THEPULSE 2025
OACUHO’s annual publication
ABOUT
Published2025
ThePulseisproducedbytheOntarioAssociationofCollegeandUniversity HousingOfficers
AboutOACUHO
TheOntarioAssociationofCollegeandUniversityHousingOfficersisanon-profit organization that advises college and universities in Ontario on residence and residencefacilityissues.
Weareanot-for-profitorganizationwhichattachesgreatimportancetosupport all facets of University and College housing operations, student success and the academicmissionoftheinstitutionsinwhicheachmemberserves.
Wearecommittedtoservingtheneedsofourmembersandtheirinstitutionsby providing life-long learning, effective and relevant networking, and support for ourmembership.
ThePulsePublicationTeam:
CommunicationsCommittee
AshMukherjee
KateDruzenko
LynnCharron
ShelbyBolitsky
SukhmaniKhaira
VictoriaParkins
CommunicationDirector MitchellProst
DorcasMensah,M.Ed. 2024-2025President, OACUHO
PRESIDENT’SMESSAGE
DearColleagues,
AsmytermasPresidentoftheOntarioAssociationforUniversityandCollegeHousingOfficerscomestoan end, I find myself filled with gratitude, pride, and optimism. It has been a tremendous honor to serve this vibrant and dedicated community over the past year. I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your unwavering commitment to enhancing the student housing experience and for your engagement withthemanyofferingsandinitiativesofourassociation.
This past year marked a significant milestone for OAUCHO as we began the first phase of implementing our newly adopted strategic plan. It was inspiring to witness the enthusiasm from the membership in embracing this vision. Whether it was through participation in our professional development sessions, engagement in our communities of practice, or contributions to our ongoing conversations about equity, innovation,andsustainability,yourinvolvementhasbeentheheartbeatofourprogress Together,wehave laidastrongfoundation
Serving in this role has been a deeply fulfilling professional journey It challenged me, inspired me, and helped me grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated I have sharpened my leadership skills, broadened my perspective,anddeepenedmyappreciationforthecollaborativespiritthatdefinesoursector Ileavethis role not only with a sense of accomplishment, but with new insights, stronger relationships, and an even greatercommitmenttooursharedmission
I am profoundly thankful to the OAUCHO Executive Board, our committees, and every individual who lent theirtime,energy,andideasthispastyear.Yoursupportmadethisworkpossible.Iamespeciallyexcited to see how the association continues to evolve under new leadership, and I am confident that OAUCHO’s bestdaysarestillahead.
Thankyouforallowingmetheprivilegetoserve.Ilookforwardtocontinuingthisjourneywithyouall.
Withappreciation, DorcasMensah
2024-2025 BOARDOFDIRECTORS
DorcasMensah President
BeckyShillington FinanceDirector&President-Elect
ParmveerMundi PastPresident
MitchellProst CommunicationDirector
VictoriaMedley-Parkins CommunitiesDirector
BrianTan ConferenceDirector
AndrewHarris CorporatePartnerDirector
AllisonKeyes MembershipEngagementDirector
MelissaChaffe ProfessionalDevelopmentDirector
AlisonElford MemberatLarge
SPRINGCONFERENCEWELCOMEMESSAGE
HelloSpringConferenceDelegates!
WeareeagerlyanticipatingyourarrivalinKingstonandarelookingforwardtowelcomingyou to our campus for the 2025 OACUHO Spring Conference to share this time of connection, learning,andcommunitybuilding.
This year’s conference theme, Building Community Together, reflects our shared commitment to creating and nurturing environments rooted in mutual respect, collective responsibility, and thewell-beingofallourmembers.Whetheryou'renewtothefieldoralong-standingmember ofOACUHO,thisthemeinvitesusalltoengagedeeplywithoneanotherandwiththeimportant workwedoeverydayinourcampuscommunities.
Thanks to many of you, our robust conference schedule is filled with engaging learning experience sessions designed to spark insight, dialogue, and innovation Inside the classroom andinthespacesandmomentsin-between,wehopeyou’llfindopportunitiestobothexpand yourknowledgeandshareyourownideasandinsights
Ofcourse,weknowthatsomeofthebestconversationshappenoversharedmealsandduring moments of fun. Our team has planned a variety of meals and social events that will provide plentyofopportunitiestorelax,reconnectwithcolleagues,andbuildnewrelationships. Our conference organizing committee has worked incredibly hard to create intentional, meaningful and memorable experiences for you during the conference. We are so grateful for theirdedication,creativityandcommitmentinshapingthisconference.
Soon, we will come together to learn, reflect, and celebrate the ways we continue to build supportiveandinclusivecommunitieswithinourinstitutions.
Seeyouthen!
ParmveerMundi(he/him)andKateMurray(she/her)
2025OACUHOSpringConferenceCo-Chairs
WaneekHorn-Miller
FeaturedKeynote
FEATUREDKEYNOTE
We are excited to welcome Waneek Horn-Miller as the keynote speaker for the OACUHOSpringConference.
