AIMHO angle May 2016
Peterson Heritage Center University of Utah
The AIMHO angle is the official publication of the Association of Intermountain Housing Officers (AIMHO). The angle is published on a quarterly basis throughout each year and includes submissions and articles by staff and students of the region. The Angle is compiled and distributed by the AIMHO Marketing Committee. The purpose of the Angle is to provide additional, year-round, out-of-conference opportunities for associate members to share information and learn. All members of AIMHO are encouraged to write for and submit articles to the Angle about topics such as passion areas, research, hot topics in housing, projects happening on their campus, and best practices in the field. If you are interested in submitting to the Angle, learn how to on AIMHO Angle website at www.aimho.org/newsletter. You will also find previous issue of the Angle on the website for your reference and to download. If you have any questions, please email aimhoangle@gmail.com. We look forward to receiving your submissions!
AIMHO MARKETING
COMMITTEE
Christine Fleming (Chair) - University of Utah Jordan Garceau (Co-Chair) - Montana State University Kristopher Little - University of Arizona Steve Schwartzman - Utah State University Brian Curran - Montana State University - Bozeman Catherine LaRoche - Arizona State University Christopher Anjanos - University of Arizona Cody Garrison - University of Utah Matt Young - Trinidad State Junior College
CONTENTS AIMHO angle
About AIMHO A Note From the President AIMHO Social A word from the President-Elect AIMHO Awards and Recognition AIMHO Bookshelf AIMHO Moments New RD on the Block SHO Institute An ACUHO-I Internship - Now What Call for Programs AIMHO College
about
AIMHO
AIMHO angle The Association of Intermountain Housing Officers (AIMHO) held their first annual conference in 1956 at the University of Wyoming (Laramie). The Association’s purpose is to work for continual improvement and coordination of housing and food service operations for students and staff members in institutions of higher learning. Membership within the Association is open to all housing officers of institutions of higher education. An annual conference is held (November) at which time Association members meet to exchange and distribute professional information and ideas relating to the administration of physical, financial, social, and educational phases of housing and food service programs in colleges and universities. Association of Intermountain Housing Officers (AIMHO) represents member institutions in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and Sakastchewan, Canada. AIMHO Mission We provide members opportunities to learn, collaborate and network for the advancement of best practices in the stewardship of college and University residential communities. AIMHO Core Values Student Centered: Students are at the center of our professional practice.
Inclusivity and Involvement AIMHO actively includes and involves all interested members in its programs, committees and leadership of the region
Student Centered Students are at the center of our professional practice
AIMHO Core Values
Commitment to Social Justice & Responsible Citizenship AIMHO is committed to social justice and responsible citizenship in our programs and practices.
Data Informed Leadership AIMHO employs data informed
a note from the
PRESIDENT
AIMHO angle Hello AIMHO!
Jeff W. Rosenberry, AIMHO President
How are you doing? No really…have you been asked that lately? The stress of semester end, closing the halls, and all with the beautiful weather improving around us. Are you taking some time for yourself? “There is a need to find and sing our own song, to stretch our limbs and shake them in a dance so wild that nothing can roost there, that stirs the yearning for solitary voyage.” – Barbara Lazear Ascher I hope with the excitement in your world you are able to step back, breathe, and enjoy moments of greatness. The AIMHO region is here to support you and we have lots of great opportunities for your personal and professional development that you can take advantage of in the coming weeks and months. One special opportunity you can expect in the coming months is to get a phone call from me to chat about your expectations and thoughts of the AIMHO region and how your leadership can support you. Taking a page from former ACUHOI President Tom Ellett, I will be reaching out to every member institution in hopes to get 20 minutes of your time. There will not be anything formal about the conversation, rather a chance for me to check in and get your thoughts on our field, our association and AIMHO can help. While chatting with each of the 97 AIMHO member institutions is a great place to start, I will also be making contact with at least 60% of the members who have create a profile from www.aimho.org. These 20 minute chats will be a great way for me to learn about the amazing things you are doing on your campus and hear about student issues from those on the front line. With so much going on in our world it is my hope that you and your institution will be able to take a little time to be heard. The great things you share and your perspective on our association will help the leadership as we move into the development of an updated strategic plan next year. Keep your eyes out AIMHO because there are a lot of great ways for you to get involved. • Program submissions are now open until Monday, May 23rd for you to step up, work hard and make a difference for our members by presenting your expertise at the annual conference. • The regional leadership team will be gathering in Boulder, CO from June 1-4 to plan, develop, and support opportunities for you to get involved in your region. • Under the direction of Entry Member at Large, David Aderholdt, the region has convened a working task force to address growing suicide rates and mental health concerns in the region. • Senior Member at Large, Katie Schmalzel continues to provide members with monthly health and wellness challenges so we can be our best when we come to work each day. • Jen O’Brian (Arizona State University) has proposed the concept of starting a Women in Housing Network for AIMHO. This is your region AIMHO. We will do what is hard and achieve what is great, but we won’t get there without your involvement, your questions, and your ability to step up. Thank you for being a part of this amazing region. Jeff W. Rosenberry AIMHO President Montana State University Billings
