University Housing

Student Affairs

ALAHO Schedule & Session Info

Appliance Guide

Program Session 1

Time: 9:45 AM – 10:30 AM
Room Title Presenter(s)/Institution Description Audience Topic Area
MSC 2216 Radical Candor: Supervision Through Direct Empathy Dr. Joe Kelley; University of Alabama This session will present key aspects of Kim Scott’s Radical Candor. This style of supervision provides direct feedback in a manor that shows significant empathy. The techniques presented also provide the supervisor with the ability to easily flex their approaches to each individual staff member. This session will also discuss common pitfalls and the impact of indirect communication and lack of care in criticism. Graduate Students, and Entry-Level Professionals Supervision
MSC 2218 Housing Roles & Campus Goals: A Tale of Two Sizes Reagan McKelvey, and Madison Peaden; University of Alabama This presentation explores the similarities and differences in the roles and responsibilities of professional and student housing staff, and how they impact campus culture across institutions of varying sizes Entry-Level Professionals, and Mid-Level Professionals Residence Life
MSC 2225 Building a Curriculum Programming Model that Works for Your Institution: How Samford SKILLS Came to Be Bailey Burleson; Samford University Two years ago, Samford University had no cohesive programming model in Residence Life – much less one based on a curriculum. Samford SKILLS, a curriculum programming model aimed at teaching life skills to college students, was implemented by Samford Residence Life in Fall 2024. Since then, student engagement with Residence Life has only increased. This was done by designing a program attentive to Samford’s specific needs while using already available resources. This presentation will share how Samford approaches their curriculum programming model and the results after the first full year of the program in action. Graduate Students, Entry-Level Professionals, and Mid-Level Professionals Community Building and Engagement
MSC 2227 Furniture- Making a Difference Now and For the Future  Angela Powell, Brill Discover how your furniture choices can transform not just your campus, but your entire community! This session reveals the hidden costs of “fast” furniture and shows how investing in quality, sustainable pieces can reduce waste, support those in need, and create a lasting legacy for students and beyond. Join us to learn how your decisions today can make a meaningful impact for years to come. Graduate Students, Entry-Level Professionals, and Mid-Level Other

Program Session 2

Time: 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
Room Title Presenter(s)/institution Description Primary Audience Topic Area
MSC 2216 Beyond Bricks and Mortar: Using Data-Driven Facilities Practices to Support Student Success Noel Fegumps, Lindsey Woodruff, Melissa Woods, Scot Kirby, Shanteylia Taylor, and Jennifer Liles; University of Alabama While we often hear of student success being linked to degree pathways, campus involvement, or support services, we typically overlook some of behind-the-scenes operations that play direct role in students’ success. Facilities management is an essential piece of the puzzle when referencing students’ sense of belonging, safety, and retention. One of the tools we have learned to utilize as a student-centered and practical approach is routine walkthrough inspections. By analyzing patterns from these walkthroughs and other facilities metrics, institutions can make informed decisions, strengthen campus collaboration, and demonstrate responsiveness to student needs. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for integrating facilities data into broader student success initiatives. Graduate Students, Entry Level Professionals, and Mid-Level Professionals Facilities
MSC 2218 An Introvert’s Guide to Housing & Residence Life Nicole Smith, and Hannah Colvin; University of Alabama in Huntsville Working in Housing and Residence Life often requires balancing high levels of interaction and visibility, which can feel at odds with the natural energy style of introverted professionals. However, introversion is not a weakness to overcome – it’s a strength to embrace. This session will explore the realities of navigating Housing and Residence Life as an introverted professional, unpacking common myths, challenges, and the unique advantages introverts bring to their roles. Participants will gain practical strategies for managing energy, setting boundaries, engaging with students, and leading teams in ways that feel authentic and sustainable. Through reflection and small-group discussions, attendees will identify their own strengths and develop tools for thriving both personally and professionally. Whether you identify as an introvert yourself, supervise introverted staff, or simply want to broaden your perspective on different working styles, this session will provide insights that can improve well-being, enhance leadership, and foster a more inclusive professional culture. Entry-Level Professionals Other
MSC 2225 Supervisor Chats Jessica Martin; Auburn University Conversations around documenting employee performance and conducting follow-up discussions about expectations are rarely easy. There’s seldom a one-size-fits-all solution. At Auburn, we’ve been using a Corrective Action Process model for several years. Over the Summer, we have adopted a written guideline—originally adapted from LSU—that serves to help us maintain consistency and effectively address common issues with student staff. My goal in the first 10 minutes of this presentation is to introduce and walk you through this guideline. After that, we’ll open the floor for a discussion where supervisors of both undergraduate and graduate student staff can share common challenges, exchange ideas, and discuss best practices. I hope this will be a valuable opportunity for all of us to learn from each other and enhance our approaches to supervising student employees. Graduate Students, and Entry-Level Professionals Supervision
MSC 2227 Soaring Above & Beyond: Building Connection and Growth through Special Interest Groups in On-Campus Housing Abigail Rodgers and Allison Roosa; Auburn University Special Interest Groups are transforming the landscape of on-campus housing by fostering deeper connections and supporting the diverse needs of university communities. This session explores Auburn University’s innovative approach to Special Interest Group housing, including Panhellenic Sororities, Athletics, Honors College, Residential Learning Communities, EAGLES, and Provost-affiliated groups. Presenters will share practical strategies for collaborating and sustaining special interest group housing, from executing MOUs to leveraging Microsoft Teams for collaboration and communication.