Similartothearduousprocessofmakingwampumbeads,thejourneyofWaneek Horn Miller doesn’t begin and end with being an Olympic Water Polo athlete. A Mohawk from the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory near Montreal, Waneek was behind the lines during the Oka crisis in 1990 when she was stabbed by a Canadian soldier’s bayonet. It was a near-death experience that marked a turning point in her life. Waneek has overcome discrimination and violence to emerge as one of North America’s most inspiring female Indigenous speakers with a compelling perspective and dynamic stories to share. Her presentations andkeynotesareaimedatbridgingthegapandrepairingrelationshipsbetween Indigenousandnon-Indigenouspeoples.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
SESSIONSCHEDULE|TUESDAY,MAY27
LearningExperienceBlock1:Tuesday,May27–10:30–11:30AM
Room by Room: An Interactive Exploration of Traditional Room Sizing & University Housing Trends in OntarioandCanada
SuccessfulCommunityLiving:ResourcesforStudentsandParents LeadingwhileParenting:Ourapproachtowork-lifeintegration Residence+-ATransitionTOResidenceProgram
LearningExperienceBlock2:Tuesday,May27–1:00PM–2:00PM
ACultureofSharing:GettingYourWholeTeamontheMarketingBus Queen’sHousing&AncillaryServicesTeam’sApproachtoCollaboration
TheFlippedClassroom:ApplyingEducationTheorytoResidenceLifeTrainingandDevelopment PuttingtheIinTeam-CelebratingIndividualStrengthsforStrongerTeamMorale ResidenceAdmissionsRoundtable
LearningExperienceBlock3:Tuesday,May27–2:15PM–3:15PM
NavigatingtheShift:Supervisingunionizedstudentstaff
Curiosity Didn’t Kill the Cat It Built a Better Residence Life Team: How Psychological Safety & StrengthsBasedLeadershipTransformsHousingCommunities
SafetyWithoutSirens:BuildingPeer-to-Peer,After-HoursStudentSupportTeams FromResponsetoRecovery:MasteringEmergencyPreparedness Complexcasesupportinresidence:aholisticcampusapproach
LearningExperienceBlock4:Tuesday,May27–3:45PM–4:45PM
SuitemateConflicts:Self-AdvocacyandExecutiveDysfunctionStarterPack RoastedBytheFire:EvaluationandAssessmentofResidenceEducationProgramming UtilizingCampusPartnerstoSupportStudents&TheirSuccess TheArtoftheFairDecision:APracticalGuideforDecision-Makers HowStaffSupportStudentswithOff-CampusHousing
LearningExperienceBlock5:Wednesday,May28–9:00AM–10:00AM
BreakingtheIceberg:GamificationforResidenceLifeEngagement
DollarsandDecisions:NavigatingandDevelopingBudgetsinStudentHousingLeadership
CreativeTrans*InclusionaryProgramsandPracticesinResidenceHalls
Food for Thought: A Collaborative Approach between Campus Food Services and Residence Life and Services
AspiringLeaders:NavigatingYourPathintoManagement
LearningExperienceBlock6:Wednesday,May28–1:30PM–2:30PM
BeyondtheDuty:Re-envisioningtheDonExperience RideauHouse:FromInceptiontoOpening OACUHOCompetencyModel
ConnectingtheDotsofLeadership:ATimeforalltoLead TheExperiencesofWomenSeniorHousingOfficersinCanada TheColmanCup:EnhancingStudentInvolvementinResidence
BLOCK1
TUESDAY,MAY27-10:30-11:30AM
Room by Room: An Interactive Exploration of Traditional Room Sizing & University Housing Trends in OntarioandCanada
Room:HumphreyHall131-Workshop(50minutes)
Presenter:RobertMerentsov(WesternUniversity)
TargetAudience:NewProfessionals
Summary:Thisproposaloutlinesa50-minuteinteractivepresentationthatexplorestraditionalroomsizing in Canadian university housing amid a growing housing crisis It examines how room dimensions affect mental health, social interactions, and accessibility while addressing increased on-campus housing demand Participants will engage with taped-out floor plans and an interactive furniture rearrangement activity simulating spatial configurations in one of the smallest and one of the largest room types found in Ontario and Canada The session uses statistical trends and design challenges to foster insights for balancingdensitywithwell-being,offeringguidanceforfutureresidentialdesignandpolicydevelopment
BeyondthePotluck:BuildingBetterEDIAProgramming
Room:HumphreyHall132-Workshop(50minutes)
Presenters:PaigeJulian(WesternUniversity),Ben-chanowkJamir(UniversityofToronto), RebeccaSmith(UniversityofToronto)
TargetAudience:NewProfessionals,Mid-LevelProfessionals,AdvancedLevelProfessionals
Summary: Many of the programs that we consider turn-key are no longer applicable to the communities thattheyaredesignedtosupport.Standardizedannualprogrammingsavestimeandprovidesanefficient waytoservecommunityneedswithoutdoingadditionalyearlyworkinplanning.Thequestiontoaskishow weensurethattheinitiativeswecreateareevolvingwiththediverseneedsofourstudentsandtheexternal factors that shape their environment. With global conflict and North American political tension challenging contemporaryEDIDAprincipals,weseektobringourcommunitytogetherinasharedefforttochallengeour baselinepracticesforEDIDAandtobringawarenesstoanygaps Thissessionisdesignedtohearfromother institutions and share statistics on the state of Canadian/ Ontario EDIDA needs, based on our student demographics We will also share some of the programming happening at our institutions in support of EDIDA
BLOCK1
TUESDAY,MAY27-10:30-11:30AM
SuccessfulCommunityLiving:ResourcesforStudentsandParents
Room:BiosciencesComplex1120-Lecture(50minutes)
Presenter:RachelSimpson&HareemSyed&MelissaChaffe(WesternUniversity)
TargetAudience:NewProfessionals,Mid-LevelProfessionals,AdvancedLevelProfessionals
Summary: This session will explore the work Western Residence Life has done over the past year to implement resources for students and parents to support their transition to university These resources are introduced to families in the summer with Western’s Overnight Residence Experience, facilitated in collaboration with Student Experience The connection then continues through Western Housing’s website, including a “Living Together” section for students and a parent resource hub These resources aim to proactively address common student concerns with community living and roommates, as well as parent concerns,includinghowtoappropriatelyworkwithresidencetobestsupporttheirstudents
LeadingwhileParenting:Ourapproachtowork-lifeintegration
Room: BiosciencesComplex2109-Workshop(50minutes)
Presenter:JenniferGreene&MelissaPrattMorgan(WilfridLaurierUniversity)
TargetAudience: New Professionals, Mid-Level Professionals, Advanced Level Professionals, Senior Housing Officers
Summary:Thissessionwillfocusonourjourneythroughvariousrolesinstudenthousingthathaveledusto Senior leadership positions in our Department. We will present the leadership theories that ground our practice and how we strive to lead by example. Through storytelling and discussion this session will also focusonoursuccessesandchallengeswithwork-lifeintegration,especiallyinthepastyearasparents.Our hopeisforattendeestoleavethissessionwithtoolsandarenewedconfidenceintheirleadershippotential ifthehopetoorarenavigatingstudenthousingroleswhileparenting.