O: 406-657-2376 E: jrosenberry@msubillings.edu F: Jeff Rosenberry T: @jeff_rosenberry
AIMHO
SOCIAL
AIMHO angle Since our last issue of the Angle we have had some exciting things happening on Twitter. In March the region was encouraged to elevate their heart rate and share about it on social media as part of the 2016 health initiative brought to you by the AIMHO Executive Board. In April, we were encouraged to make sure we were getting adequate rest throughout the month. Tell us about your accomplishments here! For the month of May, we have the challenge to eliminate one food that is not beneficial to your health. Watch Twitter for updates. Katie Schmalzel, Senior Member at Large said “In May we’ll focus on eliminating one food that is not beneficial to your health. From a social standpoint, there can be a lot of guilt associated with what we eat (or don’t eat). So focus on eating foods that make our bodies feel strong and give us energy! Learn more here.
Rather than dropping all caloric dense food at once, try and also practice adding one or more food that is nutrient dense! Learn more here. As always, it’s helpful to know what foods our bodies and brains are easily addicted to. Learn more here. If you are able to implement these changes, tell us about your experience!
We also had our first two Twitter Takeovers hosted by Montana State University and Arizona State University. It was so fun seeing what was happening at their institutions. If you haven’t already, head on over to @aimho on Twitter to see all of the fun events that happened on their campuses!
word from the
PRESIDENT-ELECT
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Richard Clark, President Elect
58,000, An Introduction to College Student Homelessness
Part 1 of 3
58,000, the number of homeless college students according to national statistics in the United States. Currently in my hometown, Clark County has approximately 12,000 unaccompanied and/or homeless youth. Of this number, nearly 2,400 are in high school with 700 of those being high school seniors. Many of these students, who are eligible to attend college, continue to fall through the cracks of a system that is not well equipped to provide immediate and long-term assistance. Unaccompanied Homeless Youth (UHY) have had to manage issues such as abandonment by parents and/or drug and alcohol abuse by parents. All have experienced economic hardship as a result of parent’s lack of employment leading to hunger, no health care, and/or little to no personal items such as hair products, clothes, school supplies, etc. Even as these students graduate from high school and are eligible to attend college in the fall, the interim summer proves to be a major challenge with no place to live and no way to prepare for a college environment. Unaccompanied Homeless Youth (UHY) are defined under section 725 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (McKinney-Vento)(42 U.S.C. 11434a) as “individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.” The term includes: • Children and youth who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement; • Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; • Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and • Migratory children who qualify as homeless because the children are living in circumstances described above. The broad definition outlined above is a result of the following. • • • • • •
Shelters are often full and turn away youth; No shelters in many suburban and rural areas; Eligibility rules of often exclude unaccompanied minors; Youth may fear adult shelters; Shelters often have time limits; Youth may be unaware of alternatives, fleeing in crisis, living in over-crowded, temporary, and sometimes unsafe environments; • Shelters often are a last resort after all other possibilities are exhausted. • There are many reason young people may be on their own. Family conflicts due to blended family issues, pregnancy, sexual activity or orientation, school problems, and substance abuse. Physical and emotional abuse and /or neglect within the home can lead to a child leaving home. Parental incarceration, illness, hospitalization, or death is also causes of youth becoming homeless. Finally, a lack of space in temporary housing such as shelters or shelter polices that prohibit adolescent boys. Issues within the child welfare system can also lead to running away from placement and aging out of the system. Research shows a significant correlation between involvement with the child welfare system and experiencing homelessness as an adult. (Continued on next page)
58,000, An Introduction to College Student Homelessness
(Continued from previous page)
For students wanting to go to college, they often experience a number of barriers including: • • • • • • • •
A lack of access to parental financial information and support. A lack of financial means to live independently and safely. Limited housing options, especially in small towns or rural areas. Failure to meet state residency requirements. Struggling to balance school and other responsibilities. Lack of adult guidance and support. Lack of information about available support systems. Getting a determination of homeless status, community referrals, obtaining ACT/SAT and admissions fee waivers, access to higher education housing, FAFSA completion assistance, and assistance finding scholarships.
