AIMHO Angle--August 2015

AIMHOangle

AUGUST 2015

VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK ARIZONA - COLORADO - IDAHO - MONTANA - NEVADA - NEW MEXICO - SASKATCHEWAN - UTAH - WYOMING

The AIMHO Angle is the official publication of the Association of Intermountain Housing Officers (AIMHO). The Angle is published regularly throughout each year and is compiled by submissions and articles by staff and students of the region. The Angle is compiled and distributed by the AIMHO Marketing Committee.

The purpose of the Angle is to provide additional year-round, out-of-conference opportunities for association members to share information and learn. All members of AIMHO are encouraged to write for and submit articles to the Angle about topics such as passion areas, research, hot topics in housing, projects happening on their campus, and best practices in the field.

If you are interested in submitting to the Angle, learn how to on the AIMHO Angle website at www.aimho.org/newsletter. You will also find previous issues of the Angle on the website for reference and download. If you have any questions, please email aimhoangle@ gmail.com. We look forward to receiving your submissions!

Stay Connected! www.aimho.org #aimho Keep the conversation going on Facebook and Twitter with the AIMHO Region profiles!

IN THIS ISSUE

AIMHO Marketing Committee Scott Mathie Christine Fleming Committee Chair Committee Co-Chair Snow College University of Utah Clayton Brach University of Utah

David Jones University of Nevada, Reno

Isaac Hunter Montana State University--Bozeman

Justin Lukasewicz University of Arizona

Kelsea Shook Montana State University--Bozeman

AIMHO Executive Committee Barb Remsburg Jeff Rosenberry President President-Elect University of Utah Montana State University, Billings

4 5 6 8 10 11 12 13 14 16 19 20 23 24 26 28 29 32 34

Mission & Goals of AIMHO Note from the AIMHO President Note from the President-Elect 2015 Conference Update RAppin 2015 Update Assesment & Information Member-at-Large Entry Level Committee Spotlight Senior Member-at-Large SPR Updates Hot Topics SPR Updates Diversity & Social Justice SHO 2015 Update Tips for Returning Grads ACUHO-I Scholarship Winners Awards & Recognition Your Role in Sustainability Insitution Spotlight: University of Utah

Maggie Roque Brent Klingemann Secretary Treasurer University of Utah University of Colorado, Boulder Katie Schmalzel Member-at-Large, Senior Level Colorado School of Mines

Shirl Portillos Immediate Past President Colorado State University

Sue Belatti Sage Northern Arizona University

SUBMIT TO THE ANGLE The AIMHO Angle is published quarterly. We are always on the lookout for new and engaging articles that contribute towards the mission and core goals of AIMHO to benefit all members and institutions of the region.

Have something you wold like to submit for the next issue of the Angle? Simply email your article in a word document to aimhoangle@gmail.com and you may see your entry pubished!

The Association of Intermountain Housing Officers (AIMHO) held their first annual conference in 1956 at the University of Wyoming (Laramie). The Association’s purpose is to work for continual improvement and coordination of housing and food service opersations for students and staff members in institutions of higher learning. Membership within the Association is open to all housing officers of institutions of higher education. an annual conference is held at which time Association members meet to exchange and distribute professional information and ideas relating to the administration of physical, financial, social, and education phases of housing and food service programs in colleges and universities.

AIMHO is compromised of member institutions from: • Arizona • Colorado • Idaho • Montana • Nevada • New Mexico • Saskatchewan • Utah • Wyoming AIMHO is a regional affiliate of the Association of College and University Housing Officers - International (ACUHO-I).

A Note from the AIMHO President After the annual conference in Florida I was able to spend some time with my family in Wisconsin. Our two sons were able to spend some quality time there while I was away at the conference. My family kept them going, “making memories�, as my mom would say. I hope that you too were able to make a few great memories this summer.

In June, the AIMHO Leadership Team enjoyed the fabulous hospitality of our Host Committee in Tucson, Arizona. We had the opportunity to connect as a team, to update each other on how committees are working towards their goals associated with the AIMHO strategic plan, and to frame future conversations. There is absolutely NO lack of commitment or dedication to AIMHO! There were several times when we looked around the room and just took it all in. Seasoned professionals strategizing with new professionals and working in a collaborative manner with Barb Remsburg is the Director for other committees. This was definitely not your ordinary committee meeting- the Housing & Residential Education at Leadership Team rocks! the University of Utah When the Host Committee submitted a proposal to host the annual conference, the reality of having to deal with us in the summer was probably not on their minds. The annual conference is in great hands. The Host Committee is on top of the details, the hotel site is convenient and comfortable, and the closing banquet is at a location that everyone will remember. Thank you to Nick, Justin, and the Host Committee for their outstanding care!

It was great to see a strong representation of AIMHO individuals at the ACUHO-I Annual Conference & Exposition in Orlando. The ACUHO-I strategic plan was reviewed at the conference. This fall you can expect to see a vote with regards to public-private partner membership options. A new Regional leadership task force has been developed that will be tackling some larger questions over the next 18 months with regards to the needs of the regional affiliates, collaborative ways the affiliates could come together in resource sharing, as well as many other initiatives. Jeff Rosenberry and I serve on the Regional Leadership task force. As we meet, we will provide you with updates as well as request your feedback in order to broaden the perspective of the task force and be transparent about the conversations that are taking place.

I would like to extend a huge welcome to the new staff to our region- I look forward to connecting with you as our paths cross.

Keep your hands and arms inside the ride at all times as this rollercoaster is about to take off on a new academic year ride- I hope that it has a smooth start for you and your staff.

Take care,

Barb Remsburg AIMHO President, 2014-2015

A note from the President Elect

Jeff Rosenberry

Montana State University--Billings Last issue I continued to provide perspective on a new book called Lead Simply,

by Sam Parker that I would be using in an effort to create excitement around the recruitment and retention of our students and staff.

If we don’t try to create a high-trust, highly accountable environment as leaders – if we give up going for the creation of our special team of people who do “amazing amounts of important work” – then we, as leaders, are simply going through the motions. In his book Parker eludes to three simple actions that we can take to improve our leadership and in turn increase the number of engaged people in our chapters: CONNECT, MODEL AND INVOLVE.

-MODEL the behavior your want to see.

-CONNECT with the people you lead.

-INVOLVE them as much as possible.

Have you been intentionally CONNECTING with your students and the members of your team? With the pressure and stress of closing, moving into summer conferencing, and onboarding new staff it can take a lot to connect with people.

Connecting with individuals is not as daunting as it may seem, however. Broken down simply it means to Talk, List, Show and Share.

Have more frequent, intimate, and meaningful conversations about what it is you and your team do and the value you and team bring to the residence hall community around you. Show people the big picture more often. Share any external feedback you get from the other departments and students you serve (good or bad). Share is as much as possible in order to help people be more connected to the big picture.

