Talking Stick - January/February 2009 - (Page 27)

speCial FoCus Get Involved by Luke LaCroix and Stacy Ulrich Senior housing officers share how they stay connected to student life and gain insight on the student experience. MorehoUse college As individuals progress in careers in student affairs, it becomes increasingly difficult to establish meaningful connections with students, even with those who serve as campus leaders. Week after week, professionals at the top work through schedules filled with budget meetings, staff evaluations, and committee meetings. Entry- and mid-level professionals experience a great deal more student interaction At the end oF the dAy, in day-to-day operations, he wAnts stUdents to which is important in view him As An Agent oF providing quality service and in supporting chAnge so thAt he cAn students’ academic goals. “Bring stUdent concerns It is just as critical for to the senior level.” senior housing officers to maintain interactions with students so that they are aware of the latest trends and concerns and can ensure that student needs and expectations are factored into policy-making decisions. After speaking with ten senior housing officers from a variety of institutions, Talking Stick learned that, while challenging, it is still possible to create Director of Housing and Residential life, Maurice Washington, takes the time to check in with a Morehouse student. meaningful connections with students through intentional planning. Most of the senior housing officers interviewed agree that they engage with students in a number of contexts because they make these interactions a priority. Several common practices were cited as being effective in keeping them more attuned to the student voice: engaging in committee work, attending residence hall staff meetings each quarter or at various intervals throughout the year, and evaluating the performance of resident assistants (RAs). Not surprisingly, the directors we spoke with feel that their most genuine interactions and relationships at this level are with students working in the central office and with those who come through their offices most regularly. Maintaining an opendoor policy for all residential students is the easiest and most effective way to connect with students, according to Kris Niendorf, director of residential life at Wellesley College in Massachusetts; resident assistants stop by her office regularly, sometimes simply because “they want a hug or they just want to vent.” January + February 2009 27

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Talking Stick - January/February 2009

Talking Stick - January/February 2009 Contents Online Now Vision Just In Your ACUHO-I Transitions Res Life Facilities Business Special Focus Calendar Assessing Assignments On Your Honor Conversations First Takes Reporting Out Welcome Snapshot

Talking Stick - January/February 2009

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