BLOCK1
TUESDAY,MAY27-10:30-11:30AM
Residence+-ATransitionTOResidenceProgram
Room:HumphreyHall223-Lecture(50minutes)
Presenter:BeckyShillington(LoyalistCollege)
TargetAudience:NewProfessionals,Mid-LevelProfessionals,AdvancedLevelProfessionals,SeniorHousing Officers
Summary:TheResidence+programoffersincomingstudentsasupportedtransitionintotheresidenceand collegeenvironment Theprogramisgearedtowardindividualswhomayneedsomeadditionalsupport
BLOCK2
TUESDAY,MAY27–1:00PM-2:00PM
ACultureofSharing:GettingYourWholeTeamontheMarketingBus
Room:BiosciencesComplex1120-Lecture(50minutes)
Presenter:MontanaScott(TrentUniversity)
TargetAudience:NewProfessionals,Mid-LevelProfessionals
Summary:Ifyourorganizationisanythinglikeours,ResidenceLifeandFacilities/Operationsspeaktwovery different languages But when an uncertain economic forecast changes enrolment patterns, how do you bring the team together to meet occupancy goals? How do you inspire service-oriented staff to recruit? In this session, Trent's Recruitment & Business Development Coordinator walks you through how Trent makes everyoneanambassadorforwheretheywork,challengingtherecruitingstandardforthe2025-26season Even if your department outsources recruiting efforts, this session will help you have better conversations withthoseteams
Queen’sHousing&AncillaryServicesTeam’sApproachtoCollaboration
Room:HumphreyHall223-RoundTableDiscussion(50minutes)
Presenter:KathyNewstead,ParmveerMundiandSimonSmith(Queen’sUniversity)
TargetAudience:AdvancedLevelProfessionals,SeniorHousingOfficers
Summary:LearnaboutthecollaborativeapproachusedbyQueen’sHousingandAncillaryteam,balancing students,facilitymaintenanceandyear-roundrevenue-generatingopportunities ResidenceAdmissionsRoundtable
Presenter:TomGallini(Queen’sUniversity)
Room:HumphreyHall132
BLOCK2
TUESDAY,MAY27–1:00PM-2:00PM
TheFlippedClassroom:ApplyingEducationTheorytoResidenceLifeTrainingandDevelopment
Room:BiosciencesComplex2109-Workshop(50minutes)
Presenter:TaraRoberts&ChrisEley(McMasterUniversity)
TargetAudience:NewProfessionals,Mid-LevelProfessionals,AdvancedLevelProfessionals
Summary: This session will demonstrate research and best practices used to innovate teaching and learning methods for student leaders and student affairs professionals across OACUHO Participants who attendthissessionwillbeabletounderstandandapplyExperientialInstructionandEngagementtheoriesto improve the learner's experience in both the virtual and in-person training environment Sharing insight on techniquesliketheflippedclassroomapproachandnumerousassessmentstrategiestoprovideinsightinto student learning throughout the program Participants will engage with research and work to practically apply their learning through an engaging and collaborative group activity as well as thoughtful selfreflection
PuttingtheIinTeam-CelebratingIndividualStrengthsforStrongerTeamMorale
Room:HumphreyHall131-Workshop(50minutes)
Presenter:MonicaGeary(UniversityofGuelph)
TargetAudience: New Professionals, Mid-Level Professionals, Advanced Level Professionals, Senior Housing Officers
Summary: With varying responsibilities, supporting numerous students and staff, taking time to recognize ourownstrengthsandstrengthsofothersmaynotalwaysbeatfrontofmind.Asweseetrendsofburnout and imposter syndrome continue to exist within residence life, this brings to light how recognition and celebrationofstrengthsplayasignificantroleimpactingindividualandteammorale.Thispresentationwill highlight the importance of prioritizing recognition initiatives and strengths finders amongst team settings, andhowtoincorporatevaryingstrategiestobuildmorepositiveteamdynamics.