Let your team and your students know you have their back and appreciate everyone. Tell them. Show them. Encourage them. Thank them. Do it person and do it in writing, not just text message and on social media. Think about some ways you can allow everyone to share their feedback. As a department you likely create a satisfaction survey, but think of new and exciting ways you can get your students excited to take that survey. Remember that connecting is where you hear things sooner rather than later. Maybe consider rotating the facilitation of staff meetings to increase involvement, empathy, accountability, and to keep Sueyour Belatti the tone of your meetings fresh.

Your relationship with your team (and their relationship with others on campus) is incredibly important to creating an engaged, accountable and results-focused organization of people (and an environment that people are to and don’t want to leave). Connecting with people is what our work is Shirldrawn Portillos founded on and is how you will learn more, inspire more and encourage people to make more useful things happen.

Here is one idea to implement a stronger aspect of CONNECT in your organization. Make it a point to let people know you’re interested in them (professionally and personally). Ask them how you can help them with the issue they’re facing on a certain project or issue. Allow them to share more about that personal thing they’re interested in. Do it in person where possible and be intentional and caring…Basically, be who you are! Have time for those around you and they will have time for you and your wonderful students!

TALK

LIST

SHOW

SHARE

AIMHO 2015 CONFERENCE U Get to Know this Year’s Key Note Speakers!

Dr. Josie Ahlquist is a student affairs educator, discovering the intersection of digital communication technologies and leadership development in higher education. She believes in challenging how education thinks about social media for community building, leadership development and student services.

She is very attuned to the landscape of higher education and is passionate about developing leadership capacity of college students, Dr. Josie Ahlquist as well as administrators. She brings over a decade of experience in the field of higher education in areas such student activities, campus recreation, student unions, marketing, residence life, judicial affairs, student leadership and new student orientation. She is an alumnus of Northern Arizona University with a Master’s degree in Counseling and undergraduate degrees from South Dakota State University where she double-majored in Sociology and Human Development and Family Studies.

As a national speaker, Josie has trained thousands of student leaders and education professionals.

Her vision is to provide a digital remix on how to empower leaders of the 21st century. Her research is award winning and grant funded. Her dissertation was on college student leaders and their perception and experiences with social media. Through a mixed methodology she sought out an understanding and definition of digital student leadership. She also conducted a study on Student Affairs Senior Level Administrators who are high users of social media, which will build to studying College Presidents.

She has been named to the “Top 50 Must Read Higher Education Technology Blogs” by Ed Tech in 2014 and 2015, where she blogs at www.josieahlquist.com. Be on the lookout for a number of upcoming publications from her, including “Engaging the Digital Generation” from the New Directions in Student Services series releasing fall 2016. Josie is currently serving as adjunct faculty at Florida State University and Loyola University Chicago, in addition to researching and consulting on social media in higher education.

UPDATES Ann Marie Klotz

As a first-generation college student, I understand the 1 transformative power of higher education. As professionals 1

we have the opportunity to positively impact the experience 1

of our campus community and the students we serve. My 1

professional work and research center on empowering others 1

to create lives of meaning, purpose and focus. At my core, 1 I want each person to understand their role in their own professional development and discover how they can more meaningfully contribute to their campus and community.

I had the privilege to spend 14 years working in Housing and Residence Life and it has given me so many skills that I use every single day in my current role as the Dean of Campus Life and Chief Student Affairs Officer on the Manhattan campus of the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT). I fondly remember my days as the President of the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers (GLACUHO) region. I had the opportunity to serve as the President during our 40th year celebration and milestone years like that are great opportunities to reflect on all that the organization has done and create strategies for accomplishing future goals. As AIMHO celebrates its 60th year I am excited to celebrate this significant milestone as an opportunity to have a hand in recognizing its past and shaping its future.

AIMHO 2015 Case Study Select Case Study when you Register for the Conference!

Teams will be selected to determine a response to a given situation, through utilizing teamwork, experience and theory.

Each Team will be evaluated by a group of judges and participants will gain points toward being an AIMHO Star!

What’s in it for me?

• First Time at AIMHO? • New Professional?

• Interested in Being an AIMHO Star?

• Meet New People • Gain Professional Experience • Gain New Knowledge

Corey Friend corey.riend@unco.edu

Danielle Sosias danielle.sosias@asu.edu

Maureen Ward mward@carroll.edu

QUESTIONS

Is this you?

RAppin 2015 Oc tober 16-18 in Golden, Colorado

With the school year just around the corner for many of us, it’s time to get excited for RAppin 2015 at Colorado School of Mines in beautiful Golden, Colorado! From Friday, October 16th to Sunday, October 18th, join us for an awesome conference based on the theme “Discover” – where we’ll explore the role of RAs, the importance of our identities, and much more!

Conference guests will be staying at the Denver Marriott West, located just minutes away from the Mines campus as well as restaurants, shopping, and more. We’re also thrilled to announce that we have been able to make arrangements with the Marriott for gender inclusive restrooms for the duration of the conference.

Having gender inclusive bathrooms ensures that all conference attendees (and all other hotel guests) feel comfortable and safe regardless of gender expression or gender identity.

During the conference, attendees will experience all that Mines has to offer, including meals at Mines Market, our main dining hall on campus. Programming will be hosted in our newly renovated Student Center, with all the technology you could ever need. Aside from the campus amenities, guests will enjoy the gorgeous mountain views, the amazing weather, and the friendly Golden atmosphere.

In the coming month, keep your eyes peeled for announcements about registration and our call for programs.

Attendees can submit programs in a number of formats, including roundtable discussions, sample programs, and traditional lectures. Since the theme of this year’s RAppin is “Discover,” our programming tracks will focus on helping individuals discover leadership, the importance of differences, new communities, and much more to help our students grow. Expect news on all of this in August!

Our team is working hard to update our website, so make sure you check out www.minesresidencelife.com/ rappin-2015. If you love social media, follow us on Twitter (@RAppin2015) and Facebook (facebook.com/ rappin2015). Registration will be opening in the beginning of August, with costs as below:

Registration costs: $180 per student delegate (4 to a room) $235 per advisor (2 to a room) $290 per advisor (1 to a room) We can’t wait to welcome you to Mines for RAppin 2015!

ASSESSMENT

& INFORMATION What can you expect to see this year in Tucson at the AIMHO Poster Session? The Assessment and Information Committee would like to see you in the Poster Session! We have expanded the categories to offer additional opportunities to share and gather information with our colleagues in the region.

Are you up to date or looking for information on Emotional Support Animals, Diversity or Veterans? A “Hot Topic” poster submission is a fabulous opportunity to share or gain information on current, important issues facing housing professionals in the workplace today.

The second new category we would like to introduce this year is the opportunity to “sneak peek” or review information for a session presented during the conference. This category offers presenters the opportunity to share information outside the scheduled presentation time. This is the chance to explore two sessions that occur at the same time or delve a bit deeper than time allowed during the presentation.

Last but not least, we still encourage our associates that have spent time researching and writing to share their information. Tradition is strong and continuing to do things the way we always have certainly have their place and the research poster is that category.

