Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
M AC U H O magazine
INSIDE THIS ISSUE DIVERSIFYING DIVERSITY THE GOLDEN AGE OF WEST VIRGINIA HURRICANE SANDY ROCKS STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Delaware • District of Columbia • Maryland • New jersey • Pennsylvania • West Virginia
TABLE OF CONTENTS News from President’s Desk
04
UPDATES Macuho Financial Update
06
FY 2013 Budget Summary
07
February Meeting Update
08
EVENTS Mid-Atlantic Placement Conference Article
10
What is the SSLI Conference?
12
Neighborhood Tours: From Walls to Halls
13
National Housing Training Institute
13
THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS Joe Russo
Joshua R. Belice
Olan Garrett
Danielle Troise
Desiree Craig
Steven Couras
Lisa Nyinaku
Amy LoSacco
Lee Ambrose
FEATURES Lesson From My Son: Working With Students and
16
Families Who Have a Disability
Diversifying Diversity
18
The Golden Age of West Virginia
20
UD Residence Life Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
22
Through Service
Hurricane Sandy Rocks Stevens Institute of Technology
26
Taking Residential Programs from Small to Large Scale
30
EDITORS Christina Moran Philadelphia University DESIGNERS Morgan Knepper
Kate Cassidy
Temple University
Temple University
SPRING ISSUE
N EWS
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S By: Joe Russo
H
appy New Year! I trust
students. For those who know
this letter finds you well
me personally, a position that
and that you’ve enjoyed
focuses on communications,
(and survived!) the
marketing, and system support
holiday season, Winter/
is a great move for me!
Spring opening, RA Selection process, Housing Application launch, and everything else that comes with the new semester!
Heasley as its new Executive Director of University Housing in February 2013. Chris is
first, to share personal/profes-
involved in MACUHO, ACUHO-I,
sional news and second, to
and comes most recently
update you on MACUHO’s
from St. Joseph’s University
achievements since our Annual
in Philadelphia. I worked with
Conference in Balitmore, MD.
him closely on many MACUHO
new position at Drexel University. In early January, 2013, I became
MACUH O
University welcomed Dr. Chris
I write to you with two purposes:
I was recently appointed to a
4 |
In very related news, Drexel
projects and welcome the opportunity to acclimate him to my home institution.
the Director of DragonCard
The MACUHO Leadership
Services. The DragonCard is the
Council met in February at
University’s Identification Card
our 2013 Annual Conference
and my new role is to integrate
host hotel/convention center.
the many Card Services with
I’ve outlined details of this
our on-campus and off-campus
meeting in a special article
populations. I truly look forward
within this magazine edition. I
to working in this new area of
can say with the utmost con-
Student Affairs and its direct
fidence that the 2013 Annual
interaction with our residential
Conference will be fantastic!
MACUHO MAGA ZINE MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
DESK
I invite you to visit the newly re-designed MACUHO.ORG and review our committee options. I hope you’ll take this opportunity to connect with the Leadership Council and become engaged in a standing committee. Join the celebration of the ACUHO-I Foundation’s 25th birthday by heading to MACUHO. ORG and linking out to the Foundation’s Facebook Page. Our goal is have 2,500 Facebook LIKES by the start of the 2013 ACUHO-I Annual Conference and Exposition. We want MACUHO to lead the number of LIKES against the other ACUHO-I regional associations! Thank you for the continued support of MACUHO; I look forward to working with you over the next several months leading up to the Annual Conference in November.
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SPRING ISSUE
UPDATES
IMPORTANT ASSOCIATION
– UPDATES–
MACUHO Financial Update Submitted by Olan Garrett, Treasurer MACUHO continues to operate with sufficient cash on hand to support its operations. As of February 28, we have a total of $121,120.55 in our checking and savings accounts. The breakdowns are as follows: CHECKING/SAVINGS ACCOUNT BALANCES Account
As of (12/5/2012)
As of 2/28/2012
Business Checking
$126,497.16
$47,845.44
Business Performance Savings
$53,898.80
$53,913.49
Business Savings
$19,361.26
$19,361.62
Total Funds
$199,757.22
$121,120.55
Also, in December, the Executive Board met via
The committee allocations are as follows:
teleconference to set the Association’s operating budget for the 2013 fiscal year, which goes
(FY 2013 Budget Summary)
from January 1 to December 31. At that meeting,
(MACUHO 2013 Budget).
the board approved an operating budget of
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$72,927.54, allocated amongst the various com-
Please feel free to e-mail me at treasurer@
mittees and initiatives. This represents a decrease
macuho.org if you have any questions,
of just under $12,000 from the FY 12 budget.
concerns, or ideas about our finances.
