Talking Stick JULY + AUGUST 2014 VOLUME 31, ISSUE 6 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY HOUSING OFFICERS-INTERNATIONAL FEATURES 30 Rising to the Occasion You may think that those high-rises built on campus in the 50s, 60s, and 70s are useless dinosaurs, but look here to see how they are being recast as the best place to be on campus. 40 Do the Right Thing Student housing is known as a compassionate profession, but many institutions are ramping up those efforts even more to make at-risk students feel comfortable and confident. 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 18 Academic Initiatives Someone Like Me Special programs show that academically at-risk students thrive when they meet people they can identify with on campus. 22 Res Life Under One Roof Bringing student services into the residence halls 26 COVER: Park-Stradley residence hall at The Ohio State University in Columbus is just one example of how the campus successfully renovated two multi-story halls from the 60s. Read this feature that starts on page 30 to see how they weighed the positives and the negatives during this project. Photo credit: The Ohio State University Regroup Developing Authentic Spaces Through Diversity in Staffing As final hiring decisions are made and departments prepare to welcome new staff, leaders share their thoughts on recruiting and hiring talented, diverse staff in housing. DEPARTMENTS 4 New Member Highlight 8 Just In Spotlight on Washington State University PLUS podcasts allow you to take professional development on the road; creating and testing protocols for missing students; championing programs for trans students; online discussions about establishing faculty-in-residence plans at private institutions; excitement over volunteer opportunities and attending the annual conference; and celebrating the bounty of story ideas from our members in by the numbers. 15 Your ACUHO-I 17 Transitions 29 Calendar 48 Conversations 51 First Takes 52 Reporting Out This magazine is printed on recycled stock which is made from 10% post-consumer waste. 58 New Members 60 Snapshot JULY + AUGUST 2014 3