We will be announcing criteria soon and opening up registration. If one of the categories interest you, please consider putting a poster together.

We know many of us have information that is valuable and other housing professionals are looking for, so let Poster Session 2015 be the informative forum you are seeking.

AIMHO 2015 POSTER SESSION!

MEMBER AT LARGE – ENTRY LEVEL MEET YOUR NEW AIMHO EXECUTIVE TEAM MEMBER 3 TIPS FROM AN ENTRY LEVEL:

DAVID ADERHOLDT

Montana State University - Bozeman My name is David Aderholdt

who are looking for resources on

and I am your Member at Large –

how to become a housing

Entry Level. I am currently a

professional. So over the next

Resident Director at Montana State

couple of months I am going to be

University – Bozeman and just

doing everything possible to

completed my second year in this

provide resources to newer staff

position. During my first year in the

members to help get them

position I thought that I was going

oriented to the culture of AIMHO

to apply to medical school and be

and to get them connected with

a doctor. All of that changed when

our professional development resources on

I went to my first AIMHO regional

“During my first year in the position I thought that I was going to apply to

the AIMHO website.

conference in

medical school and be a doctor. All of that

Over the

2013. Since

changed when I went to my first AIMHO

past month I

that

regional conference in 2013”

conference I

have solicited tips

have known that I want to make a

from seasoned housing

career in student affairs. The

professionals around the region to

atmosphere and culture of our

help new professionals out in their

regional organization has made

transition to the housing profession.

me realize how much I value this

I will be giving these tips out as I

profession.

send updates out over the AIMHO

So, what does the AIMHO

ListServ, so be sure to read my

Member at Large – Entry Level do?

updates in advance of the annual

While I have several tasks to help

conference! Here are three tips to

assist the region, I really believe my

help you get a head start as we

main purpose in this position is to

get going with the year.

help advocate and provide resources for entry-level housing professionals. This includes students

SIGN UP FOR THE AIMHO WEBSITE! How are you supposed to find out about all of the information and resources if you aren’t even signed up?!?! This summer AIMHO upgraded its website with a lot of new features. To become a member you need to get the website link unique to your institutional staff from the person who renews your institutional membership each year with AIMHO. While you wait to get this link, go check out aimho.org for information leading up to the annual conference on our front page.

ATTEND AIMHO 2015.

Well, you are now an exclusive member of the AIMHO region!

One of the amazing opportunities provided each year through the AIMHO region is the annual conference. The conference this year is being hosted by University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona on November 15-17th. This is a great opportunity for newer professionals to network with members who have had some amazing experiences and attend a wide variety of programs.

Bonus points if you attend AIMHO College, which is a great 2 day opportunity for entry-level professionals to hear from some of the best Senior Housing Officers in our region.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH. This is the time of year where it is very easy to lose perspective as we settle into our positions for the academic year and open our buildings and campuses to students. Take the time to enjoy the journey that you are on, and find time to do something for yourself even if it is just enjoying a cup of coffee or morning yoga.

Senior Member-at-Larg Happy Summer!

The Marketing Committee reached out and asked me to write a quick tidbit to stay connected and engaged with our wonderful AIMHO membership. I decided that telling a bit of my story, as well as sharing a part of my role, would be the best way to approach this.

I currently live out in beautiful Golden, Colorado. I get to see gorgeous mountains on my drive to work every morning, many of which are within walking distance or a short drive. I also just purchased a home, which has allowed (forced) me to buy all of the power tools, learn home improvement skills, and wade my way through renovation projects. The decision between “safe� or quirky colors/designs has more often than not landed on quirky. Purple accent walls and a river stone bathroom floor are in my near future!

Besides running, hiking, and tearing my house up and putting it back together, I enjoy serving the AIMHO region in a variety of capacities. I was one of the Colorado State and Provincial Representatives (SPRs) for 2013 and 2014. This experience gave me great opportunities to be engaged with our region and to get to know some of the leaders in the great state of Colorado. It served as a great transition into the Member at Large role. I appreciate the opportunity to work on projects and initiatives that are growing and moving our region forward.

Additionally, I now have the pleasure of working directly with the SPRs and AIMHO 365. The AIMHO 365 Committee works diligently to bring accessible professional development and learning opportunities to our region year round. If you have ideas, please send them on. The exceptionally talented Ben Hess (Chair) and I can chat about them!

ge

Submitted by Katie Schmalzel I did want to take a few moments to expand on the SPR role, as it is, perhaps, not as transparent. At its core, the SPRs serve as a liaison between our institutional members and the Executive Board. They are information gatherers and disseminators. They also recognize new members, inform the region about cool things coming from your institution, and they help with AIMHO initiatives and projects: including gathering information about how our membership wants to use the new AIMHO website, increasing fundraising efforts to the ACUHO-I Foundation via an auction during the 2015 Annual Conference hosted by our friends at U of A. (Your SPR will fill you in on how you can participate!) They truly represent the AIMHO pulse. If your SPR reaches out, give them a call/email back.

They work diligently to follow-up with all of our institutions and are imperative to the recruitment and retention of our regional membership. We want to hear your voice! ‌and our SPRs are a great pipeline to do so!

Arizona Mike Billar mike.billar@nau.edu 928.523.2541

Colorado (1) Jenna Paulsen jpaulsen@ccu.edu 303.963.3466

Colorado (2) Kevin Caputo kcaputo@mines.edu 303.273.3922

Montana

Nevada

Sara Agostinelli Kristi Burch sara.agostinelli@mso.umt.edu kburch@unr.edu

406.243.2611 775.784.6111

Idaho Evan Oglevie evanoglevie@boisestate.edu 208.447.1028

New Mexico Marlene Smith msmith29@unm.edu 505.277.6669

Wyoming

Rian Rabideau rrabidea@uwyo.edu

Utah Todd Justesen tjustesen@housing.utah.edu

801.587.0881

307.766.3504

One last plug before I sign off: Colorado School of Mines is excited to host RAppin 2015 this year! We can’t wait to welcome you to Golden! It has truly been my pleasure to serve you on the Executive Board for the past few months. I look forward to continuing to serve you! Please let me know if I can be of assistance.

Katie Schmalzel o: 303.273.3982 e: kschmalz@mines.edu

Updates from Around the Arizona welcomes the following additions to the institutions below:

University of Arizona: Roberto Cruze is joining us from Colorado State University and is the new Community Director for Apache Santa Cruz Hall.

Cameo Davis is joining us from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA and is the new Community Director for Coronado Hall.

Caitlin Kerrigan is joining us from the College of Idaho and is the new Community Director for Arizona-Sonora Hall.

Kristopher Little is joining us from Eastern Michigan University and is the new Community Director for Kaibab-Huachuca Hall.

Nathan Miglich is joining us from Michigan State University and is the new Community Director for Manzanita-Mohave Hall.

Karla Cruze-Silva is joining us from Colorado State University and is the new Coordinator for Desk and Summer Operations.