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MACUHO MAGA ZINE MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
FY 2013 Budget Summary Committee/Budget Area
FY 2012 Approved
FY 2013 Approved
Archives
$0.00
$0.00
Corporate Sponsorships
$0.00
$700.00
Information Technology
$7,043.00
$6,943.00
Communications – Magazine
$650.00
$0.00
Communications – Social Media
N/A
$0.00
Housing Operations
$1,050.00
$850.00
Diversity
$485.00
$1,125.00
Exhibits and Displays
$6,700.00
$8,050.00
PPD
$19,835.00
$4,254.54
Program
$14,690.00
$14,350.00
REC
$1,690.00
$1,115.00
R&R
$4,950.00
$6,200.00
Membership/Regional Coord.
$2,500.00
$2,510.00
Strategic Initiatives
$300.00
$300.00
Scholarships
$2,760.00
$3,460.00
Executive Officers
$17,020.00
$18,070.00
Host 2013 Corporate Sponsorship
$5,000.00
$5,000.00
TOTAL
$84,603.00
$72,927.54
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SPRING ISSUE
February Meeting Update By: Joe Russo
I
’m writing to you while on my way
will provide you an opportunity to engage with
home from the February Executive
new and familiar colleagues across our region.
Board / Leadership Council meeting in Pittsburg, PA. Of course, this is the host location for our Annual Confer-
ence in November, 2013, and it was very exciting to see our host hotel and convention center. This is going to be a fantastic conference!
about how MACUHO is utilizing social media. You will soon see a re-launched Facebook Page (not a Facebook Group!) and a stronger Twitter presence. We are utilizing additional Twitter resources to track our Tweets and responses. You
As planning continues, our Program Chairs, Host
will also note that we’ll only utilize one Twitter
Chairs, and Leadership Council are combing
Account: @MACUHO. We may put hashtags to
through feedback from the 2012 conference (and
highlight various programs, such as #MAPC2013
previous conferences!) to ensure we are meeting
or #MACUHO2013, but we’re making a con-
the needs of the Association. To answer the
scious decision to not have multiple accounts.
question What does the Association need from the Annual Conference?, we are also looking at the results of our Annual Survey. The answers, as provided in these tools, spurred fantastic, new, and unchartered conversations amongst our Association leadership. The result may be an Annual Conference with new twists and turns.
Finally, the February meeting jump-started our new strategic plan. We are also embarking on an 18-month journey to analyze our current practices and develop a new 2014-2020 Strategic Plan. It is an exciting time to be a part of MACUHO as we work to re-define our mission, clarify our outcomes, and develop ourselves
You will soon hear details about the 2013 Annual
into a premier professional organization for
Conference. We are working hard to create a
Housing and Residence Life professionals.
Conference which meets the programming and networking needs of our entire association. Whether you are a graduate student, a new professional, or a CHO, the 2013 Annual Conference
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We also had a very engaging conversation
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Our next MACUHO meeting will take place in June, 2013 and is open to the entire Association. Look for more details soon!
MACUHO MAGA ZINE MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
Hey MACUHO! Stay connected through our Social Media outlets in MACUHO! “Like” the MACUHO Facebook page, and also follow @MACUHO on Twitter! Also, if you have some great things happening on campus, e-mail the video to our MACUHO youtube page at “abmt1qrxqe3s@m.youtube.com” and see your video on MACUHOTV! So, make sure you stay “social” and talk to you soon!
Mid-Atlantic Association of College and University Housing Officers proudly presents 2013 Annual Conference and Exposition in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
November 6th-8th, 2013 We welcome you to the City of Bridges! Co-hosting institutions, La Roche College and West Virginia University would like to invite you to a conference of know-how and networking. Head to www.MACUHO.org for additional details.
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SPRING ISSUE
EVENTS
Mid-Atlantic Placement Conference Article By: Desiree Craig
L
ooking for a new
Before I go any further, allow
I am doing—growing--when I
job can be daunting
me to introduce myself: Hi. I’m
subject myself so situations that
enough a task, but the
Desiree and I am an introvert. I
require me to move far beyond
prospect of parading
realize how strange an introduc-
my immediate comfort zone.
through bevies of people in
tion that may seem, but that
order to increase my chances
identifier should offer some
of securing employment com-
insight into why, leading up to
pounded my angst. As a first
the conference, I was experi-
time attendee to the Mid-Atlantic
encing punctuated moments
Placement Conference (MAPC)
of slight nervousness. I’m sure,
I (instead of speaking, at some
though, that I’m not enigmatic
length, to my colleagues who
in the sense that I was the only
had frequented the conference
candidate to have experienced
in years prior) subjected myself
small pangs of apprehension prior
to all sorts of interesting and
to and during the conference.
anxiety-inducing narratives
Given the situational conditions,
Growth is sometimes uncomfortable, but this is what I believe I am doing—growing--when I subject myself so situations that require me to move far beyond my immediate comfort zone.