In the August issue, Part 2 will outline best practices used in the UNLV HOPE Scholars Program, a new program at UNLV to address student homelessness. The program is a partnership between UNLV, Clark County School District and Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth and is designed to address the challenges shared above while providing academic and financial assistance.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION AIMHO
AIMHO angle
Hello AIMHO! It is with great pleasure I share with you this year’s award recipients and incoming IACURH Executive Board from the IACURH 2016 No Frills Conference in Boulder Colorado at the University of Colorado. We would also like to thank the University of Colorado Boulder for being such amazing hosts and if any of the award recipients are on your campus be sure to let them know they have been doing amazing work on their campuses. No Frills Award Winners: NACURH NRHH Member of the Year | Monica Maly – University of Colorado Boulder NACURH Distinguished Service Award | Zack Sullivan – Colorado State University NACURH RHA Building Block | Weber State University NACURH Valerie Averill Advisor of the Year | Kyle Oldham – Colorado State University NACURH Student of the Year | Jesse Van Divier – University of Colorado Boulder NACURH First Year Experience | Jesus Ramos – University of Colorado Boulder NACURH NRHH Building Block | Omega Eta Lambda Chapter – University of Arizona NACURH Outstanding Advocacy Initiative | Gender Inclusive Housing – University of Colorado Colorado Spring NACURH RHA President of the Year | Rebecca Smith – University of Northern Colorado NACURH NRHH President of the Year | Erin Mercado – University of Colorado Boulder NACURH NCC of the Year | Becca Lynch – Arizona State University Tempe NACURH NRHH Chapter of the Year | Golden Buffalo Chapter – University of Colorado Boulder NACURH School of the Year | University of Colorado Boulder IACURH 2016-2017 Executive Board: Executive Director | Rebecca Smith- University of Northern Colorado Associate Director of Administrative and Finance | Michael Shulby- University of Arizona Associate Director of NRHH | Amy Zeigler- University of Northern Colorado Coordinating Officer for NCC Training and Development |Rebecca Lynch- Arizona State University, Tempe Coordination Officer for Publications and Technology | Adam Ciampaglio- University of Arizona IACURH Advisor | Megan Chibanga IACURH NRHH Advisor | Jennifer O’Brien, Arizona State University, Tempe
AIMHO
BOOKSHELF
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DeAndre Taylor, Area Coordinator, CU, Boulder
The, Vulnerable, Wholehearted Life Have you ever wanted to let go of who you think you are supposed to be and begin to embrace who you are? The Gifts of Imperfection- Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are- Your Guide to a Wholehearted Life is a book that can help with that question. The Gifts of Imperfection is written by Dr. Brené Brown, a researcher who, studied shame and authenticity. Her research is the foundation for this book and her own journey to live a wholehearted life. Brown analyzed various stories of individuals who were living fulfilling lives. In her analysis, Brown noticed that individuals who had fulfilling lives, lived with their whole hearts by embracing imperfection, being vulnerable, and being authentic. What Brown found in these stories started to change her own perspective on life and how she was living it. Brown guides the reader to live a Wholehearted Life, which she defines as living your life with an understanding that you are worthy, by not striving to be perfect; but, rather, embracing being imperfect. The book is filled with, simple, stimulating perspectives and personal insights. Brown proclaims in order to live a wholehearted life the reader must “cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, no matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough. It’s going back to bed at night thinking, yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am also brave and worthy of love and belonging (Brown, 2010).” Brown identifies three gifts of imperfection; the tools a person needs to live a wholehearted life and become worthy. Those gifts are courage, compassion, and connection. Brown states that courage is speaking one’s mind by telling one’s heart. Compassion is learning to relax and allow ourselves to move gently towards what scares us. Lastly, connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they