AIMHOangle February 2016
ARIZONA | COLORADO | IDAHO | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW MEXICO | SASKATCHEWAN | UTAH | WYOMING
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 association 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 Meet the Executive Committee Meet the Chairs and Co-chairs Meet the SPRs and News Around the Region Connect with AIMHO AIMHO College Review AIMHO 2015 Conference Awards Continue the Conversation
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 practicies in the stewardship of college and Univeristy residential communities. AIMHO Core Values Student Centered: Students are at the center of our professional practice. Inclusivity and
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
The Association of Inter Mountain Housing officers celebrated 60 years of service, development, friendships, and growth at the 2015 Annual Conference held in Tucson, AZ. It was an inspiring conference that led me thinking about what the next 60 years looks like for AIMHO and how excited I am that members like you will be collaborating to explore our greatness. Each of us are engines of innovation, motivation and success and we are in this association so that we can get up off the dance floor and take a view from the balcony. A human being will need to reinvent themselves three or four times during their lifetime in order to be successful, in order to grow, learn and change. And with increasing debt for students, mental health issues on the rise, and crippling department budget reductions it’s more important than ever for smart and impactful people like you to engage. We must to produce engaged students, departments and campuses in an effort to build campus partnerships and relationships and cross the lines of division. You are catalysts to break down the walls. You have the obligation to support in new and exciting ways. To transcend the limitations our students face. To be limitless in how we build ourselves as professionals and people. Because we are limitless, we are AIMHO. We know that the wisdom our students gain outside of the classroom is unmatched in their development and how they reinvent themselves. Those programs, those moments of success, and those moments of failures. Those are the things that make the greatest impact. You can give students what they need to take the leap, to succeed and fail and provide opportunities for them to better themselves. But education is life long and its pathways are not linear and that’s why our association must do better and be better as we look to the next 60 years. I commit to you that our association will continue to provide you with great benefits like webinars, conferences, newsletters and networking opportunities, and we will also be limitless as we create new ways of thinking as we take on the exiting challenges that lay before us. We will redefine inclusion and recognition of the diverse population of AIMHO members within the largest geographically association in the country. We will look to our undergraduate, graduate and new professionals for future growth and create opportunities to Model, Connect & Involve them in the process. We will continue to develop our region’s technology offerings by showcasing webinars, communication and member profile features from aimho.org
More than ever we need people who can see around corners and what’s down the road to improve things for students. Each of us bring great difference and perspective to what we do on our campus and within AIMHO. And while we may be playing different instruments we are all in the same orchestra. And we need more people in the orchestra. We cannot be complacent with the ordinary and must ask ourselves each and every day “What will be our next greatest feat?” We need to look ourselves in the mirror and see a capacity for growth. For 60 years the Association of Inter Mountain Housing Officers has been an anchor for student growth and we will continue to limitless for 60 more years. Decisions are made by those who show up and more than ever we need you to take control of your association…your AIMHO. Join a committee, provide feedback, talk to executive and leadership team members, present a program, invite us to your campus, or simply send an email when you have the next big idea so we can help it become a reality. Most importantly it’s your time to step up, work hard and make a difference. We are all the right people with vision for the future of this association. Now use it and know that I and hundreds of other members will be there to support you along the way. Jeff W. Rosenberry AIMHO President Montana State University Billings O: 406-657-2376 E: jrosenberry@msubillings.edu F: Jeff Rosenberry T: @jeff_rosenberry
office hour with the
PRESIDENT
AIMHO angle
Do you have an idea and want to chat with someone? Looking to brainstorm about the future of your department? Or maybe just have a question about housing and AIMHO? Join AIMHO President Jeff Rosenberry for a monthly office hour via GoTo meeting. This is an informal opportunity to connect with your association and have your ideas heard. The President’s Office Hour is scheduled for the second Friday of each month starting in January 2016 from 12 to 1 p.m. (MST). Use the call information below to connect to the call and chat informally with the association leadership and get your questions answered. Join the meeting by dialing 1 (872) 240-3412. Access code: 714-983-101 Office Hour Dates: Friday, February 12, 2016, Friday, March 11, 2016 Friday, April 8, 2016 Friday, May 6, 2016 Friday, June 10, 2016 Friday, July 8, 2016 Friday, August 12, 2016 Friday, September 9, 2016 Friday, October 14, 2016 Friday, November 11, 2016 Watch for reminders on Twitter and Facebook!
meet the
EXECUTIVE
AIMHO angle Richard Clark, President Elect
Greetings AIMHO from your President-Elect.