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Introverts, I come bearing good news: MAPC wasn’t so frightening! It wasn’t at all a kind of noxious wizard hiding behind a thick veil towards which we should expect to approach with fear and apprehension. In fact, it was actually a really quite pleasant experience. If I’m being honest, I can’t say that all of my anxiety dissipated once I hit the conference doors, but there are steps that you can take to quell the angst enough so that you nerves don’t suffocate you. I’m not claiming to offer a panacea for all introverts for all social situations (we’re just going to be
about what that late February
I’d wager a bet that introverts
weekend in Reading, PA would
and extroverts alike were a bit
entail. I thought perhaps it might
nervous. Though, for introverts
be a sterile and uncomfortable
working in this field—a field in
environment because: how
which you, at times, need to
else could a conference where
bring the “woo”—we are often
people are “clamoring” for jobs
challenged (which is one of the
research ahead of time: The
be experienced? It became
things that I find most compelling
universe sometimes throws
quite clear that I was allowing
about this field) to pull ourselves
things at us that we can’t
my anxiety about these sorts of
outside of ourselves which can
anticipate, which for introverts,
social situations to eclipse my
be rather uncomfortable at times.
might cause some consterna-
better judgment and to orient my
Growth is sometimes uncomfort-
tion. Uncertainty isn’t our most
posture towards the conference.
able, but this is what I believe
favored ally. So, I strongly
MACUH O
uncomfortable sometimes…sorry), however, I have some useful tips that might lend to a more positive experience. Here it goes! 1. Schedule interviews and do
MACUHO MAGA ZINE MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
suggest that you contact the
walk through the conference
(yes, I know this may be hard,
institutions in which you are
venue for 15-20 minutes
especially since introverts are
most interested to schedule
(which I strongly advise) might
not hailed to be the most fluid
interviews. This will free up
help you to process inter-
and natural small-talkers),
some time for you while at
views you’ve had and think
but instead focus on being
the conference, because the
more lucidly about upcoming
present. Ask questions of
time that you might have been
ones. Too much stimulation
your interlocutor and actively
using to furiously research
might cause an introvert to
listen instead of concentrating
different programs (and those
feel like she is navigating the
on and being worried about
employed in those programs)
day through a fog—one that
what you should say next
could be used instead to take
doesn’t thin out with more
so as to avoid any awkward
much needed breaks between
interaction. In general, the
disruptions. Most introverts
interviews. That leads me
conference day(s) can be very
are great listeners because
to my next suggestion…
tiring. For in introvert, though,
of our being more thoughtful
this could be compounded if
and reflective, so use this to
she doesn’t take a moment
your advantage to pick up on
away from the action. Ulti-
triggers that might help to
mately, the time away you
move the conversation along.
2. Schedule breaks: And by schedule breaks I mean factoring in moments beyond the time you would necessarily take to fuel your body. Introverts, it is generally understood, become come mentally and sometimes physically enervated by social interac-
take to charge your batteries could make the difference in having a better, more cogent and colorful interview. 3. R elax a little: As trite and su-
4. S et a networking goal for yourself: To ensure that you make moves to network during the conference it might be useful to set a goal
tion (we tend to take pleasure
perficial as this piece of advice
for yourself to engage with x
in more solitary activities and
may seem, it would be useful
number of people while there.
less stimulating social situa-
to give this a try. An important
Be realistic in your goal-set-
tions). This is by no means a
part of the conference is the
ting. By definition, an intro-
stigma nor does it suggest
networking piece—some of the
vert’s energy level is inversely
something deficient about us.
most fruitful future connec-
correlated with the interaction.
However, it is good to be re-
tions may germinate outside
So, it would probably be more
flective enough to realize that
of your slated interviews. That
deleterious than helpful for
(re)fueling your body might
being said, when you find
you to set your networking
also require you to move to a
yourself engaged in conversa-
goal to say, 30 people in one
minimally stimulating environ-
tions try not to focus so hard
day. Remember: The object of
ment. Opting to take a solitary
on what you might say next
the conference is twofold—to
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SPRING ISSUE
EVENTS (Mid-Atlantic Placement Conference Article Continued) provide a space wherein
From one introvert to another,
require us to do some planning
which you can interview with
I can now say from experi-
on the backend. I’m actually
a number of different institu-
ence that MAPC is not at all as
convinced that introversion is a
tions during a truncated period
overwhelming as I’d imagined it
gift…we just need to learn how
and to network. Being overly
would be. I found some solace,
to harness it to work in our favor.
ambitions about your network-
too, in acknowledging that all of
Maybe these tips can do just that!
ing goals may effectively harm
the other candidates were in the
your chances of interviewing
same position I was. As introverts,
well (assuming that you might
our experiences in social situa-
find yourself drained from
tions can be made better if we
high levels of interaction). I’m
acknowledge that our different
sure you wouldn’t want that.
constitutions might sometimes
National Housing Training Institute MACUHO is pleased to support the James C.
Over the years, MACUHO regions have gener-
Grimm National Housing Training Institute (NHTI),
ously supported the mission and operation of
sponsored by the Association of College and Uni-
NHTI by providing award reimbursements to
versity Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-
participants from around our region. When par-
I) and hosted by the University of Georgia!
ticipants are selected to attend NHTI, they are also
Since its inception at the University of Florida more than 20 years ago, NHTI has provided profes-
commitment to support their attendance.
sionals with the skills and competencies neces-
In 2012, MACUHO provided $1,260
sary to excel in a career in student housing. NHTI
in award reimbursements and have
participants from around the world are given the
pledged to do the same this year.
opportunity to cultivate professional relationships, create a personalized and attainable professional development plan and find success in a field that is ever-changing and quickly evolving.