BLOCK3
TUESDAY,MAY27–2:15PM–3:15PM
NavigatingtheShift:Supervisingunionizedstudentstaff
Room:BiosciencesComplex1120-Lecture(50minutes)
Presenter:LeahWales(Queen’sUniversity)&JulieTam(UniversityofOttawa)
TargetAudience:NewProfessionals,Mid-LevelProfessionals
Summary: The PSE sector is experiencing an increasing trend in unionization of live-in student staff Often these student employees are managed by junior residence-life professionals, with limited experience managingpeople,andwhoarethemselvesmembersofanotherbargainingunit Addthecomplexitiesofa young, unionized workforce and our unique live-in work environment, and the result is, well, in a word, complicated! This session will explore the nuances of managing unionized student employees, offering practical tips, effective strategies, and best practices to help you navigate this complex dynamic with confidence
CuriosityDidn’tKilltheCat—ItBuiltaBetterResidenceLifeTeam:HowPsychologicalSafety&StrengthsBasedLeadershipTransformsHousingCommunities
Room:HumphreyHall132-Lecture(50minutes)
Presenter:AlakeMills(WilfridLaurierUniversity)
TargetAudience:NewProfessionals,Mid-LevelProfessionals
Summary: Great leaders don’t have all the answers they ask the best questions. Curiosity is the key to building stronger teams, safer spaces, and more engaged communities. This session dives into how psychological safety and strengths-based leadership can transform how we lead, work, and support students. Additionally, we will discuss ways to practice intentionality, active listening, and fostering safe conversations, to support the development of self-awareness, community integration, and EDII in professional and student staff. Using Baxter Magolda’s Theory of Self-Authorship, Schlossberg’s Theory of Marginality and Mattering, case studies, and statistics- attendees will gain practical tools to strengthen relationships,empowerthemselvesandtheirpeersbyaskingmeaningful,effectivequestions,andreflecton howcuriousleaderswillcreatethemostengagedcommunities.
BLOCK3
TUESDAY,MAY27–2:15PM–3:15PM
SafetyWithoutSirens:BuildingPeer-to-Peer,After-HoursStudentSupportTeams
Room:HumphreyHall223-Lecture(50minutes)
Presenter:ElizabethOgunrinola(UniversityofOttawa)
TargetAudience: New Professionals, Mid-Level Professionals, Advanced Level Professionals, Senior Housing Officers
Summary: Universities often face a critical gap in after-hours student support, often relying solely on campus security or dons for conduct, care, and crisis responses This session highlights uOttawa’s Residence Safety Team (RST), a peer-to-peer, crisis, conduct, & care student team that bridges gaps between campus security and residence life staff during overnight hours The RST was created to reduce reliance on Protection Services while enhancing the capacity of Community Advisors (CAs) and Residence Life & Client Services through de-escalation and peer-led interventions Participants will assess their afterhoursmodels,explorepeerresponderimpacts,andgainstrategiestoreducepoliceinvolvementandcenter communitycare
FromResponsetoRecovery:MasteringEmergencyPreparedness
Room:BiosciencesComplex2109-Workshop(50minutes)
Presenter:NeilDonato(McMasterUniversity)
TargetAudience:NewProfessionals,Mid-LevelProfessionals,AdvancedLevelProfessionals
Summary: This session is built to showcase the culminated skills, experience and knowledge of crossfunctionalhousingunitstoprepareandrespondtoacrisisinpost-secondaryhousing.Unitsfromfacilities, communications, occupancy, finance, and residence life all play an integral role in preparing and responding to elevated emergencies such as floods, fires and everything in between. This session draws content from the province of Ontario’s Information Management System (IMS) training for emergency preparedness. The session's goal is to teach essential practices and strategies for all housing officers from acrossrolesforthehealthandsafetyofstaffandstudents.
BLOCK3
TUESDAY,MAY27–2:15PM–3:15PM
Complexcasesupportinresidence:aholisticcampusapproach
Room:HumphreyHall131-Lecture(50minutes)
Presenters:JaclyneMooney&AllanCharbonneau(UniversityofOttawa)
TargetAudience:Mid-LevelProfessionals,AdvancedLevelProfessionals
Summary: In this session, we will give an overview of uOttawa Student Support team (case management model)fouryearsafterimplementation Wewilllookathowthecasemanagementteamandtheresidence lifeworktogethertoleveragecampusresourcestotakeaholisticapproachtocomplexstudentneeds Our session will look at the importance of relationship-building across campus, training opportunities to increase campus-wide capacity, and how a campus-wide approach to student support begins in residence We will also explore how each participant can implement some of the collaborative principles fromourworkshopattheirhomeinstitutions
BLOCK4
TUESDAY,MAY27–3:45PM–4:45PM
SuitemateConflicts:Self-AdvocacyandExecutiveDysfunctionStarterPack
Room:HumphreyHall132-Workshop(50minutes)
Presenter:StuartCraddock(UniversityofToronto)
TargetAudience:NewProfessionals,Mid-LevelProfessionals,AdvancedLevelProfessionals
Summary: Woodsworth College Residence is an apartment style residence with 4, 5, and 6 person suites, many student cases centre around suitemate conflicts/mediations due to differing expectations on cleaning, guests, or noise Underneath these differing expectations are students experiencing executive dysfunctionorstudentsunabletoadvocateforthemselvesintheinitialSuitemateCommunicationMeeting
This past year we implemented a three-part Suitemate Communication Plan to increase resident selfawareness, discuss “baseline” and “peak time” expectations, while emphasizing empathy/accountability within the suite This session includes activities on executive dysfunction/masking, a reflection on the implemented changes, and references research on neurodivergent experiences in higher education ParticipantswillreceiveunbrandedtemplatesoftrainingslidesandtheCommunicationPlan.
RoastedBytheFire:EvaluationandAssessmentofResidenceEducationProgramming
Room:BiosciencesComplex2109-Workshop(50minutes)
Presenter:DominiqueDaSilva&HagarRamzy(UniversityofToronto–Mississauga)
TargetAudience:NewProfessionals,Mid-LevelProfessionals
Summary: In this workshop, attendees will explore methods for evaluating and assessing residence education programs in Student Housing and Residence Life By embracing the "roasting" process of feedback, participants will discover how constructive criticism can ignite innovation and enhance current curriculum and educational plans. Through a workshop on examining current practices, participants will gaininsightsintoeffectivestrategiesforboostingstudentengagementandthinkingabouthowweactually useourlearningoutcomes.Theworkshopwillalsoprovidepracticaltoolsandframeworksforimplementing assessmentplans,ensuringthatresidenceeducationinitiativesareimpactfulandalignedwithinstitutional goals.Joinustoigniteyourpassionforcreatingmeaningfuleducationalexperiencesinstudenthousing!
