Advertise on podcast: ResEdChat by Roompact

Ever feel like, “I don’t get paid enough for this”? In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, we dive into the unexpected, stressful, and sometimes chaotic moments of being an RA. We’ll talk about handling difficult situations, setting boundaries, venting professionally, avoiding burnout, and remembering that you don’t have to handle everything alone and remembering your humanity in all of the chaos. Because being a good RA isn’t about fixing everything, it’s about knowing when to respond, when to ask for help, and how to take care of yourself along the way. We are joined by seasoned professional Jordy Plieseis (They/Them) to talk about their experience in residence life and how RAs can work through these moments.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, join host Noah and Eric Anglero, Director of the LGBT Center at UPenn as they talk about multicultural centers. Oftentimes, the work of supporting marginalized students can fall solely on multicultural centers and identity centers but is that fair? What would it look like if all of a university, particularly Residence Life professionals, shared this responsibility to support and advocate for all students that call our campuses a home? Join Eric and Noah as they talk through these questions, share stories, and provide advice to Residence Life staff.

In this episode of Roompact’s ResEdChat, Crystal connects with Dr. Catherine LaRoche, Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement at Western Kentucky University, to explore what AVPs need from Housing and Residence Life leaders. Catherine shares how housing leaders can communicate data and risk, build trust, anticipate their AVP’s needs, and help senior housing leaders confidently advocate for the department.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Host Paul sits down with Citklali Ibarra-Hernandez to dig into how to cultivate a learning-centric mindset amongst staff in the residence halls. They discuss the challenges of developing this within oneself as well as translating for different audiences. Also get a little preview of the upcoming Institute.

In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, we’re joined by Alyssa Fisher, a seasoned professional in residence life with a strong understanding of resident engagement and community building. Together, we explore how RAs can recognize subtle signs of isolation and connect with residents who may be quieter or less visible in their communities while noting the importance of consistency and community building.

In this episode of Roompact’s ResEdChat, Crystal connects with Dr. Heather French, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students at San José State University, to discuss what AVPs need from Housing leaders. Heather shares how clear communication and trust can help leaders advocate for Housing at the senior level.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, join host Noah and students Chi Truong and Emma Elson as they reflect on their experience at the NextGen Institute and discuss their plans to pursue a career in Student Affairs. The three tell stories, share advice and experiences, and reflect on our field in an honest and thought provoking way.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, host Paul Brown sits down with Roompact Blogger Cohort member, Jordan Dedrick, to discuss her research into RA and student staff self-efficacy as it pertains to addressing conflict and mediations. Many campuses struggle with roommate conflicts in particular, and this episode provides some practical tips on equipping staff to help residents reach towards resolution.

In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, we explore one of the most meaningful parts of being an RA with Iyanna Williams and her experience on this topic: becoming a trusted support person for residents. Beyond programs and policy enforcement, RAs are often the first people residents turn to during moments of stress, conflict, loneliness, homesickness, or personal challenges. This conversation focuses on how RAs can navigate vulnerable conversations with empathy, professionalism, and care while also understanding their role, boundaries, and available campus resources.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, join Noah and Taylor Hogan as they talk about joy. Being in a caring field can take its toll. Residence Life staff are often requested to do more with less all while living where we work and being constantly surrounded by the work itself. Thus, it becomes crucial to find the joy to make the work and being people in the work sustainable. Join Noah and Taylor as they talk about finding joy, tell stories, and provide advice to Residence Life staff.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal connects with Demarcus Merritt, Sr., Assistant Director of Residence Life at George Mason University, on how burnout and the expectation to "push through" have become normalized within housing and residence life. Through a thoughtful conversation on supervision, wellness, move-in culture, and professional sustainability, Demarcus challenges us to rethink long-held traditions and consider what it would look like to prioritize staff wellbeing with the same intentionality we bring to student success.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, host Paul sits down with a member of the Roompact Blog Cohort, Matthew Inman, to discuss a wide range of topics from focusing on students' socio emotional learning to Pizza Hut (yes, Pizza Hut). As a recently graduated Masters degree student from Clemson University, Matthew also reflects on lessons learned and gives advice for incoming graduate students as well as those transitioning to a first time professional role.

In this episode of Roompact's RA*Chat, we discuss the unique challenge that comes with the RA and student staff role: balancing being a community leader while still being a college student yourself. From navigating friendships with residents, to handling uncomfortable social situations, and from maintaining professional boundaries, to protecting your own well-being in the student staff role. Whether you’re struggling with saying “no,” figuring out how close is too close, or trying to maintain a healthy social life while on staff, this episode offers honest advice and practical strategies for maintaining balance in the residence halls.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, join our host Noah Montague and guest  Siobhàn Anderson-Judkins as they talk about student staff supervision. Student staff, RAs, or whatever other acronym your institution uses are all coming into the role for different reasons; so how can we best supervise them? How do we hold them accountable while also being understanding and supportive? These are important questions for every Residence Life Staff member to be considering and some of the questions Noah and Siobhàn think about as well. Join them as they answer these, share stories, and offer practical advice to Residence Life staff looking to learn more about supervision.

In this episode of Roompact's ResEdChat, Crystal sits down with Sarah Leahy, Associate Director of Campus Life for Residence Life and Housing at Dickinson College to discuss breaking unhealthy professional norms, creating more human-centered work environments, establishing healthy boundaries, and helping emerging professionals build confidence, self-advocacy skills, and sustainable approaches to leadership.