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provided with information regarding MACUHO’s
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MACUHO MAGA ZINE MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
Neighborhood Tours: From Walls to Halls Date of Program: Friday, April 5, 2013
The program goes from 10:00am to 2:00pm
The Housing and Facility Operations Committee is pleased to once again offer the Neighborhood Tours: From Walls to Halls for our colleagues in the
and includes a tour, lunch and a brief meeting. So, please mark your calendar and plan on joining us on Friday, April 5!
MACUHO Region. We believe this is a great way for
Questions? Please contact Conal Carr
staff within our region to see what other institutions
at cfc4@psu.edu.
are doing and to interact with other professionals. NJIT (Newark, NJ), NYU-DC (Washington, DC) and Marshall University (Huntington, WV) have all offered to host this year.
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MACUH O
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SPRING ISSUE
What is the SSLI Conference? With a track for student staff and one for live-in professionals, the Student Staff & Live-In conference is a conference that enhances the experience for both student staff and professional staff alike! SSLI is held at the end of October/beginning of November and provides student staff and professionals within the region an energetic opportunity to learn, grow and expand professionally and personally. Interested in hosting the SSLI Conference this year? The MACUHO REC Committee is looking for a great school to take the conference host challenge for this year’s SSLI Conference. If you’re interested, please e-mail us at MACUHOREC@gmail.com to receive the bid packet which includes an overview of what your institution needs to consider if you want to host the conference.
Recent SSLI Hosts Include: 2012 – Rutgers University (Newark) 2011 – Penn State 2012 – Temple University Some SSLI Facts: • The SSLI conference has been hosted by small and large schools. Some Schools have partnered together to provide a great conference experience. • Attendance at the SSLI Conference has ranged between 400 – 600 • Planning and hosting a conference is a great activity in communication, teamwork,
BID PACKETS ARE DUE BY APRIL 30, 2013
and leadership for your staff. • The SSLI Conference is typically held in late October or early November before the annual MACUHO Conference.
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MACUHO MAGA ZINE MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
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SPRING ISSUE
FEATURES
LESSON FROM MY SON: WORKING WITH STUDENTS AND FAMILIES WHO HAVE A DISABILITY From the Diversity Committee Blog Posted By Lisa Nyinaku, Wednesday, November 28, 2012
O
n September 7,
Later that evening, while meeting
and his breathing was pretty
2009 (Labor Day
a friend for dinner the pain
good. Even now, when I relive
actually) my life
became unbearable. I went to the
the experience, it is hard for me
changed. I gave
emergency room, and as I used
to understand what happened.
birth to my first child Josiah
the bathroom, there was a lot
Darko Nyinaku, Jr. However, a
of blood, and I knew something
day that should have been filled
was wrong. I came out frantic,
with happy tears and rejoicing
and they took me upstairs to
was one of the more tumultu-
tell me I was eight centimeters
ous days of my life. This is
dilated, and I had to give birth
because my son’s due date was
immediately. I had not even gone
November 10, 2009. He was
through my class yet, and I felt
born 10 weeks premature.
so alone and scared. While I had
What made it worse was that I
trouble pushing my son out, the
had been told one week prior
medical team kept reminding me
that everything was fine and that
that I had to do this, or I could
my due date was still November.
lose my child. It was everything
My husband missed the birth
you do not want to hear. Instead
because we had no clue I was
of getting to hold my child im-
going into labor that day because
mediately, he was rushed to
we were told everything was fine.
the neonatal intensive care unit
There was some initial pain but
(NICU), and then the waiting
I thought I was stretching as I
occurred. Luckily, my son was
had two prior scares where I was
a healthy weight for a preemie
also told everything was fine.
born 10 weeks early (3 lbs 13 oz)
Even though my journey in the NICU (where I practically lived for most of my maternity leave) was not the most pleasant, my son made it, and I was hopeful. Generally, when you ask most expecting couples what they want you get the same reply, “I don’t care as long as they’re healthy.” You generally do not hear anyone say, “I hope my child will have autism. I hope my child will have Down Syndrome. I hope my child will have delays.” That is because everyone has the best hopes for the child. You want your child to do well and succeed in life. While my son left the NICU in 10 weeks, shortly after he was diagnosed with hypotonia;
I understand the need to be heard and the need to know that others are looking out for the best interest of my child
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MACUHO MAGA ZINE MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
the medical terminology for
know that others are looking out
damage in college himself. Not
low muscle tone. This meant a
for the best interest of my child
something he expected, wished
series of genetic testing (which
(and I am sure that will still be a
or wanted, but it happened.
thankfully came back normal),
need I will have as my child grows
Did it make him less intelligent?
developmental delays in speech,
and pursues their education).