“One Program. One Solution” I don’t remember where I saw this quote last summer but it really struck me. Today it’s easy to b ecome overwhelmed by all the needs in society, the complexity of an issue, and a feeling of not being a ble to do enough. Well...that changed for me when I came a cross this quote. I now collaboratewith a team of volunteers from the university and community to assist unaccompanied youth. What seemed overwhelming a few months agohas now become a manageable obstacle forthose in need of proper housing and an opportunity to e nvisionthe dream of a college education. So why do I share this with you? I believe if each of us takes the time to reflect on “one program (substitute with “one problem”), one solution”, many of the day’s challenges become more manageable...howevergreat. AIMHO in many ways has become my “One Program, O ne Solution”. AIMHO has given me a professional home in which I can call uponothers for assistance, counsel, and support. AIMHO can be the solution for so much of what we face each day in our jobs. So this year, I challenge all of AIMHO’s members to chose “One P rogram, O n e Solution” to make AIMHO a better association and a force that aids all who need a place...a place to develop, a place to grow, a place to feel part of something greater. And finally, a place that helps us to support the students we serve each and every day. What will be your program? What will be your solution?
institution: University of Arizona Role at Institution:
Jennifer Hiatt, Sage
Jenn has been involved with AIMHO since 1994 while working as a Hall Director for Arizona State University. She has been incredibly #blessed to observe the advancement and sophistication of our housing region in the delivery of services and professional development opportunities. Jenn’s fondest memory are the people and relationships she has built over time. Her top two AIMHO conferences include Jackson Hole, WY in 2004 during her presidency and our most recent at the University of Arizona. Jenn’s advice for new professionals within the region “ The best way to prepare for advancement within our field and region is through involvement in the AIMHO network.”
Institution: UNLV Role at institution:
COMMITTEE Barb Remsburg, Past President
Institution: University of Utah Role at Institution: Director of Housing & Residential Education Twitter: @bremsburg
Institution: Role at Institution: Twitter: @mobeanmt
Maureen Ward, Secretary
meet the
EXECUTIVE
AIMHO angle Brent Klingemann, Treasurer
Institution: UC Boulder Role at Institution: Area Coordinator
Favorite AIMHO memory: I have a lot of favorite AIMHO memories – but one that stands out is participating in the Case Study competition at Albuquerque (2011). There isn’t really an elaborate story to it…I just remember it being interesting and one of the first ways I actually made friends in AIMHO. Another favorite has to be getting pulled over for speeding by Utah Highway Patrol after leaving Logan in 2014. So embarrassing at the time – our director and several of my supervisees were in the car! No ticket though, the trooper was a nice guy.
David Aderholdt, Entry-Level Member at Large
Institution: Montana State University – Bozeman Role at Institution: Resident Director AIMHO experience: During my first year as a professional I attended the 2013 conference hosted by University of Nevada Las Vegas. I was drawn in immediately by the relationships and investment that people showed in each other. Right away people like Cindy Anderson and Sue Belatti made sure that I felt included. During that conference I signed up as a member of the Diversity and Social Justice Committee. This committee kept me engaged in AIMHO throughout the year. During my second conference I became the co-chair of the Diversity and Social Justice Committee. During that term the position of Entry Level Member at Large became available, and I was elected into the position. Opportunities like the Summer AIMHO Conference helped me become further acquainted with members of AIMHO. At the 2015 conference I was re-elected to the Entry Level Member at Large position. What does AIMHO mean to you?: AIMHO really is an extended family from my own Residence Life program.