Attendees will gain insight into the challenges and successes encountered during the implementation of the Panhellenic Housing Teams. The session will highlight the importance of stakeholder buy-in, ongoing training, and continuous improvement, offering actionable takeaways for institutions seeking to enhance campus partner communication and operational efficiency in campus housing.

Graduate Students, Entry Level Professionals, and Mid-Level Professionals Other

Program Session 3

Time: 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM
Room Title Presenter(s)/institution Description Primary Audience Topic Area
MSC 2216 Diabetes, Dialysis, and Doctorate: Navigating Chronic Illness while Pursuing an EdD Dr. Joe Kelley; University of Alabama This session will share the personal journey of balancing multiple chronic illness, while working a full-time position, and pursuing a doctorate. Struggles, successes, and advocacy will be presented from a personal perspective. At the conclusion of the personal story, a round table discussion will be held regarding navigating and supporting staff with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Graduate Students, Entry Level Professionals, Mid-Level Professionals, and Senior Housing Officers Other
MSC 2218 Pulse Check: Evaluating the Student Staff Experience Michael Chavers; University of Alabama Within student housing, Resident Advisors, Community Directors, and student staff serve as the frontline of community engagement, student support, crisis management, and policy enforcement. This session will explore the concept of Pulse Feedback and the approach used to receive valuable feedback from the student staff of housing. Participants will take a deep dive into the assessment practices used in Housing at the University of Alabama and how the received feedback is put into motion. Graduate Students, Entry Level Professionals, Mid-Level Professionals, and Senior Housing Officers Assessment
MSC 2225 Thriving Communities: Data-Driven Insights for Student Housing Success StarRez We will explore the 2025 StarRez Student Housing Industry Survey results and discover how 300+ global student housing offices are building thriving residential communities both on and off campus. Graduate Students, Entry Level Professionals, Mid-Level Professionals, and Senior Housing Officers Other
MSC 2227 Leading Beyond the Dorm: From Resident to Graduate Amanda Pollard; Auburn University This presentation explores the transition from being a resident to serving as a Resident Assistant (RA) to stepping into the Graduate Area Coordinator (GAC) role. Highlighting personal experiences and how the skills developed as an RA—such as communication, conflict resolution, time management, and community building—directly translate into graduate-level responsibilities. Moral of the story: Your role in housing matters and greatly impacts your residents and their collegiate journey. Graduate Students Other

Last modified: January 13, 2026