Veronica Guadarrama is joining us from Central Washington University and is the new Graduate Community Director for Pima Hall. Veronica will also be a Masters student in the Higher Education program.

Aston Karner is joining us from Illinois State University and is the new Graduate Community Director for Yavapai Hall. Aston will also be a Masters student in the Higher Education program.

Jennifer Fratt is the new Graduate Assistant for Student Support with Student Behavioral Education, and will beginning her second year in the Masters in Counseling program at the UA. Sammy Hall is the new Tour Ambassador Graduate Coordinator with Student and Guest Services. Sammy was an undergrad at the UA and will be a Masters student in Public Health program.

Get connected in your state! Contact your State & Provincial Representative.

Arizona Mike Billar mike.billar@nau.edu 928.523.2541

Colorado (1) Jenna Paulsen jpaulsen@ccu.edu 303.963.3466

Montana Sara Agostinelli sara.agostinelli@mso.umt.edu 406.243.2611

Nevada Kristi Burch kburch@unr.edu 775.784.6111

Colorado (2) Kevin Caputo kcaputo@mines.edu 303.273.3922 New Mexico Marlene Smith msmith29@unm.edu 505.277.6669

Idaho Evan Oglevie evanoglevie@boisestate.edu 208.447.1028 Wyoming Rachel Kohman rkohman@sheridan.edu 307.686.0254

Utah Todd Justesen tjustesen@housing.utah.edu 801.587.0881

eMONTANA Region:

ARIZONA

Arizona State University: Executive Director of University Housing & Dining Services: Dr. Matthew Brown Assistant Director of University Housing working with Barrett, The Honors College: Catherine LaRoche Coordinator Senior for Residential Services: Enrique Guzman, Jr.

Community Directors:

Shea Alevy Jody Miele

Toni Bartolutti Daniel “DJ” Payton

Max Hadley Alyssa Meyers

Lindsay Luzania Laura Roman

Jeanne “Michelle” Vidrine Northern Arizona University: Alicia Stewart Voytek: Alicia will be the Interim Director for Housing and Residence Life Jamie Lloyd: Jamie will be the Coordinator for Staff and Community Development Full-Time Residence Hall Directors Alie Brabec: Alie will serve as the Pine Ridge Village RHD Katie Chew: Katie will be the Cowden Hall RHD Hillary Fanelli: Hillary will be the RHD for The Courtyards (Gillenwater, McDonald, Raymond) Julie Robertson: Julie will be the Gabaldon Hall RHD Jacob Tasseff: Jacob will be the RHD for North District (Morton, Campbell, Taylor, and Roseberry Halls) Graduate Assistant Residence Hall Directors Taylor Bailey: Taylor will be the Gabaldon Hall GARHD Dani Hall: Dani will be one of the GARHDs for McConnell Hall Madalyn Morris: Madalyn will be one of the GARHDs for North District (Morton, Campbell, Taylor, and Roseberry Halls) Nick O’Neal : Nick will be the GARHD for The Courtyards (Gillenwater, McDonald, Raymond) Kerri Soscia: Kerri will be the Reilly Hall GARHD Meghan Walsh: Meghan will be the GARHD for Sechrist Hall Program Graduate Assistants Jacob Matthews: Jacob will be one of the graduate assistants for Residential Learning Communities Ryan Kolter: Ryan will be a graduate assistant for Fraternity and Sorority Life Cambria Teter: Cambria will be a graduate assistant for Fraternity and Sorority Life

Updates from Around the Region:

MONTANA Greetings!

Montana will be hosting a State Drive-In Conference on Friday, July 31st at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT. This one-day conference will focus on connecting professionals from across the state, sharing information on policies, procedures, and new ideas, hearing from President-Elect Jeff Rosenberry on ways to get involved in AIMHO, and a tour of Rocky Mountain College’s dining hall renovation. Updates on the conference will be available on the AIMHO website. Thank you to Shaydean Saye, and her staff, for all their hard work and time put into hosting a state drive-in conference.

Please congratulate Dion Crommarty, Area Coordinator at the University of Montana, and Aaron Stucker, Director of Residence Life at Miles City Community College, on their new positions. For more information, updates, and announcements from across the Big Sky State please visit the Montana News Page of the AIMHO website.

Get connected in your state! Contact your State & Provincial Representative.

Arizona Mike Billar mike.billar@nau.edu 928.523.2541

Colorado (1) Jenna Paulsen jpaulsen@ccu.edu 303.963.3466

Montana Sara Agostinelli sara.agostinelli@mso.umt.edu 406.243.2611

Nevada Kristi Burch kburch@unr.edu 775.784.6111

Colorado (2) Kevin Caputo kcaputo@mines.edu 303.273.3922 New Mexico Marlene Smith msmith29@unm.edu 505.277.6669

Idaho Evan Oglevie evanoglevie@boisestate.edu 208.447.1028 Wyoming Rachel Kohman rkohman@sheridan.edu 307.686.0254

Utah Todd Justesen tjustesen@housing.utah.edu 801.587.0881

HOT TOPICS

Submitted by David Jones

The landscape of higher education is ever evolving. There is often a new trend, issue or topic that requires higher ed. professionals to quickly regroup and adapt. To stay ahead of the curve, student affairs professional from across the country are discussing the current and encroaching issues they see and their tips in addressing them. Read below to see them chime in.

Student Mental Health

Continuing Education

“College campuses continue to see increases in student mental health concerns as demonstrated by counseling center utilization and demand, on-call situation response numbers, and often-unsettling results from surveys such as the National College Health Assessment. As housing officers, we are often called upon to serve as first-responders to incidents involving significant mental health concerns, and thus are faced with preparing and addressing such situations with greater frequency. Such preparation requires housing departments to figure out new ways for addressing training needs, staff self-care, campus partnerships, and an unprecedented new campus reality.”

-Rachel Aho, Assistant Director of Residential Education University of Utah

“It is crucial as a student affairs professional to fully realize the impact you have in a student’s success. I see this especially with the many first generation students coming into higher education and the needs these students are coming in with. These needs should prompt student affairs professional to seek opportunities for personal education to allow for a greater understanding of this student population.”

-Mindy Otto, Residence Life Coordinator Sacramento State University

Civic Engagement “Civic engagement is not just one office on campus or one program a year. It is our responsibility as student affairs professionals to teach each of our students to be democratically engaged. American higher education was founded with the purpose of creating strong civic leaders, and it is time to reclaim that purpose. Inside and outside the classroom, colleges and universities have a responsibility to produce citizens who are culturally competent, civically aware and democratically engaged.”

-Lauren Slemenda, Resident Director University of Nevada, Reno

Keep the Conversation Going on Facebook and Twitter!

Helicopter Parents “In our office, we see a lot of parents trying to do everything for their student, from completing the housing application to doing the online room selection. I think it’s great that parents want to get things done for their students but letting them do too much inhibits students from building a sense of independence that is needed when entering college. Some advice to new professionals working with “helicopter” parents- Listen, be patient, and understand that they may be anxious, confused, and everything in between as their child embarks on their college journey. Find productive ways to engage and utilize parents while maintaining the student’s independence.”