No, it made him different than
walking, and crying, and the
I also think that we often shy
someone with full capacity
need for early intervention.
away from discussions on how
of their limbs, but not less of
While my son is three now and
to treat students with disabili-
a person with needs, desires,
has made a lot of progress (he
ties—especially if they’re notice-
goals, and the ability to be a
speaks although sometimes it is
able. We are either too careful
successful professor. The class
still a little unclear), it has been
because we want to ensure that
I actually took with him and his
a journey. I have learned as a
we are sensitive enough; we shy
wife was phenomenal. I learned
parent that generally everyone
away (like we do with any person
so much in the way of relation-
else has their opinion about
or conversation that we’re not
ships and the role of suffering.
your child, and it seems that
comfortable with), or we don’t
too often as the parent your
want to deal with it at all.
voice is silenced, or ignored.
There are several realities that we need to face:
This has led me to think a lot about how in higher education
1. We have no control over the
we treat students with disabilities
family we are born to, our
and their families. Now I under-
genetic make-up and such.
stand FERPA and our obligation to deal with students who are over 18 first, but I have to say that as a parent, I understand the need to be heard and the need to
Lesson From My Son
2. At any second, our lives can
3. As people, not only do all of us deserve mutuality, respect and dignity, but we also deserve to be heard. Give someone a chance. They may not be what you think the ideal college student may be but they may be exactly what you need on your campus.
change. I had an undergradu-
Isn’t that the true beauty of
ate professor who was in a
diversity that we are not the
wheelchair and had stated that
same? And thank God.
he started to experience nerve
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WINTER ISSUE
DIVERSIFYING DIVERSITY From the Diversity Committe Blog Posted By Lee Ambrose, Monday, February 11, 2013
W
hile having a
in terms of Black and White
Ableism - This is a topic that can
discussion with
failing to remember the sub-
involve many different facets of
a small group of
stantial population of Latinos
someone’s life: emotional, mental,
new RA’s during
and Asians, not to mention the
physical, or social. The range is
Native American community.
quite expansive and can cover
winter training regarding diversity programming, it occurred to me that a lot of people think primarily about race when the topic of diversity comes up. There are some that also include sexual orientation and, more rarely, gender
Sexual Orientation - This topic usually registers for most people because of how frequently GLB
everything from deafness to a bipolar diagnosis or from having ADHD to being in a wheelchair.
issues are expressed in the
Sizeism - This topic includes
news, on television, and in film.
not only weight issues but also height issues.
identity, but that is usually the
Gender Identity/Expression -
limit when thinking about what di-
Most people naturally gravitate
Regionalism - This topic is
versity really encompasses. I have
toward categorizing this topic
rather interesting in that involves
spent the beginning of this new
with sexual orientation and do
all types of regional customs
semester brainstorming ways in
not realizing that it is a distinct
from food to dialect (think
which to get RAs to think outside
diversity issue all its own.
New York City v. Alabama).
Religion/Spirituality (Or Lack
While this is certainly not an
Thereof) - Like all diversity topics,
all-inclusive list of all the topics
this topic can be sensitive to
that exist around the issue of
address, but with the appropri-
diversity, it should provide a
ate resources and planning, it
good starting point to think
can be rather enlightening.
about how we address these
of the diversity box, so to speak. There are many ways in which we are diverse and incorporating these differences into programming is important for not only our students but for ourselves. Here are a few to think about:
Classism - College campuses
Race - This is the topic that
are increasingly diverse places in
most people touch on when
so many respects, and there are
first thinking about diversity.
often many concerns revolving
However, in the United States,
around socioeconomic issues.
differences and embrace how they make us who we are.
we usually only think about race
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Diversifying Diversity
MACUHO MAGA ZINE MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
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| 19
SPRING ISSUE
Joshua R. Belice, Shepherd University
West Virginia’s entire area might only make up 5%
New Professional Winner). Stephanie Hurley and
of MACUHO’s active membership (MACUHO 2012
the team from Marshall not only trek hours over the
Annual Survey Results), but we don’t let that slow
Appalachians to actively participate in MACUHO,
us down! We have a fair amount of good shepherds
but they also shine by collaborating across the state,
at our West Virginia Universities to consistently
including an RA Exchange with Shepherd University.
provide leadership to the MACUHO we love.
The Parthenon, Marshall University’s newspaper,
In fact, we are very proud that MACUHO’s next
wrote, “Several resident advisors at Marshall Uni-
president, Dan Gockley of Fairmont State, is going
versity are participating in events aimed to connect
to be bringing the MACUHO presidency to West
them with other universities in the state of West
Virginia this October for the first time in our 40-year
Virginia. Four resident advisors are taking part in the West Virginia campus visitation on Oct. 1 and 2 at Shepherd Univer-
I think a lot of [our success] has to do with the beauty of
sity in Shepherdstown, W.Va. The
our state. I love being surrounded by the mountains and
event is sponsored by MACUHO,
being able to incorporate [it] into our students lives.
the Mid Atlantic Association for College and University Housing Officers and organized by the
history. Current MACUHO President, Joe Russo of
West Virginia regional coordinators.” (Olszeski, 2011)
Drexel University says, “I’m pleased to know that
Those RAs from Marshall were Danielle Hender-
Dan will be the first president from West Virginia.
son, Nick Chancey, Scott Beane, and Erin Hensley
Statistics such as these are important for us to
(MACUHO VIP 2012) who were hosted by Christine
know as we look to evolve our Association over the
Kanneh and Darrell Johnson (MACUHO VIP 2011).
next several years. […] I know that he’ll represent his region - and our Association - very well!”