BLOCK4
TUESDAY,MAY27–3:45PM–4:45PM
UtilizingCampusPartnerstoSupportStudents&TheirSuccess
Room:HumphreyHall131-Workshop(50minutes)
Presenter:MelissaChaffe(WesternUniversity)
TargetAudience: New Professionals, Mid-Level Professionals, Advanced Level Professionals, Senior Housing Officers
Summary: The goals of this session are to provide time and space for attendees to explore current relationships with campus partners and the collaborations that are in place to support students, and to identify gaps that may exist in the services/support/resources provided to students and the campus partnersthathasexpertiseinthatareatocollaboratewith Therewillbediscussionaboutthetransitionthat studentsgothroughwhenexitingresidenceafterfirstyear,andhavingtoutilizecampusresourcesandthe supportsthatHousingprofessionalcanprovideduringthattime
Room:BiosciencesComplex1120-Lecture(50minutes)
Presenter:NormaBarrett(Queen’sUniversity)
TargetAudience:Mid-LevelProfessionals,AdvancedLevelProfessionals,SeniorHousingOfficers
Summary:AstheUniversityOmbudsperson,NormaleadstheOfficeoftheUniversityOmbudsperson(OUO) team in continuing to provide impartial and confidential guidance to university community members on matters of procedural fairness. She acts as an essential resource in the fair and equitable resolution of disputesaswellasthestrengtheninginstitutionalstructuresanddecision-makingprocesses.
BLOCK4
TUESDAY,MAY27–3:45PM–4:45PM
HowStaffSupportStudentswithOff-CampusHousing
Room:HumphreyHall223-RoundTableDiscussion(50minutes)
Presenter:NickMartino&NicoleSullivan(TrentUniversity)
TargetAudience: New Professionals, Mid-Level Professionals, Advanced Level Professionals, Senior Housing Officers
Summary:Studentsacrosscommunitiesandpost-secondaryinstitutionsarefacedwithmyriadchallenges while living off-campus As a result, students will seek support through staff working in various off-campus housingroles Thesestaffoftenassiststudentsthroughuniqueandsometimescomplexsituationsthatcan extend beyond the scope of their respective roles The goal of this round table is to facilitate discussions abouttheexperiences,practices,andchallengesassociatedwithoff-campushousing Byjoiningthisround table,attendeeswillhaveachancetolearnfromandshareexperienceswiththeircolleagues,network,and discussthecommonhousingissuesstudentsface
BLOCK5
WEDNESDAY,MAY28–9:00AM–10:00AM
BreakingtheIceberg:GamificationforResidenceLifeEngagement
Room:HumphreyHall223-Lecture(50minutes)
Presenter:AlexandraLodmal(UniversityofToronto–Mississauga) (JuliannePettigrewAwardWinner)
TargetAudience:NewProfessionals,Mid-LevelProfessionals
Summary: "Breaking the Iceberg: Gamification for Residence Life Engagement" utilizes a Titanic-themed gamification framework to examine innovative strategies for enhancing student engagement in programming while fostering meaningful connections within student communities Participants will receive a 1912-era "Titanic Boarding Pass" and embark on an interactive journey, collecting stamps by completing immersive tasks such as lifeboat drills, trivia challenges in the First-Class Lounge, and an iceberg alert escape-room activity Each activity is meticulously designed to promote teamwork, inclusivity, and problem-solving, providing participants with actionable strategies to build stronger, more connected communities The session will further explore how anticipating challenges aligns with effective problemsolving in-residence life It will explore how gamification inspires teamwork and preparedness among staff andstudentsandutilizetheTitanic’sthree-classsystemasametaphorforcreatinginclusiveandengaging experiencesfordiversegroupsinresidencelife.
DollarsandDecisions:NavigatingandDevelopingBudgetsinStudentHousingLeadership
Room:BiosciencesComplex2109-Workshop(50minutes)
Presenter:BrianCunha
TargetAudience:NewProfessionals,Mid-LevelProfessionals,AdvancedLevelProfessionals
Summary: Stepping into leadership roles in student housing often comes with the responsibility of managing large ancillary budgets but many professionals don’t receive formal financial training before theytakeontheseresponsibilities.Thissessionisdesignedasastartingpointforhousingprofessionalswho aspiretogrowtheirfinancialliteracyandconfidenceinbudgetmanagementovertime.Ratherthanmaking attendeesexpertsin50minutes,thissessionwilllaythegroundworkbyintroducingkeyfinancialconcepts, explaining how ancillary budgets function, and exploring the foundational skills needed to eventually manage multimillion-dollar housing budgets Through hands-on exercises, real-world scenarios, and discussionswithexperiencedhousingprofessionals,participantswillleavewithpracticalnextstepstobuild theirfinancialacumenovertime
BLOCK5
WEDNESDAY,MAY28–9:00AM–10:00AM
CreativeTrans*InclusionaryProgramsandPracticesinResidenceHalls
Room:HumphreyHall132-Lecture(50minutes)
Presenter:GillianMcCrudden(WilfridLaurierUniversity)
TargetAudience:NewProfessionals,Mid-LevelProfessionals
Summary:Thissessionfocusesonhowhousingprofessionalscancreateresidencehallenvironmentsthat are inclusionary and supportive for trans* students. Drawing on the principles of identity-driven programmingandintersectionality,thispresentationexplorestheuniquechallengesfacedbytransgender students in residence, and offer solutions to better support this student group. Participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of the trans* residence student experience and practical tools to build safer, more inclusive residence halls where all students, regardless of their gender identity, feel valued and supported
Food for Thought: A Collaborative Approach between Campus Food Services and Residence Life and Services
Room:HumphreyHall131-Lecture(50minutes)
Presenter:TheresaCoutoandDeightonEdwards(Queen’sUniversity)