-Monelle Wells, Assignments Coordinator-Living Learning Programs Louisiana State University

Updates from Around the Hello from the State of Utah, It may feel like summer just started but in a little over a month we will all be welcoming the residents of the 2015-2016 academic year. Along with the many new residents arriving on our campuses we have many new staff members who will be joining our teams. I highly encourage all AIMHO institutions to view the AIMHO Webinar: Onboarding New Employees that was published May 21st, 2015. It was created by Barb Remsburg, Laura Giles, Montez Butts, and Nick Sweeton as a method of assisting institutions to onboard new employees into the work setting, culture, and team. https://youtu.be/EzQY1Rz9DHE Good luck to you all during openings and welcome to the State of Utah’s new team members below.

Brigham Young University Kevin Baer, Hall Advisor, kevin_baer@byu.edu Brice Colby, Hall Advisor, Brice_Colby@byu.edu Emily Dawe, Hall Advisor, Emily_Dawe@byu.edu Blake Fisher, Hall Advisor, Blake_Fisher@byu.edu Kiara Hatch, Hall Advisor, Kiara_Hatch@byu.edu Kayla Houston, Hall Advisor, Kayla_Houston@byu.edu Paisley Jensen, Hall Advisor, Paisley_Jensen@byu.edu Emily Regis, Hall Advisor, Emily_Regis@byu.edu Lacey Reynolds, Hall Advisor, Lacey_Reynolds@byu.edu Allen Sangster, Off-Campus Official, allen_sangster@byu.edu Amy Smith, Hall Advisor, Amy_Smith@byu.edu Kendra Walser, Hall Advisor, Kendra_Walser@byu.edu Southern Utah University Laurel Jefferies, Community Coordinator laureljefferies@suu.edu

Get connected in your state!

Arizona Mike Billar mike.billar@nau.edu 928.523.2541

Colorado (1) Jenna Paulsen jpaulsen@ccu.edu 303.963.3466

Montana Sara Agostinelli sara.agostinelli@mso.umt.edu 406.243.2611

Nevada Kristi Burch kburch@unr.edu 775.784.6111

UTAH

eMONTANA Region:

University of Utah Matt Beach, Manager of Maintenance, mbeach@housing.utah.edu Duke Beard, Residential Educational Coordinator, dbeard@housing.utah.edu Charlie Beckers, Assistant Residential Educational Coordinator cbeckers@housing.utah.edu Ella Butler, Assignments Coordinator, ebutler@hosuing.utah.edu Jeremy Early, Associate Director of Administrative Services, jearly@housing.utah.edu Amber Frazier, Assistant Residential Educational Coordinator afrazier@housing.utah.edu Bradley Howlett, Assistant Director of Facilities Management, bhowlett@housing.utah.edu Brandon King, Assistant Director of Budget and Finance, bking@housing.utah.edu Chris Lara, Assistant Residential Educational Coordinator clara@housing.utah.edu Aubrie Piper, Residential Educational Coordinator apiper@housing.utah.edu Devon Schlotterbeck, Assignments & Occupancy Coordinator, dscholetterbeck@housing.utah.ed Virender Shergill, Assistant Residential Educational Coordinator vshergill@housing.utah.edu Kate Tessier, Assistant Residential Educational Coordinator ktessier@housing.utah.edu Utah State University Travis Barrus – Graduate Residence Director, Travis.Barrus@usu.edu Macy Keith – Graduate Residence Director, Macy.Keith@usu.edu Steve Schwartzman – Residence Director, Steve.Schwartzman@usu.edu Ashley Stokes – Assistant Program Coordinator, Ashley.Stokes@usu.edu Shelby Straley – Graduate Residence Director, Shelby.Straley@usu.edu Macy Keith – Graduate Residence Director, Macy.Keith@usu.edu Steve Schwartzman – Residence Director, Steve.Schwartzman@usu.edu Ashley Stokes – Assistant Program Coordinator, Ashley.Stokes@usu.edu Shelby Straley – Graduate Residence Director, Shelby.Straley@usu.edu Weber State University Kyle Reinhardt, Area and Marketing Manager kylereinhardt@weber.edu Wesminster College Ata Siulula, coordinator of Residence Life asiulula@westminstercollege.edu

! Contact your State & Provincial Representative.

Colorado (2) Kevin Caputo kcaputo@mines.edu 303.273.3922 New Mexico Marlene Smith msmith29@unm.edu 505.277.6669

Idaho Evan Oglevie evanoglevie@boisestate.edu 208.447.1028 Wyoming Rachel Kohman rkohman@sheridan.edu

307.686.0254

Utah Todd Justesen tjustesen@housing.utah.edu 801.587.0881

Updates from Around the Region:

WYOMING This summer has been a busy one for the Colleges of Wyoming. Not only has there be the usual summer conferencing, orientations, and preparing for the fall (which will be here all too soon) but there are a wide variety of renovations, new buildings, and new programs. • Gillette College has broken ground on their education and Activities Center, which will provide a gym with stadium seating, work out facilities, student club meeting space, and a state of the art nursing simulation lab. Additionally Gillette College is in the process of building a new suite-style residence hall with a dining center included. Both projects are set for completion in the Fall 2016. • Laramie County Community College held their ground breaking for the Student Services and University Center, set to be completed Summer 2016 as well as their Flexible Industrial Technology Building which is scheduled to be completed Fall 2016. • Western Wyoming College is re-organizing and renovating some space to create a Student Success Center, which will combine Admissions, Financial Aid, Registration, Records, and Housing into the same physical area. Western Wyoming College is planning to have the Student Success Center ready to roll by the start of Fall 2015.

Eric Webb was named the executive director of residence Life, Dining/Cater and Events, and the Wyoming Union at the University of Wyoming. Eric started at UW in 2007 as director of dining and served as interim executive director from October 2010-July 2011.

Wishing everyone the best as summer is rapidly coming to a close, and may the start of fall not be too hectic!

Get connected in your state! Contact your State & Provincial Representative.

Arizona Mike Billar mike.billar@nau.edu 928.523.2541

Colorado (1) Jenna Paulsen jpaulsen@ccu.edu 303.963.3466

Montana Sara Agostinelli sara.agostinelli@mso.umt.edu 406.243.2611

Nevada Kristi Burch kburch@unr.edu 775.784.6111

Colorado (2) Kevin Caputo kcaputo@mines.edu 303.273.3922 New Mexico Marlene Smith msmith29@unm.edu 505.277.6669

Idaho Evan Oglevie evanoglevie@boisestate.edu 208.447.1028 Wyoming Utah Rachel Kohman Todd Justesen rkohman@sheridan.edu tjustesen@housing.utah.edu 307.86.0254 801.587.0881

Refaming White Privilege: The conversation we should be having Submitted by: Lysette Davis University of Arizona The beginning of the school year feels like the start of a great adventure. Students from diverse backgrounds pour into our Residence Halls and campuses and fulfill our student development dreams of self-discovery and overcoming new challenges. After working in the field for a few years, it’s sometimes hard to remember that after picking up their key and settling into their room, many students are confronted by their privileged for the first time. Did their parents stock the fridge full of extra food before they left? Did any item come from brand new packaging? Did all the items from the oversized moving van fit nicely in the room? After a few strolls down any given hall, privilege is abundantly clear.

