Talking Stick Features 26 Shaping Our Buildings to Shape Our Students July + August 2012 Volume 29, Issue 6 The Magazine of The associaTion of college and UniversiTy hoUsing officers-inTernaTional Understanding how the physical spaces of a residence hall influence student development is a key step in building a program from the ground up. 34 Looking Up Down Under These are exciting times for Australia’s higher education system, and participants in a recent study tour had front row seats to the future. Fortunately, they brought their cameras with them. talking stiCk Symbol of International Friendship ACUHO-I’s talking stick, or speaker’s staff, was hand-carved of wood by the Ohiat Band of the British Columbia Indian Nation. Canadian ACUHO-I members presented it to the association in July 1973 during our annual conference at the University of British Columbia. The inscription reads: It is a sign of authority carried when proclamations are to be made or a meeting of chiefs is in session. ... A token of common heritage both to Canadians and Americans. Columns 6 16 Vision The New Normal Res Life Starting at the Ground Floor The front desk is a mainstay of virtually every residence hall. But that doesn’t mean it’s not constantly evolving with the times. Departments 20 Business Operations Tools or Toys? Mobile devices are becoming more and more prevalent in residence hall operations. Learn how campuses are making the most of this technology to deliver and retrieve information when and where it’s needed. Cover: Kangaroos are a common sight on the Charles Sturt University campus in Bathurst. Photo by James A. Baumann July + August 2012 3