Talking Stick JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2014 VOLUME 31, ISSUE 3 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY HOUSING OFFICERS-INTERNATIONAL FEATURES 28 Now Starring: Sophomores See how member institutions are making the second year one that builds students' academic and life achievements. 36 An Oasis for Learning Members share their experiences from the higher education community in the Arabian Gulf. 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 Vision 16 Facilities Building Blocks Members share what their go-to resources are for putting together a complete picture of the latest construction trends in student housing. 20 Regroup Planning for the Growth of Your Professionals A how-to guide for cultivating a departmental professional development plan 24 COVER: Pictured are members of the Arabian Gulf Study Tour touring the Qatar Foundation Student Housing at Education City in Doha, Qatar. To learn more about the tour that took place in July, see the feature story on page 36. Photo Credit: Dan Oltersdorf Special Focus Behind the Scenes Conference services experts share their tips for planning successful events. DEPARTMENTS 4 New Member Highlight 8 Just In Spotlight on the College of William & Mary PLUS the benefits of job shadowing; creating policy for e-cigarettes; rounding up sleepwalking students; overhear preparing for conference presentations and whether or not to allow students to bring their own fridge; and watching the rising percentage of student veterans returning to campus by the numbers. 13 Your ACUHO-I 14 Transitions 27 Calendar 44 Conversations 47 First Takes 48 Reporting Out This magazine is printed on recycled stock which is made from 10% post-consumer waste. 54 New Members 56 Snapshot JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2014 3