But, is it okay to talk about?

MTV recently premiered a documentary entitled “White People” which aimed to create a discussion on what it means to be “white.” After watching the documentary, I suddenly became aware of how hard it is for me to describe what it’s like to be white. However, a thousand things come to mind when I think about my Hispanic identity (I am bi-racial). I understand what it means to society to be Hispanic, but I don’t want to say what it means to be white, because being white means admitting privilege.

Over the last year, I have heard numerous students say, “race is a social construct,” but what does that mean? More and more terms such as “privilege” and “race” are making their way into conversation, but what comes out of the conversation? I fear the over usage of the term “white privilege” without the in-depth exploration of inequality. If students are willing to discuss their identities than student affairs professionals have a real opportunity to explain privilege and oppression and reframe what it means to have “white privilege.”

Our jobs are beautiful; we get to work with students and for students. Most every student affairs professional I have ever spoken with shares similar sentiments and strong desire to create a home for students, where they can feel accepted and included. In the next few weeks, it’s important for professionals to take time to think about our own identities. How does your identity and privilege affect the campus climate? To include students, we must be at the forefront of racial discussions and address inequality by reframing the idea that you have to be a minority to take interest.

Feel free to check out this free documentary provided by MTV entitled “White People” to learn more about the importance of discussions surrounding race with young adults:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zjj1PmJcRM&feature=youtu.be

All in a Day’s Work!

Submitted by: Paula Bland

You get up in the morning thinking you’ve set your schedule for the day. By the time you reach your office, you’ve seen 3 emails which create a very different agenda for you. The first one is from your facilities manager indicating that a boiler has gone out in one of your buildings and she is not sure it can be fixed. It’s winter…and it’s cold outside. One of your assistant directors has emailed about a personnel issue that isn’t getting any better. This employee has received several corrective actions and continues to not meet expectations. And…you get an email from your occupancy management director relating that the university enrollment management projections are up by 200 first year students and you are already operating at full capacity. You also had scheduled a budget discussion with your Vice President and you have several reports to review and complete for the Provost regarding your continued development of living learning communities and partnerships with academic departments. All in a day’s work for a senior housing officer! And we all know…it can be much more. How are preparing yourself to take on all these issues successfully? Where do you look for updated resources on these issues?

Take a Look at the AIMHO Senior Housing Officer Institute!

This Year’s Topics Include: • Human Resources and Personnel Management - Ken Marquez, Adams State • Budeting -Rich Payne, Northern Arizona University • Crisis and Emergency Management -Brad Shade, University of Northern Colorado • Strategic Planning and Leadership -Paula Bland, University of Colorado, Boulder • Panel Discussion with our AIMHO Sage and other Senior Housing Officers in AIMHO. • Keynote speaker session with AIMHO College participants

The Senior Housing Officer (SHO) Institute is designed for Housing staff members with 3 or more years of professional experience at a mid-level position who are aspiring to become a senior housing officer and also those who are currently in a senior housing officer role on their campus.

The 2015 SHO Institute will be November 13 - November 15, immediately prior to 2015 AIMHO Annual Conference in Tucson, Arizona.

Applications for the 2015 SHO will be available with the regular AIMHO 2015 Conference registration. Applicants must register for the SHO Institute on the AIMHO Conference website, and pay the additional SHO registration fee.

Come join us for some new ideas and new information. Meet and connect with senior housing officers from AIMHO. Develop networks for professional development and successful work efforts! See you in Tucson!

Questions?

Contact Julie Love at LOVE_J@fortlewis.edu

Senior Housing Officer Institute 2015 November 13th - November 15th University of Arizona Registration Fee: $130

I’m a Returning Grad...Submitted Nowby: Clayton What?

Bracht One word describes my current thought process around the graduate school experience: limbo.

Limbo, not in the game with the bamboo stick that strikes fear into my 6’2, inflexible body, but the feeling that engulfs one at the halfway point throughout their graduate experience. This feeling epitomizes my mindset after my simultaneously most difficult, yet developmental year. It causes me, and other members in my cohort, to feel determined in the goals and experience that we make in our last year while eyeing the past achievements, struggles, and events as major influences in our own experience. In many ways this summer, the question “I’m a returning grad… now what?” continuously ran through my mind. This top ten list serves, in many ways, as a way for me to process my current thought process around where I go from here, but also as an attempt to support others who find themselves returning to their graduate housing experience.

1. Further Your Understanding of Social Justice Working towards creating a socially justice education setting and society is currently, and will continue to be, the most pressing concern as agents of change and student affairs professionals. As growing professionals, challenging oneself to engage in self-work regarding concepts of social justice, engaging in discussions, and understanding one’s own identity and the space they occupy must become a priority if we are truly working towards creating an environment of mattering to students of all identities.

2. Find What Balance Means to You Balance, blend, whatever you want to call it, developing the skills to recharge and lower your stress decreases the chance of burnout. With classes, internships, assistantships, and other commitments, creating time for oneself may prove difficult. However, finding relationships, hobbies, and ways to recenter yourself must occur to stay motivated in a field that can often tax one’s mind and body and cause professionals to leave the field prematurely.

3. Build and Maintain Professional Connections The importance of networking strikes again! Begin (and continue) to build relationships with others within the AIMHO region through committees and conferences, and follow up with those relationships as the year progresses. Additionally, build relationships within your own department and on your campus as these individuals can support you throughout your time in graduate school and can then speak on your behalf to colleagues from other departments. Senior Housing Officials especially serve as fantastic resources in providing perspective on the graduate experience and life after graduate school.

4. Practice Challenge and Support with Your First Year Cohort A new, fresh group of graduate students arriving in your department causes tons of excitement. As a returning grad, it may be all too easy to influence them in both negative and positive ways, however.

Support these individuals through orientating them to their new setting and providing care through the struggles that they face. In the same vein, challenge the cohort to make their own opinions of philosophies within the department, coworkers, and the campus environment instead of attempting to influence their thoughts. Furthermore, remove the phrase “Last year” from your vocabulary. Speaking from experience can prove impactful, but recognition of the current year as a new year allows the first year cohort to grow in a supportive environment that does not bring the past with it.

5. Find a Mentor Outside of Your Current Supervisor Supervisors can provide fantastic development opportunities to graduate students. That said, building a close connection with someone removed from the everyday life of your work may prove beneficial as they challenge, critique, and support you in differing ways than a supervisor. Oftentimes, their ability to be removed from the situation provides an alternative perspective that allows one to grow.