develop sustenance and strength from a relationship (Brown, 2010). Brown’s simple decrees such as cultivating courage and overcoming adversity reminded me of the efforts of social justice and diversity advocates. Living a whole hearted life is living a life of purpose. I interpret that as embracing who you are as an individual. Not being who you are as an individual, or not being vulnerable, will lead to being someone you are not and give a false sense of who you are supposed to be (Brown, 2010). As people, we are all diverse individuals. We identify with, both, personal and social identities that influence how we view and experience the world around us. Because of this, in our leadership positions and in life, we do not behave solely as a single individual or act from a single perspective. What Brown understands and is conveying is when we can fully acknowledge and respect each other- we are not passing judgment, but we are building stronger relationships as people. Being vulnerable allows us to explore who we are and give courage to share that with others. It is important to develop authentic interactions and relationships to learn more about how, as individuals, we are more than a single identity. Our identities shape our perspectives and, thus, enhance the value of the experiences on our campuses. What I enjoyed most about this book was Brown’s ability to write candidly about being true who you are as an individual. Brown effectively conveyed her dispositions by acknowledging societal norms and how those norms are not conducive to a wholehearted life. For example, in Guidepost #6- Cultivating Creativity, Brown states that there is no such thing as creative people and non-creative people. There are only people who use their creativity and there are people who do not use their creativity. (Continued on next page)
The, Vulnerable, Wholehearted Life
(Continued from previous page) Our creative thoughts and personalities will not dissipate; our creativity will live within us until it is expressed. Ultimately, we all will have to be vulnerable at some point in our lives (Brown, 2010). Brown’s notions on being vulnerable reminded me of Dr. Maura Cullen’s, 2007, 7 Steps to Success in Diversity Training. Cullen stated that when you make a mistake, acknowledge the hurt and accept the mistake. Do not try to negate it or forget it- simply name it. It is important to understand that you are imperfect; do not focus on the mistake because it will prevent you from moving forward. In other words, be vulnerable (Cullen, 2007). As Brown mentioned, “shame keeps worthiness away by convincing us that acknowledging our stories will lead to people thinking less of us”. Being considerate of others is the foundation of diversity, when we use our tools of a whole hearted life, such as, showing compassion and making connections we will allow others to feel supported. Therefore, when hurt and shame happens we will be more abetted to acknowledge that no one is perfect and, thus, make positive change (Brown, 2010). The Gifts of Imperfection is a book of inspiration and hope. It left me in a place of serenity to acknowledge who I am as a person. It is a great source of inspiration and affirmation that you matter for who you are as a person. Submitted by. DeAndre Taylor, Area Coordinator, University of Colorado, Boulder Brown, B. (2010). The gifts of imperfection: let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are. Center City, MN: Hazelden. Cullen, M. J. (2007). 7 steps to success in diversity training. Retrieved from www.mauracullen.com/free_report.pdf
AIMHO
MOMENTS
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Cross Town Rivals meet at RA Conference Cody Tilley and Gabriel Benavidez were high school crosstown rivals in Central Valley California. Post-graduation they each moved off to college. Cody moved to Billings, MT to attend Rocky Mountain College and Gabriel moved to Havre, MT to attend Montana State University- Northern. Both men became RAs at their institutions. This past February they met up again- during a team builder at the Montana RA Drive-In Conference where they were looking for another person from their hometown. Being out of state, neither expected to find someone from their home state, let alone their high school rival. Pictured is Cody and Gabriel at the RA Drive-In with a news article and picture of them shaking hands post game in their cross-town football game.