COMMITTEE Katie Schmalzel, Senior Member at Large Institution: Colorado School of Mines Role at Institution: Assistant Director of Housing Operations, Department of Residence Life AIMHO experience: I received my Bachelors from NAU, so I consider myself raised in AIMHO. I transitioned out of AIMHO in graduate school but feel fortunate to have returned when I took an entry-level live-on role at Mines 5 years ago. I loved serving on the Programming Committee my first year, and then as an SPR for Colorado my second and third year. The AIMHO community has been very welcoming and inclusive! Favorite AIMHO memory: There are too many! -At Utah State University, I got into a head game of Banagrams with Dan Kellish and Justin Lukasewicz. -I also had at least a half-hour long conversation about throwing shade with Rosenberry and some other folks at Utah State. -Getting called out (in a great way) for my AIMHO wardrobe preparation this past year was funny. Shout out to Scott Mathie for the comradery! -At the end of most of our executive board meetings, Shirl serenades us with her recorder. We have yet to do a duet, but it may happen. -One of the coolest things is getting to know the NAU greats that I looked up to when I was an RA and now get to have a personal and professional relationship with them: Cindy, Sue B. and Rich! Twitter: @katieschmalzel
Institution: University of Arizona Role at Institution:
Nicholas Sweeton, Treasurer Elect
Nick has been involved in AIMHO since 2005 while working as an Assistant Director for New Mexico State University. He is incredibly excited to have the opportunity to give back to AIMHO as the Treasurer Elect and is already strategizing how to advance our engagement and relationship with vendors. His advice for new professionals within the region “Fine meaningful ways to connect and advance our region and it’s practices through he AIMHO conference.”
meet the 2016-2017
CHAIRS
AIMHO angle Chair Chris Anderson Assistant Director University of Utah
AIMHO college
Co-Chair Alex Dubois Interim Assistant Director University of Arizona
AIMHO 365
Chair Jeff Bondy Director of Housing/Residence Life Montana State University
Assessment & Information
Chair Tem Sedgwick Assistant Director for Residential Life University of Nevada, Las Vegas Favorite AIMHO Memory: In addition to professional development opportunities, connecting with colleagues at the conference after a year away. So many AIMHO folks are so genuine and compassionate. I love that about our region.
Co-Chair Shaydean Saye Director of Residence Life Rocky Mountain College - Billings Favorite AIMHO Memory: Karaoke and winning a prize over Cory Shapiro. Twitter: @sayeshaydean
Co-Chair Eric Morrow Residential Life Coordinator University of Nevada, Las Vegas Favorite AIMHO Memory: I’ve enjoyed attending the last two SHO institutes and meeting colleagues from throughout the region.
& CO-CHAIRS Awards & Recognition
Chair Aaron Like, Residence Hall Director Montana State Univeristy Billings Favorite AIMHO Memory: I always enjoy the programming sessions at AIMHO. AIMHO members have great topics and are able to really share vital and important knowledge with the region.. Twitter: @aaron_like27
Co-Chair Aaron Stucker Miles Community College Director of Housing and Student Life Favorite AIMHO memory: Getting to know so many great people from across the region at my first AIMHO this last year. Twitter: @astuck29
meet the 2016-2017 AIMHO angle Chair Justin Lukasewicz, University of Arizona Assistant Director Favorite AIMHO memory: Hosting the annual conference in Tucson, and welcoming the region to our home was an amazing experience. I also got to spend some time with Jeff Rosenberry and Jenn Hiatt at this past summer meeting, and those heartfelt quality conversations rank high in my AIMHO memory bank. Twitter: @justimproving
Marketing
Chair Christine Fleming, Coordinator for Marketing, Assessment and Outreach University of Utah Favorite AIMHO Memory: Attending my first AIMHO conference and connecting with members around the region Twitter: @christineleigh
CHAIRS Diversity & Social Justice
Sara Olson Northern Arizona University Assistant Director of Residence Life Favorite AIMHO memory: My favorite memories of AIMHO are the opportunities to see old friends and colleagues from around the region and catch up personally and professionally. Twitter: @solson1011
Co-Chair Jordan Garceau Resident Director Montana Sate University-Bozeman Favorite AIMHO Memory: I am a new member of the AIMHO community and have not attended the conference yet; however, I am very excited to be working within the AIMHO Leadership Team and getting to know our region and community. Twitter: @garceaujordan
& CO-CHAIRS Jessica Siegfried Chair Director of Residential Life Snow College
Program
Chair Brad Shade Director of Housing Services University of Northern Colorado
Co-Chair Collin Wallace, Director of Residence Life Wesminster College Assistant Director Favorite AIMHO Memory: Being recognized by Jeff Rosenberry in his AIMHO president speech at the closing banquet of AIMHO 2015 Twitter: @collinlwallace
SHO
Co-Chair Paula Bland Director of Residence Life UC Boulder
meet the
SPRs and
AIMHO angle
Arizona Name: Megan Letchworth Role at Institution: Interim Director of Housing and Student Success at Prescott College. AIMHO experience: I am new to the region and moved to Arizona from North Carolina in July. I previously spent her career in the SEAHO region. Twitter: @meganletchworth
Arizona Updates ASU is excited to welcome Tina Horvath as their new Director of Resident Life. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University will be opening a new building this summer. Prescott College has been renting a residence hall to ERAU and (fingers crossed) will fill it with Prescott College students in the fall of 2016.
