JUST IN BY THE NUMBERS 7 12 TALKING STICK Number of top-rated development needs for entry-level residential life professionals, as indicated by the 2011 Journal of College and University Student Housing As students’ expectations and needs continue to evolve, ongoing developmental programming has emerged as a valuable resource in helping new professionals adapt to and fulfill their residence life positions. While graduate programs provide a solid foundation for success, the support and acknowledgement from more experienced residence life professionals can play an important part in helping these individuals develop and mature in the housing department. In a recent survey, new residence life professionals rated the following seven items as the most critical needs in regards to their roles: understanding job expectations; enhancing supervision skills; moving up in the field of student affairs; receiving adequate support from supervisors, mentors, and colleagues; fostering student learning; developing multicultural competencies; and understanding the culture and facilities of the college or university. The results of the study emphasize that addressing these areas through development opportunities can be beneficial to the new staff and to the institutions by helping the professionals succeed and encouraging them to return year after year. Access Vol. 37, No. 2 of the Journal online at http://www. acuho-i.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1007 to view it.http://www.acuho-i.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1007 http://www.acuho-i.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1007