AIMHO AIMHO angle
LIFE
Jordan Garceau, Montana State University - Bozeman
“Get close to your RAs, but don’t get too close.” “Hold your staff accountable, but don’t be too strict.” “Target student leaders within your community, but do not play favorites with residents.” The Resident Director job is a balance beam of do’s and don’ts, shades and shades of grey, and acronyms too long to memorize. As a new RD, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and politics of opening a building, getting to know your coworkers, and gaining the respect of your RA staff. With the end of fall semester quickly approaching, there are a few things that I have learned as a new housing professional. 1. Being the cool RD may gain you ‘friends’, but no one gains progress. As a new college graduate, I am only 22 years old. This means that I supervise an RA staff of students a couple years younger than me (sometimes only a few months younger). I additionally supervise my Front Desk Coordinator and our hall’s custodians, who are all roughly 25 years older than I am. And just to make this all a little bit weirder, I live within the same building as most of these people. Considering the age similarities and gaps between those I supervise, it can be easy to want my staff to like me above all else. Why would I want to risk having my RAs and residents neighbors not think I am cool or fun to be around? The want to be accepted and liked within your hall can be a hard hill to jump over, but getting over this idea is essential to the integrity of our RD position and the overall advancement of our residents and staff. When RDs set clear expectations and hold others accountable to them, we challenge growth and excellence amongst our students AND for ourselves. 2. We don’t have to. We get to. As in any job, I often hear students, RAs, and coworkers make statements surrounding “we have to do this” or “we have to do that”. It can be very easy to join with the ranks if we do not consciously consider on the daily how unique and rewarding our job actually is. Not only do we get to absorb the youth and excitement of a college campus, but we have the opportunity to support others every day. (If you didn’t know your job surrounded around helping people, this may be a long academic year for you.) Whether it is through a disciplinary meeting or impromptu conversations with an RA while they grab the on-call keys, the RD job centers around providing a positive experience for all those we encounter. If you ask me, we do not have to do it, but we get to do. This shift in language and mentality can drastically impact your personal motivation and the quality of work you produce. It also helps that we get free room and board and get to live 100 feet from our office. Our bosses do not necessarily have to do that. 3. Paperwork piles up, but issues shouldn’t. My RAs often come into my office with various issues or questions that they have regarding their floors, policy and procedure, or their personal problems. My most favorite/frustrating thing that they say when they plop onto my office couch usually starts with something like: “This probably isn’t a big deal” or “Just so you know...(insert resident issue here)”. Depending on the issue brought up or even the time of day the information comes across your desk, it can be easy to push it aside until Monday morning so you can get out of the building and start your weekend. But small issues can fester and create bigger issues that would never have been created if you just walked upstairs to talk with that pair of arguing roommates or called your direct supervisor for immediate
direction. Regardless of the issue, we make the decision everyday whether to be proactive or reactive. There will always be those situations that spiral into unexpected messes no matter what steps you take to address them. But let those be the exception, not the norm. After all, I have learned RDs are hired to be problem solvers, not just documenters. As a new RD, it can be hard to adjust to the odd hours and the constant unknown of what new situation or conflict you will need to manage through. One day truly never looks like the next. Although there are not many consistent things in our day-today routine, I have learned the RD job provides consistency in various other aspects. I am always learning something new and constantly motivated by the support of my fellow RDs and colleagues, but I know students will complain about dining hall food and Papa Johns brings all the boys from other halls to our programs. But more importantly, being an RD is a very special job opportunity where one has the ability to make a direct impact and lend a helping hand. As new RDs and housing professionals, do not let the first semester of busyness and learning the job taint why we chose to work in this field or stop us from going the extra mile for our students and staff.
The Senior Housing Office Institute (SHO Institute) is an outstanding pre-conference opportunity for individuals who are aspiring to a Senior Housing Officer position and those currently serving in this capacity. The Institute offers professional development to participants by focusing on establishing a knowledge base that is critical to the successful management and operation of university housing programs. Faculty comprised of seasoned professionals within and from outside of the AIMHO region will present multiple sessions surrounding standard practices employed at the senior level position as well as addressing critical issues and trends that are being experienced within the field. The SHO Institute provides a welcoming and supportive environment that strives to assist participants in gathering important competencies that will pertain to pursuing their professional development, accepting new responsibilities and taking on those “next steps� within their desired career path. Whether you are a mid-level professional, freshly-minted senior housing officer or an experienced housing veteran, the SHO Institute offers opportunities to learn and discuss a myriad of topics pertinent to the profession while you network with other professionals around the region. We hope that you will take advantage of this remarkable chance to grow professionally and share your time and talents with colleagues from AIMHO and beyond. We look forward to seeing you in Boulder!