TargetAudience: New Professionals, Mid-Level Professionals, Advanced Level Professionals, Senior Housing Officers
Summary: Learn about the collaborative work between Campus Food Services and Residence Life and ServicesatQueen’sUniversitytosupportstudentswitharangeofdietaryneeds,includingbutnotlimitedto foodallergiesanddietaryneedsrelatedtoreligious/culturalobservances Delveintotheuseoftechnology and food services data as a means of supporting students holistically throughout the year, providing new opportunitiestobeginconversationsofsupport Discoverinnovativewaystosupportstudentswithreligious and cultural observances, engaging with campus partners and students alike to foster a student-centred, inclusiveenvironment
BLOCK5
WEDNESDAY,MAY28–9:00AM–10:00AM
AspiringLeaders:NavigatingYourPathintoManagement
Room:BiosciencesComplex1120-Panel(50minutes)
Presenter:GregHum(UniversityofToronto–Scarborough)
TargetAudience:NewProfessionals,Mid-LevelProfessionals,AdvancedLevelProfessionals
Summary:Makingtheleapfromteammembertomanagerisbothexcitingandchallenging.Inthissession, aspiring leaders will hear from a panel of residence managers who will share their diverse experiences, offering insights into the path toward management and the many ways to lead. We will explore concepts such as communication, building trust, making tough decisions, and driving both individual and organizational success. Whether you ' re an aspiring manager or seeking to refine your leadership skills, this session will provide thought-provoking ideas, actionable advice, and strategies from those who have successfullynavigatedthepathtoleadership
BLOCK6
WEDNESDAY,MAY28–1:30PM–2:30PM
BeyondtheDuty:Re-envisioningtheDonExperience
Room:HumphreyHall132-Lecture(50minutes)
Presenter:MelanieHoward&KeeleyMoloney(TrentUniversity)
TargetAudience:NewProfessionals,Mid-LevelProfessionals,AdvancedLevelProfessionals
Summary: At Trent University, we are excited to present our 3-year phased approach to eliminate the traditional Don/RA role. In 2022-2023 our Dons were unhappy, experiencing high levels of burnout, stress, andvicarioustraumaduetothedemandingnatureoftherole,whichlackedsufficientsupportandwork-life balance. This feedback prompted us to reimagine the Don position to better prioritize mental wellness and create a more sustainable, supportive model for both Dons and the students they serve. This session will explore our model’s impact through data and anecdotal insights highlighting improvements in staff wellbeing, community engagement, and academic success, while offering practical takeaways for other institutionsseekingtobettersupporttheirstudentstaff
RideauHouse:FromInceptiontoOpening
Room:BiosciencesComplex1120-Lecture(50minutes)
Presenter:LauraStorey(CarletonUniversity)
TargetAudience:AdvancedLevelProfessionals,SeniorHousingOfficers
Summary: In 2017, Carleton University embarked on a journey to build a 450-bed residence to house firstyearandupper-yearstudents JoininonthispresentationtofindoutthestepsCarletontooktoachievethe outcomeofRideauHouse,settoopeninSeptember2025
BLOCK6
WEDNESDAY,MAY28–1:30PM–2:30PM
OACUHOCompetencyModel
Room:HumphreyHall223-Lecture(50minutes)
Presenter:BiancaTaylor(UniversityofToronto–Mississauga)&MelissaPrattMorgan (WilfridLaurierUniversity)
TargetAudience: New Professionals, Mid-Level Professionals, Advanced Level Professionals, Senior Housing Officers
Summary: Participants who attend this session will have the opportunity to review draft rubrics of the OACUHO competency model Through table discussion, attendees will discuss the competencies, the associated narratives, and the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) A brief overview of the process to developtherubricswillbediscussedandthenextstepsoftheprojectwillbereviewed
TheExperiencesofWomenSeniorHousingOfficersinCanada
Room:BiosciencesComplex1102-Lecture(50minutes)
Presenter:JenCoulter(TrentUniversity)
TargetAudience: New Professionals, Mid-Level Professionals, Advanced Level Professionals, Senior Housing Officers
Summary: Research suggests that fewer women in student housing have historically risen to senior leadership positions than their male counterparts While significant research has been conducted in the United States, there is a dearth of Canadian literature relating to women in senior housing officer (SHO) positions.ThissessionwillprovideanoverviewofadoctoralstudythatsoughttofillthegapintheCanadian literature by exploring how participating women SHOs at 12 Canadian universities attained their positions andmademeaningoftheircareerprogression.Thefindingsofthestudyareintendedtobeconsiderations forcreatingamoreinclusiveworkplace.
BLOCK6
WEDNESDAY,MAY28–1:30PM–2:30PM
ConnectingtheDotsofLeadership:ATimeforalltoLead
Room:BiosciencesComplex2109-Workshop(50minutes)
Presenter:JenGonzales&AnnLe(TorontoMetropolitanUniversity)
TargetAudience: New Professionals, Mid-Level Professionals, Advanced Level Professionals, Senior Housing Officers
Summary: There will be four sections participants will go through, with examples from media, stories, and theconnectedframeworksabove:
1Nurturing a powerful professional network: Over the last 20 years, the state of our profession, and our work has evolved requiring a grounding in the importance of achieving results in an ever changing world Current generational trends will be reviewed, and the final takeaway message will be the importanceofmeetingexpectationsinordertonurtureapowerfulprofessionalnetwork
2The Power of Experience: It is important to build your professional “muscles” over time Your strengths and weaknesses shape your growth, and effectively communicating them involves self-awareness and a willingness to learn. Whether transitioning roles, leading initiatives, or adapting to new organizations andfunctionalareas,continuousskilldevelopmentiskeytosuccess.