6. Develop Your Supervisory Philosophy What motivates you when working with others? What strengths can you capitalize on when supervising? Critically thinking about how you supervise others and what unique characteristics you bring to the table. Recognize that your supervisory style is a process that will continue to develop as you grow, but begin to define your style. In addition, start describing your supervisory style and philosophy to yourself and others to further your own understanding of it.

7. Gain Experience Outside of Housing It is not a surprise that I view the housing experience as an incredibly important practice on college campuses and one that allows graduates especially to gain experiences in a wide range of areas like supervision, adjudication, advising, and crisis response. That being said, an internship, practicum, or volunteer experience outside of housing departments may unearth a passion area not under residence hall roofs. Diversifying our experience allows graduates to become well-rounded student affairs professionals.

8. Infuse Theory into Your Practice Many graduate programs champion the idea of theory to practice – bringing the concepts learned in the classroom to the work we do with students on an everyday basis. The time is especially ripe to practice bringing student development concepts into your work to make meaning out of students’ experiences.

9. Start Prepping for the Job Search… Now! For many of us, job search season lurks right around the corner. Today marks the perfect time to start preparing for the job search process. Start researching universities and what you value.

Reach out to those within your department to process and who can connect you with other institutions. Print a list of interview questions, laminate it, and put it in your shower to start practicing answering interview questions while you shampoo in the morning. Revise and update your resume and schedule informational interviews to help your future self. Prepare yourself to network in Arizona at the AIMHO Annual Conference as it marks a fantastic time to meet with many representatives from different institutions within our region. By preparing early, the dividends will pay off down the road.

10. Grow Your Social Media Presence Social media’s importance in our field continues to rise, especially in terms of sharing ideas to others, raising awareness, and engaging in conversations about social justice. Engagement through Twitter in the form of regular tweets, #SAChat’s, and postings during webinars allow you to share your ideas and think critically with a community outside of your own department.

Committing to tweeting once a day or engaging in discussions once a week are ideas that allow you to connect with others.

This list is not meant to be a be all, end all of the returning graduate experience, especially as each graduate experience differs. As we undergo our own training and prepare for our student staff to arrive, as we begin our last year of graduate school, we lie in that exciting and treacherous place of limbo. We will absolutely bend, but we will not break.

Congratulations to the ACUHO-I New Professional Scholarship Award Receipients Justin Gazlay Office Manager, University of Colorado Corinne Webb Resident Director, Grand Canyon University

Check out the new and improved AIMHO Website: www.aimho.org

Awards and Recognition Outstanding Achievement by IACURH Schools and Students at NACURH! We have the fabulous opportunity to work with some amazing students. During the NACURH 2015 Conference, held at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND on May 22-24, several students from AIMHO schools, as well as some of our institutions were recognized with a variety of awards.

The IACURH region students and schools were awarded an impressive six of the possible 13 NACURH awards! No other region receive that many. In fact the region with the 2nd highest number received three! These included Rudi Zurbuchen from the University of Utah who was selected as the NACURH Student of the Year, Amy Zeigler from University of Northern Colorado who was the NRHH Member of the Year, and Jenn Gray from the University of Arizona who was the NACURH NCC of the Year.

Congratulations to these fabulous students/student leaders!

Colorado State University was recognized with the NRHH OTM Traveling Trophy and ASU-Tempe was recognized with the Program of the Year Award as well as being named the NACURH School of the Year. We are so proud to have such great representation in the national organization.

IACURH was recognized for the People’s Choice Roll Call.

Colorado School of Mines received an award for the best Small School Display. NRHH Diamond Awards were presented to Ryan Cafiero from the University of Arizona and Michaela Davenport from New Mexico State University. Brianna Gomez from Northern Arizona and Kat Roemer from Brigham Young University were both inducted into the Association of Alumni and Friends of NACURH and received Gold Pins. Brianna was also recognized with a NACURH Service Award.

Lolo Fisher from University of Arizona was one of three case study winners.

Four of our institutions were also recognized for presenting the Top 40 programs featured at NACURH. We would like to congratulate all of our great students and student organizations on their achievements!

Summertime and the Living is Easy!

Recently in the Los Angeles Times an article was featured about the summer conferences, workshops and camps which are hosted on college and university campuses. The inference was that this is a new phenomenon. (Serious eye roll!) Our campuses are busy places all summer with summer students, orientations, the aforementioned camps, etc., as well as all remodels and upgrades to our facilities.

Of course, while this is not a “quiet” or “slow” time on most campuses by any stretch of the word, it is the time we need to step away for vacation and wedge in opportunities for professional development.

We would like to recognize our AIMHO associates who applied and were accepted to participate in NHTI! Wimer Alberto from Arizona State University, Jediah Cummins from the University of Northern Colorado, Rachel Aho from the University of Utah and Briceland Beem from the Colorado School of Mines are recent alumni of this outstanding professional development opportunity! Way to go!

Additionally 60 of our AIMHO colleagues braved heat and humidity to attend ACUHO-I hosted in Orlando, FL. AIMHO members from Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming were in attendance.

As we continue to find ways to advance best practices in our stewardship of college and university residential communities we applaud you for working to keep your saws sharp!

Submitted by: Julie Franklin

Awards and Recognition Hello AIMHO,

Greetings from Billings, Montana! My name is Josh Ingebretson and I am having the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity serving as the ACUHO-I Intern at Montana State University Billings (MSUB). I am an undergraduate student from Central Washington University, which sits in the middle of Washington State in the town of Ellensburg, WA.

This fall I will be entering my senior year at Central Washington University (CWU). During my sophomore year at CWU I intentionally designed my undergraduate degree through the Inter-Disciplinary studies department. This process involved designing my degree objectives, course plan and overall degree outcomes focused specifically on a B.S. in Higher Education.

During my time at CWU I will have had the opportunity to serve as an Orientation Leader for two summers, a Resident Assistant for three academic years, and a member of the executive board for CWU’s National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) for two years. I have also had the opportunity gain practicum experience by serving within the admissions, alumni and orientation offices. I am extremely passionate and fully committed to pursuing a career within higher education, specifically within housing and residential life.

With this commitment and passion for housing and residential life, I have been grateful to have the opportunity to serve within the ACUHO-I summer intern role at MSUB. The short time that I have already spent as an intern has taught me a great deal about the housing profession not only at MSUB, but regionally, nationally and internationally. The projects that I have worked on range from helping plan and coordinate the Fall 2015 Resident Assistant Training Program to implementing the 6th annual Movers & Shakers move-in program. These new experiences have allowed me

Awards and Recognition

to gain a breath of knowledge that is going to assist me in my future career, whether I am a Residence Hall Coordinator or a Chief Housing Officer. By the end of my time as an ACUHO-I Intern, I am going to walk away with not only a newfound knowledge and experiences, but lifelong friends, memories and future professional connections.