“Housing and residence life throughout the state of West Virginia values innovation, inclusiveness,
In addition to Dan, West Virginia boasts other active
community, and connection,” says Thomas Segar,
members who give generously to MACUHO. WVU
Shepherd University Vice President, and we echo
steps up with Brooke Zygmund (Host Co-Chair), Eric
that sentiment from each corner of our wild and
O’Hara (RC) and Morgan Sharpless (Ann Webster
wonderful State. We are active in the dedication to
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our College and University Housing Organization—a dedication includes turning to our neighbors and friends outside our borders. At Shepherd University, we were proud to host Past President David Clurman from UMBC as the keynote speaker for our summer RA Training. We have also sent representation to SSLI and RELI for the past three years and are proud of our VIPS, most recently 2012 MACUHO VIP Felix Gouanette. Shepherd has also followed Marshall’s example by hosting Sarah
Photo: Penn State (2011)-from left to right
Greenfield from Fairmont State who was
top row Darrell Johnson, Laurel Karper,
a huge help during our summer season.
Jenn Blanchard, Genicka Voltaire (now Penn
Collaboration combines with wilderness
State), Felix Gouanette, bottom row Chelsea
when it comes to our success and offering
Tipton, Joshua Belice, Russ Barron
opportunities for our residential students. Andrew Lewis, RC from Glenville State College says, “I think a lot of [our success] has to do with the beauty of our state. I love being surrounded by the mountains and being able to incorporate [it] into our students lives. Here at Glenville State College we have a very active High Adventure program that allows many students opportunities that they may never had access to. It is great to see students who have never been white water rafting or skiing and being there when they experience it for the first time. It’s just awesome!” So there you have it. West Virginia is a dynamic, flourishing and successful region. We are proud to support our fellow housing professionals in D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey, and we are thankful to those who have contributed and continue to contribute to the success of our region. We Are West Virginia!
Photo: Oktoberfest (2011)-from left to right Nick Chancey (Marshall), Danielle Henderson (Marshall), Darrell Johnson (Shepherd), Erin Hensley (Marshall), Scott Beane (Marshall) and Christine Kanneh (Shepherd).
UD Residence Life Honors Dr. Mart Article By: Danielle Troise, Complex Coordinator at University of Delaware Kate Adams, Residence Hall Coordinator at University of Delaware
The Office of Residence Life at the University of Delaware is dedicated to offering students a variety of opportunities for meaningful engagement within the university and local community. Throughout the academic year, nine residential complexes partner with local service agencies to offer students opportunities to make a difference for a community organization directly in their own halls. Annually, the Office of Residence Life partners with the Office of Alumni Relations to host a campuswide Day of Service where students are able to convene on campus and participate in philanthropic projects which benefit local agencies. The most recent tradition of service in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has truly enacted the Office of Residence Life’s commitment to cultivating civic engagement by providing our students with a dynamic one-day service experience by traveling to agencies in the local community. The “MLK Day of Service” allowed 90 students to make significant contributions that met the needs of many local non-profit organizations, to participate in guided reflection to explore how their experiences were meaningful to themselves and the community in which they served, and to recognize the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s service to society. The day began with reflection and opened with two University of Delaware speakers: José-Luis Riera, associate dean of students, and Raheemah JabbarBey, assistant professor in the School of Public 22 |
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MACUHO MAGA ZINE MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
tin Luther King Jr. Through Service MLK Day of Service was a fantastic opportunity for me. My group Policy and Administration. The speakers motivated the participants in this send-off ceremony discussing the importance of on-going service in the local community; how the students’ commitment to
went to the Sunday Breakfast Mission, where we helped in their kitchen, thrift shop, and ware-
carrying out the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy
house. When we went on a tour
demonstrates remarkable leadership; and the sig-
of their facilities, I just kept saying
nificance of finding their own path for serving others throughout their time at the university. Following the morning send-off, students boarded buses
to my friends, “This is amazing.” I was just overcome by the passion
which took them to one of six local service agencies
and love being poured out by
in Newark and Wilmington, Delaware where
the people who work there. The
they spent the afternoon. The service agencies included a nursing home, a homeless shelter, a blood bank, a home for adults with disabilities, and two after school inner-city youth programs. While at the agencies, students had the opportunity
services the Sunday Breakfast Mission offer are incredible, especially their Discipleship Program. It’s very difficult for me
to interact with other volunteers, members of the
to put into words the emotions I
local community and individuals served by the or-
felt at the Mission. Not only was I
ganization. Students were educated on the mission of the non-profit organization to better understand the community needs that are served and how
able to give in a small way to help people less fortunate, I was also
volunteers are vital to their operations. Student
both humbled and strengthened
participated in service by cleaning playgrounds,
by the dedication and love of Ray
preparing meals for the homeless, playing games with children, helping with homework, promoting an upcoming blood drive, or playing board games
[Volunteer Coordinator] and all of the employees. It really affirms
with and writing journals for adults with intellectual
that helping others is one of
disabilities. And many made new friendships in the
the most crucial and significant
process. One first-year student participant shared how meaningful this experience was for her:
aspects of human life.