3.Chains in a Link: Understanding the history of your institution, higher education and Student Housing in Canada will provide you with valuable information and help you understand the experiences of those whocamebeforeyou,howyoufitintothestory,andwhereyoucanmakeyourmark.
4.LessonsfromaLensofEquity:Challengesandsetbackscanprovidevaluableinsights,helpingyoumake intentional choices about when to stay, when to leave, and how to prioritize your growth. By embracing discomfort, detaching from limiting identities, and staying committed to your development, you move towardconfidence becauseultimately,joyisthegoal.
BLOCK6
WEDNESDAY,MAY28–1:30PM–2:30PM
TheColmanCup:EnhancingStudentInvolvementinResidence
Room:HumphreyHall131-Lecture(50minutes)
Presenter:MitchellProst&TalaAlahdab&JuliaGoudreau(UniversityofToronto–Mississauga)
TargetAudience:NewProfessionals,Mid-LevelProfessionals
Summary:Byattendingthissession,attendeeswilllearnabouttheColmanCup,acommunitydevelopment program from the University of Toronto Mississauga, presented by UTM’s Community Development Coordinators.TheColmanCupcomprisesthreecommittees:theArtistResourceTeam,theEquityOutreach Network, and the Gaming, Active and Movement Experiences Committee. Through exploring this program, attendeeswillgaininsightsonhowcommunitydevelopmentasaunitwithinResidenceLifefunctions,what the structure and goals of the Colman Cup are, and how this program encourages both resident and studentstaffparticipationinavarietyofthemedareas.
CONFERENCESOCIALS
�� DragQueenTriviawithRowenaWhey,8–10pm
Joinusfollowingtheopeningreceptionforanunforgettableeveningof laughs, glitter, and friendly competition at Drag Queen Trivia with Rowena Whey! Hosted at the Isabel Bader Centre, this high-energy social is your chance to connect with colleagues, show off your trivia chops, and enjoy the dazzling presence of Kingston’s own Rowena Whey Costumesoptional,funguaranteed!
☕ HighTeaattheUniversityClub,8pm–10pm
Ifyou’dprefertoslowdown,joinustosipinstyleatourHighTeaSocial at the elegant University Club Connect with fellow colleagues over a selection of fine teas, delicate sandwiches, and sweet treats in a relaxed,refinedsetting It’stheperfectstarttotheconferencetopause, connectandenjoysomeclassichospitality
Join us for an unforgettable evening dining in a downtown Kingston restaurant, followed by a 1000 Islands Cruise on beautiful Lake Ontario!
We’ll begin the evening with a scenic trolley ride to a downtown restaurant of your choosing - with more restaurants per capita than almostanyothercityinCanada,you’llbesuretoenjoyadeliciousmeal
Following dinner, make your way to the harbour to experience the perfect blend of elegance and excitement as we set sail on a sunset cruise through the iconic 1000 Islands with a live DJ spinning your favourite tunes, setting the vibe for a night of dancing and networking underthestars M O N , M A Y 2 6 T U E S , M A Y 2 7
CLOSINGPANEL|THURSDAY,MAY29
Data-DrivenStories:TheImpactofAssessmentinStudentHousing
This panel will explore the critical role of data and assessment in shaping the narrative of Student Housing. Experts in the field will discuss how data collection and evaluation help to highlight the significance of housing operations, student engagement, and community development. Panelists will demonstrate how assessment not only informs decision-making but also tells compelling stories aboutthepositiveimpactthatexperiencesinresidencehaveonstudentsuccess, well-being,andpersonalgrowth.Attendeeswillleavewithanewawarenessand toolsforintegratingdataintotheirownworktoenhanceoutcomesandadvocate forthecontinuedimportanceofStudentHousingoncampus.
We are pleased to welcome panelists Sara Wills McLinden, Joshua Clubb, JonathanDavisandSaraMontgomery.
THEPULSEARTICLE
KITCHENTABLELEADERSHIP:PRACTICINGCOLLECTIVECAREIN RESIDENCELIFE
Author:KevinBonnell(he/him)
Assomeonewhohasworkedincampushousing as a student and a professional, I know that the most transformative moments rarely happen in formal spaces They unfold in the margins latenight kitchen table conversations, spontaneous hallway check-ins, and quiet debriefs after a tense meeting Ellen Kohl and Priscilla McCutcheon (2015) call this kitchen table reflexivity everyday talk that helps us grapple with power, difference, and care. In The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker (2018) reminds us that how we gather determines what becomes possible: the trust we build, the power we share, and the meaning we create. This piece explores how student affairs professionals can harness informal spaces, what I call kitchen table leadership, to embed care as a foundation for equity, well-being, and community. I offer four dimensions: spatial, temporal, affective, and social care to help us rethink how everyday moments shape more just, connected campuses
SpatialCare:WhereCareLives
Care begins in place, and the place is never neutral Some spaces are welcome; others are excluded As Kohl and McCutcheon (2015) remind us, the kitchen table is a literal and symbolic space where relationships and accountability are negotiated. Parker (2018) pushes us to ask: Who is this space for? Who feelstheybelonghere?
Whenwenoticewholingersinalounge,avoidsa staff room, or never speaks in meetings, we see how space shapes belonging Adding to spatial care means ensuring overlooked spaces can become sites of connection, not exclusion Where could an overlooked space become a site of welcome and belonging in your community?
