campus
Leadership & Programming Specialist
West Campus community. Residents and
after a successful closing on June 9. We
position. Anton Zanotto has transitioned
staff past and present celebrated the hall
are pleased to welcome new staff and
from Lander Hall Resident Director to
with events, including an opportunity to
see some of our returning staff move
the Conduct & Compliance Specialist. In
sign the walls and take home a Lander
into new roles. We have added two new
addition, this month we welcome 4 new
mailbox. The new Lander Hall will open
Administrators to our unit, bringing our
RDs to campus: Laura Lambeth, Kira
in 2014. As we say goodbye to Lander,
Administrator team from 3 to 5; we are
Newman, Christina Shapland, and Susan
we say hello to our two new residence
excited to add Alice Schweihofer from The
Sherbak. In addition, we have had the
halls opening this autumn, Elm and Alder
Ohio State University as the Administrator
pleasure of working with our ACUHO-I
Hall. Elm will feature our first full-service
for Apartment Life and Michelle Primley
intern, Janie Sacco, who will be returning
restaurant, Cultivate, as well as a West
Benton, who has transitioned within HFS
to Loyola University Chicago mid-July.
Campus fitness center. Alder will house our
to the Administrator for North Campus
We have appreciated her hard work this
first full grocery store, as well as feature
& Diversity Initiatives. Erica Barton has
summer. Finally, we are continuing to
Alder Commons, which includes meeting
transitioned to the Administrator for
interview for our confirmed Resident
rooms and an auditorium for programming,
Student Development, focusing on our
Director openings.
lectures, and conferences. Finishing
department’s student leadership and
touches are being put on both buildings,
development initiatives and programs.
UW said goodbye to a landmark, as
and we look forward to welcoming
Drew Zimmerman has transitioned from
Lander Hall was demolished after 55
residents in September.
Walsh Construction Co. Building Smart • Building Green • Building Community www.walshconstructionco.com Located in Washington & Oregon Walsh Construction Co. is a general contractor specializing in student housing, academic facilities, affordable mixed-use and multi-unit housing. Renovation, historic preservation and high-end resorts round out the Walsh portfolio. University of Washington Nordheim Court
21
NWACUHO Soundings
Program Highlight: UBC’s Thunderbird Green Chef Challenge
By Cristel Moubarak, University of British Columbia
L- R, Jackie Ehlert, SHHS dietician, Organizers Cristel Moubarak and Jenny Huang, Residence Advisors
As a Residence Advisor in Thunderbird,
my colleague Jenny Huang and I identified some gaps in our community in terms of nutrition, sustainability and health. Most of the students in suite-style residence have never had to make a meal prior to living independently, let alone adjusting to UBC’s high sustainability commitments and mandates. So, in November, we planned an event that brought concepts of healthy eating, easy cooking and green living together featuring professionals from UBC Student Housing and Hospitality Services (SHHS) – and the Green Chef Challenge was born. The Thunderbird Green Chef Challenge encompassed two components; education and action. The education portion featured 3 guest speakers. Dr. Jackie Ehlert (registered dietitian with the Food Services branch of SHHS) started the talks with “Wise Eating” where she described how to incorporate healthy choices into an enjoyable diet. Chef Steve Golob (Chef at Place Vanier) talked about “Cooking Made Easy”
22
Green Chef Challenge Judges: Steve Golob, Vicki Wakefield, Jackie Ehlert, and competition commentator Josie Midha
- he gave advice and shared interesting
the salads on taste, nutritional value,
stories on how to make day-to-day cook-
appearance, creativity and station cleanli-
ing easy for students. On par with UBC’s
ness. After presenting the dishes to the
sustainability program, Vicki Wakefield
judges, the participants and attendees had
(SHHS Purchasing Manager) shared a lot
the chance to bond over delicious salad
of information on how to recycle properly
samples.
at UBC and characterized a lot of common mistakes made by students on what can
Through this event, Thunderbird residents
be recycled. After her talk, there was a fun
had the chance to get together and learn
competition called the “Green Test”, where
about valuable health, nutritional and
three participants sorted various items into
sustainability facts. They had the chance
can, paper, glass, plastic or landfill bins.
to create some memorable moments with
A prize was awarded to the contestant
fellow residents, Residence Advisors and
who sorted and recycled the most items
UBC SHHS staff. In addition, this event al-
correctly.
lowed the Thunderbird community to learn about and take part in the Green Star
The second part of the event, the Thun-
Program initiative driven by SHHS which
derbird Chef Competition, featured three
promotes recycling and sustainability by
teams of two, who had 30 minutes to
having residents set three specific sustain-
make a creative salad with the secret
ability goals.
ingredient, basil. The twist was that all the ingredients they chose to use had to be
This event was the recipient of a PACURH
used up with no waste or leftovers. While
regional “Of the Month” (OTM) award, one
Josie Midha (UBC’s Triple O’s manager)
of 14 Regional Awards out of 176 nomina-
was the commentator in the competition,
tions in the Pacific region presented by the
Chef Steve, Dr. Jackie, and Vicki judged
National Residence Hall Honorary.
summer 2012
nwacuho
Northwest Association of College & University Housing Officers
MID-‐LEVEL PROFESSIONAL DRIVE-‐IN CONFERENCE
SAVE THE DATE!
AT
Topics will include:
Supervising professional staff Facilities and capital planning Roundtable discussions Budgeting
The conference is $10 per person for NWACUHO Members Non-‐member registration fee is $20 per person Register online at www.nwacuho.org starting September 1! Register online at www.nwacuho.org starting September 1!