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SPRING ISSUE
An upper-division student shared his experience and how it inspired him to participate in more events in the future:
Spending the day at the Jeanne Jugan Residence was an incredibly rewarding experience for myself. Being able to interact and
Through collaborations with the Office of Service-
connect with the residents was
Learning, Coordinator Susan Serra worked with
enough to not only brighten their
Residence Life professional staff members to
day but brighten ours as well
design a two-hour training session to equip Resident Assistants Team Leaders and profes-
and after such an amazing day it
sional staff to facilitate reflection on MLK Day of
leaves you eager to participate in
Service at the six different service agencies. This
future community service events.
training included an in-depth history on the origins of Service-Learning practices in the community, hands-on practice of various reflection strategies, and reflection on the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in preparation for guiding students through their experiences on MLK Day of Service. As a result of the training, the Team Leaders and professional staff were prepared to facilitate pre-reflection and reflection while serving in the community, and were able to lead participants through a one-hour reflection session to culminate the experience upon returning to campus. The success of this service opportunity rested upon the enthusiasm of the student participants, the dedication of the Team Leaders, the collaboration between departments, and the commitment and organization of the Office of Residence Life. Each year the goal of the University of Delaware Office of Residence Life is to expand the program allowing for additional participants and service agencies. Continued collaboration among university stakeholders will help the program to grow and to offer many more students the opportunity to engage meaningfully in active service to humanity, cultivating a campus-wide culture of civic engagement among University of Delaware students.
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SPRING ISSUE
HURRICANE SANDY
ROCKS STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY By: Steven Couras, Office of Residential Life, Stevens Institute of Technology
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MACUHO MAGA ZINE MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
At the height of Hurricane Sandy,
effects were so bad that the
the Hoboken, New Jersey location
MTA-Path trains in and out of New
of Stevens Institute of Technol-
York City were down and non
ogy began to flood severely.
operational for several months.
Trees were uprooted; debris was flying all over the place, and power was lost on campus and throughout most of Hoboken for days. The day after Sandy hit, Stevens students emerged to the sight of the beautiful and great Stevens campus in disarray.
Between the massive amounts of media coverage on television and online via social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, we can all say we know and saw the devastation Sandy caused throughout New Jersey. However, it’s also important to note the massive
The Office of Residence Life
amounts of people that volun-
and various other members of
teered to restore order to loca-
the Stevens community had
tions brutally hit by the hurricane.
the duty of getting the campus back in order—without power on campus (with the exception of one residential apartment complex, one academic building, and Fraternity & Sorority row).
At Stevens, the Office of Residence Life and the RA staff took full charge both during and after the hurricane to ensure the safety of the students at all times and to bring back some
The loss of power lasted a total of
sense of normalcy. During the
six days. Classes were cancelled
first three days on a powerless
until November 7th to allow
campus, the RA staff volunteered
time to not only get everything
to help our dining hall (which
back in order after the hurricane
was without power as well) with
but also to accommodate our
various tasks like line control,
students, staff and faculty who
serving food, and cleanup of the
commute into Hoboken. Tunnels
cafeteria. The remarkable Stevens
and bridges were closed in and
RA staff also took on the task of
out of Hoboken. There were
working with our department to
massive lines at gas stations, and
locate and check in on students
mass transportation was badly
without power and to offer them
affected causing the Hoboken
alternative places to stay for the
NJ Transit station to be shut
duration of the power outage.
down for over three weeks. The
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SPRING ISSUE
It is times like these when as
on campus and collected candy.
administrators and a Residence
Although Hoboken and Stevens
Life staff we put to use our
were in the dark, we made sure
massive training in crisis man-
that an exciting night like Hallow-
agement to ensure the safety
een would not be missed, much to
of our students at all times. We
the appreciation of our students.
are lucky at Stevens to have such dedicated and committed RAs to work with during calamities like Hurricane Sandy.