Additionally, I would like to take the time to thank everyone who has given their time and effort in supporting future higher education and housing professionals as mentors during their time in this career field. I have been fortunate enough to work with amazing mentors who have included, but are not limited to, Richard DeShields, Jenna Hyatt, and Jeff Rosenberry. With their help, support, and guidance I have been able to accomplish so many things already in my undergraduate career, and look forward to learning more from each and every one of them as my career progresses. Secondly, I would also like to take the time to thank NWACUHO for supporting me through their scholarship in my STARS College experience.

Lastly, I’d like to encourage anyone who is interested in pursuing a career within higher education to seriously look into applying for both an ACUHO-I Summer Internship and to participate as a 2016 STARS College member. If you have any questions about my experiences through ACUHO-I & STARS College please feel free to email me at Ingebretsj@cwu.edu.

Regards, Josh Ingebretson MSUB 2015 ACUHO-I Intern

Your Role In Achieving a Sustainable Life, U Submitted by: Cori Cusker

I am currently the Sustainability Coordinator for Northern Arizona’s University Housing and Residence Life department. Prior to that, I served as a Residence Hall Director for five years at Southern Methodist University in Texas. I was asked by a colleague if I would contribute a sustainability focused article. I often find that my priorities and focus are centered on assisting my colleagues and our students in understanding the relevancy of sustainability to their work and lives. The efforts to create sustainable communities and a sustainable world cannot exist in a vacuum led by a small group of people. We should all be leaders and driving forces in the achievement of this challenging goal.

Let’s start with defining sustainability because there are a variety of definitions out there. Perhaps you have heard of the “The Triple Bottom Line” (environmental health, social justice, and economic strength) or the “The Three P’s” (People, Planet, and Prosperity)? They are great taglines, but what does that really mean? I am currently drawn to the mash-up of two definitions that provide some elaboration. I suspect many of you have seen the one from the 1987 Brundtland Report: “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (Source) It’s a good starting point, but “needs,” is difficult to determine in a fair and consistent manner when you consider the status quo of diverse populations both within our own country and across the globe.

Whose needs are we talking about and what kind of needs? I can say I need a higher salary so I can buy more new clothes, but is that same as needing running water and a developed sanitation system? Additionally, it leaves out the whole ecological part of the puzzle. What happens when our needs impair the ability of our ecological systems to support us as they always have? So, I would follow up with this one: “Improving the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting eco-systems.” (Source) I hope this brief commentary reminds or informs you of the complexity of this issue. I also hope it helps you begin to see the relevance to your work.

In 2008, ACPA published the monograph, Toward A Sustainable Future: The Role of Student Affairs in Creating Healthy Environments, Social Justice, and Strong Economies. I encourage each of you to download and read it along with The Student Affairs Vision. I often ask myself, what is our ultimate goal in our work with students? To put it simply, I think it is to facilitate the development of engaged, informed, literate citizens who will have a positive impact on the world. This directly links to goals of creating a sustainable global community.

My challenge to all of you is to consider strategies for role modeling environmental and socially responsible behaviors that help integrate sustainability into the campus culture as an ethic and value.

As you learn and make connections, share your insight and knowledge with your students to help them understand the complexities as well. In the Foreword of Toward A Sustainable Future, Susan Komives issues a similar challenge and says, “It is our ethical obligation to learn, model, teach, and expect sustainability in our personal lives, our offices, our campus practices, and our communities.” I will conclude by providing some practical sustainable actions that you could integrate into your office, your purchasing decisions, and your programming.

University, and World 1. Evaluate your department purchasing choices. o Purchase recycled-content office supplies. Many items often have comparable costs. Better yet, create a location for your department where employees can give and take gently used office supplies so that you can avoid buying new. This can also save money! o If you need new office electronic equipment, seek out ENERGY STAR certified equipment. o Opt for CFLs and LEDs bulbs for task lighting. o When planning events, be realistic with how much food you need. Ask yourself, do you really need those disposable decorations? Do you need to buy silly tchotchkes from Oriental Trading Company that will most likely be thrown away within a few days? Always ask yourself and your students if a purchase creates added value for the student experience.

2. Reduce your paper use. o Have a staff brainstorm session to determine if you have paper based systems in place that could be easily adapted to online systems. o Set your printers and copiers for double sided printing as the default or get yourself in the habit of selecting this option. o Establish an electronic record keeping system instead of printing out emails and reports.

3. Reduce waste. o Does all of your staff and students have easy access to recycling bins and do you provide them in common areas? o When you are planning events, can you reduce waste by providing reusable dishes, silverware, and napkins or asking students and staff to bring their own? o Avoid single use water bottles. Consider investing in water bottle re-fill stations. o Invest in a reusable water bottle and beverage travel mug. Did you know single use coffee cups are not recyclable? A reusable mug often will pay for itself as many places offer a small discount. o Eliminate lunch time waste. Try bringing your lunch occasionally in reusable containers. Keep a reusable dish, silverware, and napkin at your desk to avoid some takeout waste.

4. Green up your work space. o Turn off your computer nightly (or at least on the weekends). o Use a power strip for your computer and peripherals. Make sure you place it in an accessible location so it is easy to turn off each night. o Work with your IT staff to make sure your computer is set to energy-saving settings o Don’t use a screen saver. These increase energy use instead of saving it. o Have a window? Try using day lighting instead of task or overhead lighting. o Dress office appropriately in layers to be prepared for a warm or cool office. o Avoid using a space heater or air-conditioning unless necessary.

5. Evaluate how you travel to work and around campus. o Our department has invested in several single speed bicycles that are used often by staff to commute around campus. o Does your institution provide a free or discounted public transit pass? Do you take advantage of that? o Could you car pool a couple of times a week with a co-worker or two? o Could you bike or walk to work? This change can be a great improvement for your physical and mental health. I have discovered that biking to and from work is one of the best ways to start and end my day on a positive note. I also get my exercise in without having to go to the gym!

I realize this list might seem a bit overwhelming. If so, pick just one area to work on or pick one or two actions that appeal to you and that you could start doing this week. Take it slow and continue adding new habits and actions when you can.

Instutitional Spotlight : The University of Utah As summer wraps up and the region prepares for the upcoming academic year, we are excited to share what is happening at our different instutions. The University of Utah has been working hard in preparion for their newest residence hall, set to open fall 2016, Lassonde Studios. Housing & Residential Education is partnering with the Lassonde Institute to bring an exciting new residence hall to campus that will have an entrepreneur focus. Lassonde Studios will feature a variety of living options and a 24-hour garage where residents and students can Live. Create. Launch.

Exterior rendering of Lassonde Studios

24-hour garage rendering of Lassonde Studios

www.aimho.org https://www.facebook.com/AIMHO.Intermountain

@AIMHO #AIMHO

If printed, pelase recycle when finished using.

The AIMHO Angle is a compliation of submissions from members of the AIMHO region.

Each issue is prepared and distributed by the AIMHO Marketing Committee.

Submit your own article for the next AIMHO Angle! Email it to: aimhoangle@gmail.com