Talking Stick - November/December 2011 - 56

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chrisTine PaUl
O u r w O r k ca n be cOme a ll D ay, e V e ry D ay s Ome tI me s , a nD I haV e fOu nD I t Is ImpOrta nt that I ta ke car e Of my s el f.
What’s the first thing you do when you get into the office each morning?
Say “Hi!” to everyone who is there and then get to the emails.

What’s your biggest challenge on campus?
Our biggest challenge is having enough space for everyone that would like to live on campus. We do have a residency requirement, but we find that many students really do enjoy living on our campus. It is a good problem to have!

What’s the biggest issue for the students on your campus right now?
Finances, hands down. Students struggle to pay for college, and often they work several jobs while taking classes.

Favorite campus traditions?
My favorite campus tradition would be painting the CLU rocks. The first-year students do it during orientation every year. Then at different times throughout the year, the rocks are repainted for various reasons . . . Christmas, homecoming, graduation, etc. It is fun to look up on the hill to see what color they are.

What’s the biggest issue you see facing the profession right now?
Mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent in our college students. Most of the time they already have therapists and counselors that they see regularly, and they often take advantage of student counseling services.

What qualities do you think are important in a housing professional?
I think it is important to be organized, be approachable to students, and be flexible with the day-to-day tasks. Our work can become all day, every day sometimes, and I have found it is important that I take care of myself.

What makes your campus unique?
Our campus is truly a beautiful place with a family atmosphere. When you walk around, people say “Hi!” Many staff and students feel as though this is their home.

What are you doing when you’re not on the job? What resource can’t you live without?
Sadly, I would have to say my iPhone. I literally have it on me 24/7 and only turn it off on airplanes. I am at home with my partner and our kids. We like to go on walks to the park, to the beach, and of course we love to go to Disneyland.

How do you de-stress? When was the last time you awoke to a phone call from work in the middle of the night?
It has been a few months but only because our summer housing is pretty light. Typically during the academic year, I get four to eight phone calls a week after hours. I go for a run at least three times a week. I feel great, and it helps me clear my head.

Have you gotten any unusual housing or amenity requests? What were they?
We once had a parent call to ask us if we would go and wake up her son because she was afraid he was going to miss his flight home to Hawaii. We politely declined this request.

What do you wish was different about your job?
Honestly? I really enjoy what I do and the students and staff I work with. I wouldn’t change a thing!

New social technology and media like texting and Twitter: How has it helped your communication with staff and students? Is there a downside to this type of communication?
I have definitely learned quickly how to get a hold of students. It is easy with both Facebook and text. The downside is of course not being able to hear tone or really know how someone is feeling without actually talking or sitting face-to-face with them.
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TalkiNg STick

CHRiSTiNE PAUl is the associate director of student life at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. Is there a colleague you feel would be great for a Snapshot? Please send your ideas to talkingstick@acuho-i.org.

Talking Stick - November/December 2011

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