Physical Plant Department, Dining Service, Student Life and other members of the campus com-
provide a fun environment for
munity come together during
their residents, our RAs even
such a time of need. It was even
continued to program. They
more rewarding for me to see our
had game nights, movie nights
RAs go above and beyond the
(in the one apartment complex
call of duty. I can’t say enough
with power), study sessions and
amazing and positive things
even a late night BBQ. Our RAs
about our RAs at Stevens; we
and the Stevens Christian Fel-
would not have gotten through
lowship also collaborated to set
this if it was not for their hard
up a very successful late night
work and support. We have such
BBQ where students were served
a dedicated and great staff that
burgers, hot dogs, and smores
they even used this time without
while getting the chance to hang
power to catch up on homework,
out and catch up with peers in
update their bulletin boards and
a fun and safe environment.
plan November programs and
ing programs and a fun outlet
floor meetings. You can’t ask for anything better from an RA staff!
for Stevens students stuck on
Thank you and kudos to all
campus without power, but the
the RAs at Stevens as well as
Student Life office even hosted
other colleges and universities
successful and enjoyable events
affected by Sandy for all the
like a comedy show, a talent
hard work that had to be done!
show, and even a “trick or treat” night where students dressed up and went to various locations
MACUH O
along with Campus Police,
In an effort to entertain and
Not only were the RAs provid-
28 |
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WINTER ISSUE
FEATURES
Taking Residential Programs from Small to Large Scale By: Amy LoSacco, Residence Director, Rider University
In Student Affairs, our constant challenge is
Remain Consistent
to do more with less. It is easy to continuously
In order to ensure fairness and unbiased judging,
churn out movie and game nights, but how do
the smaller residence hall pageants needed to be
we create a different and fun program that does
consistent with one another. For instance, the same
not cost a lot of money? More importantly, how
scoring sheet was used for each contestant. There
do we incorporate more student participation
were many other factors that stayed the same.
in one event? You may not need to reinvent the
The residence hall pageants were all advertised by
wheel. In fact, you are probably already doing
the Resident Director of that building, hosted by
some programs that you can simply make bigger
RAs of the building, and judged by the three other
and better to attract more students. As the
Resident Directors of freshman halls. In addition,
adage goes, “If you build it, they will come.”
the same categories were used for each pageant.
Last year, while working as a Resident Director
Preliminary Winners
at Rowan University, one of my RAs asked if we
Prior to the event, students could apply to compete
could transform a small program done in the past
in their residence hall pageant. Ultimately, six
into a much larger campus-wide event. Previously,
contestants (three males and three females) were
one of Rowan’s
chosen to compete.
freshman residence
The categories were:
halls, Mimosa Hall,
If you build it, they will come.
Talent, Attire, and
had put on a “Mr.
Interview Questions.
Mimosa” competi-
The talent portion
tion in which the boys of the building volunteered to
could be anything that they wanted but had to be
compete in a building pageant. Now, this particular
approved by the Resident Director beforehand.
RA’s idea was to put on a pageant in the Student
The attire category consisted of “dressing in an
Center, a central location on campus, for all of the
outfit that represents you.” Finally, the interview
first year students to compete in. The interesting
questions were a mix of serious and silly questions
part was that the students chosen to compete in
written by the Resident Directors and used in each
this event would be the winners of a small pageant
pageant. They could be anything from “If you had
held in each of their residence halls. In sum, our
to design an RA program of your own, what would
task was to put on six pageants (one in each first
it be?” to “Which part of a happy meal would you
year residence hall) and then a big finale pageant
be and why?” Needless to say, hilarity ensued.
held in the Student Center. This was no small feat.
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MACUHO MAGA ZINE MACUHO Mid-Atlantic Association of College & University Housing Officers
At the end of the pageant, one male and one female were announced as the winners. Their prize was a homemade sash showing their building name and the opportunity to compete in the larger “Mr. and Miss Rowan Freshman.” The Big Finale On April 25, 2012 at 9:00pm, “Mr. and Miss Rowan Freshman,” Residential Learning and University Housing’s first campus-wide pageant, took place. The stage was filled with twelve contestants (one female and one male from each freshman residence hall) sporting their building’s sashes and four Resident Assistants as hosts for the night. We also had a student DJ for the event and three upper-level administrators as judges. The categories had changed since the smaller pageants. They now consisted of: Talent, Prof’s
the spring semester and get students pumped for
Pride, and Interview Questions/Closing Statement.
next year. In fact, some students expressed how
The talent category was the same; however, the
connected they felt to Rowan while participating
attire category changed from “dressing in an outfit
in this event. More than a handful even said that
that represents you” to “sporting your best Rowan
they never thought that they could do something
pride outfit!” After all, this was Mr. and Miss Rowan
like this event, but now that they have, they are
freshman. The final category included one interview
glad that they pushed themselves out of their
question per candidate and an opportunity for
comfort zone. The most rewarding aspect of this
each student to explain why they thought that they
event, besides seeing a Resident Assistant’s idea
should win the pageant. At the end, we crowned
come to fruition, had to be the over 400 person
one male and one female, and the first annual Mr.
audience. It was amazing to see so many people
and Miss Rowan Freshman came to a close.
come out to an event that was so cheap to put on! By the end of the event, it was clear that we
This event was filled with laughs, fun, school pride,
had met the challenge of putting on a bigger and
and a sense of belonging. It was a great way to end
better program while doing more with less.
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