Talking Stick - November/December 2012 - 56

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dean Preddy
What’s the first thing you do when you get into the office each morning?
Tell myself that today is the day I am going to tidy my desk. It’s a short-lived burst of enthusiasm that quickly gets overwhelmed by other priorities.

What’s the biggest issue for the students on your campus right now?
Probably the inconsistency of the WiFi signal around the accommodation. It is a tough one to manage, as our university has invested a lot recently in improving the infrastructure, while maintaining the security. We find that a number of international students have compatibility issues with their devices as well.

What’s the biggest issue you see facing the profession right now?
In Australia, I would say promoting the industry as a worthwhile profession to enable us to attract and retain staff.

What makes your campus unique?
Tropical building design for air flow, beautiful trees and gardens, native wildlife. We are a dual-sector university, which means we have a unique blend of students from Ph.D. candidates to vocational education students such as apprentice plumbers and other trade students. Very different needs and expectations.

What resource can’t you live without?
I would have to say my team – this is certainly not a one-person job. A huge thanks to James, Patience, and Nicole for all that they do.

When was the last time you awoke to a phone call from work in the middle of the night?
Only last week. I am not really sure how I was going to fix a freezer in the middle of the night over the phone, but we got there.

DEAN PREDDY is the manager of the International House Darwin at Charles Darwin University in Australia.
Have you gotten any unusual housing or amenity requests? What were they?
We had a suggestion/feedback once stating that we should have a pillow menu available. With a rate of just over $20 per night . . . We are not the Marriott! Ha . . .

What do you wish was different about your job?
This is not specific to my job, but maybe society in general – I wish that mental illness was a thing of the past. I think it would make a big difference in the world.

Best session you’ve been impressed by?
Best session was a few years ago at an AACUHO conference-Australia. Peter Bell gave an amazing presentation on mental health and a mental health first aid course. He is very passionate about this subject, and it inspired me to do a lot more in this area.

What’s on your office walls?
I am very lucky to have some amazing indigenous prints on my walls.

What qualities do you think are important in a housing professional?
Listening skills. If you listen very hard, you might find the root cause of the problem, and sometimes the students will keep talking until they solve the problem themselves. I always remember an old boss saying to me that you have two ears and one mouth – use them in that ratio. Simple but effective.

What are you doing when you’re not on the job?
Playing with my two gorgeous boys! They are so much fun. I love cooking and gardening, so that keeps my wife happy too.
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Talking Stick - November/December 2012

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