AIMHO AIMHO angle
LIFE
Marykathrine Woodson, University of Nevada - Reno Kate Allinson, University of Nevada - Reno
An ACUHO-I Internship? Now What? A guide for Graduate Students and supervisors for navigating the wonderful internship experience. The ACUHO-I summer internship is an amazing experience for both the graduate student and the supervisor accepting on an intern for the summer. As a graduate student, it is can intimidating to pick up in the middle of your gradate career and start all over again. As an employer, you have roughly ten weeks to get someone acclimated into a new environment, a new role, and still have them have a successful and impactful experience. Kate is preparing to leave this summer for her internship at University of Tennessee-Knoxville through the ACUHO-I Internship program and we wanted to share some things that we think both the graduate student and the new employer should keep in mind! 5 Things the Employers Should Keep in mind for the ACUHO-I Interns this summer! 1. Challenge them!: I cannot WAIT to have Kate come back from her summer experience and talk about all of the new things that she tackled! This program is about new opportunities and broadening their experiences. Chuck any and every opportunity at them to diversify their experience. Too often graduate students go away and come back from the summer and said they did less work or the same work they already do. 2. Adaptability: One of the greatest skills interns learn from the ACUHO-I program is adaptability. Just as graduate students become comfortable, we encourage them to pick up again and go somewhere new for ten weeks. This is such the nature of housing and student affairs in general. A life that can turn so quickly and we need to be able to change directions at a moment’s notice. 3. Move On: One of the most challenging aspects of student affairs, is having to let the previous year go and move on to a new one with the same energy and enthusiasm that was present before. Whether they just had the best year of their life or they were miserable and looking for affirmation this is the right place for them. Help the interns reflect on their previous experiences, learn from their mistakes, and gear up for a new year! 4. Recharge: Especially in housing the summer is the time that we relax and renew our spirits for a new school year. However, that doesn’t mean that work still doesn’t need to get done. Help them find the ways to recharge their batteries while still being productive in the workplace. 5. Have Fun!: The summer is the time for new adventures and make new memories. Please make sure that the intern is still taking time to have fun! We are trusting someone else to take on our new professionals and we are hoping that you can continue to show them just how incredible this field is.
5 Things the Employers Should Keep in mind for the ACUHO-I Interns this summer! 1. See your Advisor: If you’re a graduate student, chances are you are doing an internship to satisfy a requirement of your graduate degree. Make sure to talk with your advisor before you leave for the summer to make sure that you have everything in order. You want to make sure that the work you complete counts toward your degree! 2. Set Goals: Your internship is the time for you to grow professionally and to get a new experience in Student Affairs. One of the first things you should do is sit down with your supervisor and have an honest conversation about what you are hoping to gain from your internship. Most programs are flexible enough to help you get the experience you want. 3. Network: You will to meet a lot of new people in the two short months of your internship. Meet as many people as possible and get (and give!) as many business cards as you can carry. As you complete your graduate degree, you are going to be looking for your next position. Knowing more people and sharing in their experience can be monumental during your next job search. 4. Take Opportunities: The whole point of participating in an internship is to gain new experiences. You should never be doing the same thing you already do in your current position at your internship. Your internship is your opportunity to explore different areas of Student Affairs and to gain useful experience to bring back to your assistantship. Step out of your comfort zone and learn something completely new! 5. Take Time: Working in Student Affairs can be extremely stressful. Most grads taking an internship will leave their school immediately following closing to start summer training and will return as soon as training for the fall begins. The summer is your opportunity to rest and recharge while doing great work. Take time for yourself. If you’re in a new city, explore what it has to offer. Go to festivals, concerts, and events to get the full experience of the new place you’re at. Have fun!
Do you have a program topic or information to share with AIMHO professionals?