TemporalCare:WhenWeMakeTime
Once we see where care happens, we must ask when it happens and when it’s withheld. Time is shaped by power: who gets the floor, who is rushed, and who receives the slow, careful check-in. Kohl and McCutcheon (2015) remind us that everyday reflexivity takes time; Parker (2018) teaches that meaningful gatherings require intention around time’s flow. Temporal care means slowing down not just for students butforcolleaguesandmanagers,carvingspace to listen, reflect, and connect Without temporal care, spatial care risks becoming cosmetic: the space is ready, but the trust has no time to take root Where can you slow down your rhythms to make time for the conversations that matter most?
AffectiveCare:HowWeFeelOurWayThrough
Space and time open the door to feeling. Affective care is holding space for grief, joy, frustration,andhope.
Kohl and McCutcheon (2015) show that kitchen table talk allows people to voice vulnerability and discomfort; Parker (2018) reminds us that gatherings flourish when they embrace real emotion, not just polite performance. In residence life, affective care is not only about student support It’s about recognizing the emotional labour staff carry, acknowledging burnout, and creating space for colleagues to bring their whole selves to the table Without affective care, we risk mistaking surface harmonyforauthenticconnection How can you create more intentional space for emotional honesty across your team and with your students?
SocialCare:WhoHoldsUsTogether
Care is ultimately relational. Social care is the web of trust that holds communities together: peer mentors, informal leaders, veteran staff, and student organizers. Kohl and McCutcheon (2015) describe the kitchen table as a site of collective memory and shared accountability. Parker (2018) reminds us that gatherings shape who we become as a group. Social care means recognizing that leadership doesn’t just flow fromtitles;itcirculatesthrougheverydayactsof care Without it, even well-designed programs can’t hold Who in your community is carrying the quiet work of care and leadership, and how canyourecognizeandsupporttheirefforts?
TurningTowardtheEveryday
At its core, this is a call to recognize care and community-building as powerful, often overlooked informal competencies in residence life. Kitchen table leadership offers an equitydriven approach that starts in, is sustained by, andaimstotransformtheeverydaynotthrough formal programs alone but through how we show up for each other, day after day. We don’t need perfect policies to begin; we just need the courage to pull up a chair, clear some space, andstartbuildingtheworldwesaywewant.
AbouttheAuthor
Kevin Bonnell (he/him) is a PhD candidate in Planning at the University of Waterloo with a background in community psychology and a professional history in student housing and municipal equity work. His research explores spatial and housing justice, racialized displacement, and community-led resistance, drawing on critical race theory, abolition, and institutionalethnography.Kevinhasworkedasa residencelifeprofessional,equitymanager,and educator, centring care, compassion, and everydaysolidarityinhisleadership.
References
Kohl,E,&McCutcheon,P (2015) Kitchentablereflexivity: Negotiatingpositionalitythrougheverydaytalk Gender, Place&Culture,22(6),747–763 https://doi.org/10.1080/0966369X.2014.958063
Parker,P.(2018).Theartofgathering:Howwemeetandwhy itmatters RiverheadBooks
2025-2026BOARDOFDIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
BeckyShillington LoyalistCollege
PASTPRESIDENT
DorcasMensah UniversityofTorontoScarborough
COMMUNITIESDIRECTOR
VictoriaMedley-Parkins McMasterUniversity
CORPORATEPARTNERDIRECTOR
AndrewHarris
HumberCollege
PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
MelissaChaffe WesternUniversity
MEMBERATLARGE
Ben-chanowkJamir UniversityofToronto
ASSOCIATIONMANAGER
CarolFord
PRESIDENTELECT&FINANCEDIRECTOR
GregHum UniversityofTorontoScarborough
COMMUNICATIONDIRECTOR
AlisonElford UniversityofTorontoScarborough
CONFERENCEDIRECTOR
MarkMariner WesternUniversity
MEMBERSHIPENGAGEMENTDIRECTOR
CarolinePapple
McMasterUniversity
ADVANCEDMEMBERATLARGE
KateMurray Queen’sUniversity
MEMBERATLARGE
TomGallini
Queen’sUniversity
COMMUNITIESOFPRACTICE
CommunitiesofPractice(CoPs)existasa forumformemberstoengageinsolving commonchallengesacrossinstitutions.
OurCoPsinclude:
ResidenceEducation,Curricular Approach&Assessment
StudentConduct&Support Admission&BusinessOperations
EDIProgramming
SmallResidences&HousingUnits Training,Hiring&Assessment
GradStudentandFamilyHousing OffCampusHousing
Tojoin,pleasevisit: oacuhocom/Communities of Practice C oPs .html
WithinOACUHO,wehavethreeunique committeesthatmemberscanjointo supportthelargermembership.
Ourcommitteesinclude: ProfessionalDevelopment Communications MembershipEngagement
Tojoin,pleasevisit: oacuho.com/committees.html
2024-2025OAKUDOS
AboutOAKUDOS
TheMembershipEngagement Committeeasksourmembersto submitpositivecontributionsaka OAKUDOStorecognizeallthe amazingworkbeingdoneinour fieldeveryday.Nominationsare submittedviaaformintheMonthly MemberNewsletter.
Thisisanopportunityforour memberstoshowtheir appreciationfortheindividuals theyworkwithbothintheir institutionandoutsidetheir institution Thesemessageswillbe senttotherecipientsregularly throughouttheyear
Ifyouwouldliketosubmitan OAKUDO,clickthelinkbelow!
24-25OAKUDEES
MaryAzouz
MonicaGamboa
PaigeJulian
MarkMariner
MelChaffe