Join us at the 2016 AIMHO conference in Boulder, CO on November 6-8th, 2016 to share your experience and knowledge. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Tracks: Entry and Mid-Level Professionals or Open Track Please consider presenting a program to your colleagues in these tracks. You may also submit a program for colleague wishing to take the open track path. As always, we highly encourage our Senior Housing Officers (SHO) throughout the region, to submit a program—especially to our entry and mid-level professionals. When submitting your program proposal, check the link out for topic ideas under the “Professional Track” or the “Open Track” topics.
To submit a program proposal, click on the link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/ d/1HM_lfwAxzqP0qWZUCdABlUWcGWitUaQEVT2xxxZioTY/viewform
Program submissions will be accepted from April 1st to May 23rd, 2016. Don’t delay any further, submit your program today!
Presenter Eligibility:
All registered attendees are welcomed to submit programs. Individuals who are not employed by an AIMHO institution could attend and submit a program proposal, if their employer became an AIMHO Corporate Partner and the primary presenter for the program was an employee of an institution.
Program Award Eligibility:
Non-member institution presentations are eligible to be considered for a Top 6 Program award but are not eligible to be considered for the Best of AIMHO award, which would be presented at the 2017 ACUHO-I ACE conference. We can’t wait to see CU at AIMHO ‘16 and have you share your experience and knowledge!
AIMHO AIMHO angle “AIMHO College was a great way to start my professional career in a new region. It allowed me to make connections with new professionals and to this day still have those relationships and connections. Through my experience I feel I can reach out to my colleagues and friends anytime! It is a great and welcoming environment to anyone new!” –Kevin Caputo, Colorado School of Mines
Morgan J. Bradford, University of Northern Colorado The AIMHO Region uphold values of inclusivity, involvement, and commitment to professional development. To make those values a reality, a pre-conference was established 16 years ago.
What is AIMHO College? AIMHO College is an annual event that occurs prior to the AIMHO Conference. It is structured as a cohort model, providing attendees numerous opportunities to become knowledgeable of the values and traditions of AIMHO, network with other professionals within the region, and gain tools to be successful as a new professional in the field.
First-year graduate students through three-year professionals are able to take advantage of this opportunity. This far-reaching demographic allows for a holistic experience for all attendees. The two and a half day conference goes by quickly with faculty sessions, conversations with AIMHO leaders, and time for making connections. Every day has an outcome, each motivated by fostering personal and professional development.
Day 1: Cohort model is established through bonding. Each cohort breaks the ice by introducing themselves in a creative way. Faculty are introduced and reveal their focus area for the weekend. At the end of the day, faculty intentionally meet with the cohorts to get to know them on a personal level and offer insight.
“LOOKING back, AIMHO College was where I met most of my connections and friends around the region. It’s kind of like going to your first family reunion and meeting all your cool cousins for the first time.” –Isaac Hunter, Montana State University
College
“AS a professional new to the region, AIMHO College was a great way to start networking and developing professional connections. To this day, I still keep up with people in my original cohort and love the unique opportunity the College brings to make a large conference like AIMHO feel personal and welcoming to new folks. The sessions we learned about were incredibly useful to my work in housing, and I still go back to the basic tenants we covered! All in all, I would recommend AIMHO College to any professionals new to the field, or to the region, to help understand more of what makes AIMHO so great.” –Eric Buol, Colorado School of Mines
Day 2: Sessions begin! Each faculty is able to share about their journeys through their particular focus area. The sessions are geared towards self-reflection, AIMHO values, how to be successful in Student Affairs, just to name a few. Day 3: Transition to AIMHO Conference. As conference attendees begin to arrive, anticipation rises. It is a great feeling to be able to merge into the annual AIMHO Conference, knowing that the next few days will provide more opportunities for learning, networking, and meaning-making. AIMHO College not only provided a holistic overview of being a professional within the region, individuals now have new friends and colleagues to continue to engage with throughout the conference.
AIMHO College is unlike any conference you will attend. There is great intentionality in building the curriculum, opportunities for self-reflection, and engagement with professionals in their first-year, their 12th year, or their 20th year in the field. It is made apparent that leaders and administrators within the field truly care about the advancement of its professionals.
“AIMHO College was a ton of fun. Not only did I get to meet and interact with a variety of people, but I also got to learn some great information that would have taken years to acquire were it not for the excellent AIMHO College faculty.” –Blake Stemen, Montana State University