Colorado Kevin Caputo Hello! My name is Kevin Caputo and I am a Residence Life Coordinator at Mines Park Apartments at the Colorado School of Mines. I have been at Mines for 1.5 years and I am currently a live-on professional. Several of my hobbies and passions are working out, drawing and riding my motorcycle. Last year was my first year with AIMHO! After attending AIMHO College I wanted to get more involved! I am in my second year as a State and Provincial Representative. I lok fowrad to geting to know you over this next year as one of Colorado’s SPRs.
Angie Bradley My name is Angie Bradley, and I am currently in my first year serving at Western State Colorado University as the Resident Director for Mears & Moffat Halls and coordinating our Second Year Experience program. I attended Eastern Illinois University for my undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences. I completed my Master’s at Eastern Illinois in the College Student Affairs program. While there, I served as a Program Coordinator for New Student Programs, where I spearheaded our orientation and transition programs for incoming students. Following my time in Illinois, I have found my way to Colorado to serve in my current role at Western. I’ve enjoyed my time in AIMHO so far, and I am definitely excited to become more involved in the region as an SPR. I’m looking forward to getting to know you over the next few years!
Idaho Evan Oglevie My name is Evan Oglevie and I will continue to serve as your State and Provincial Representative (SPR) for Idaho. I currently work as a Resident Director for Boise State University and have been in Idaho for almost a full two years now. As your SPR my goal is to serve as a liaison for Idaho higher education and the AIMHO region. I am here to represent the voice and concerns of our membership while also providing updates from the state. When it comes to AIMHO, I love this region. I have been in it for a total of almost 5 years as I rejoined about a year and a half ago now serving as the SPR. In prior years I served on the programming committee which was also a great experience.
news from around the
REGION
AIMHO angle
Montana Sara Agostinelli Greetings AIMHO!
As a Montana native I am thrilled to work as the Assistant Director of Selection and Training at the University of Montana. I have been in my position since June 2011 and am excited to continue my AIMHO position as your state rep into the second year of my term. Prior to coming to UM, I worked at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA and Washington State University in Pullman, WA. Having worked professionally at both public and private schools, as well as large and small schools, I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to connect the diverse colleges and universities from across the state of Montana. My goal is to increase connections across the state, as well as provide opportunities to recognize the many successes we see in our state. If you ever have ideas for the website (Montana page), things I can do for you as the SPR, or items I can bring to the AIMHO Executive Board, please do not hesitate to contact me. My direct phone line is 406-243-5095, my email is sara.agostinelli@mso.umt.edu, and my Twitter handle is @AgostinelliMT. Thank you again, and I look forward to working with you. Sara Agostinelli Montana Updates: On February 5th-6th Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT will be hosting our 2nd Annual Montana RA Drive-In Conference. We have 59 people registered from eight different colleges and universities across the state of Montana. This is an increase of 14 people and three colleges from last years Montana RA Drive-In Conference. We are excited to see growth in this area and continued interest of connections across the Big Sky State. Shout out to Montana State University-Bozeman for hosting the 2017 Montana RA Drive-In Conference. This summer Carroll College in Helena, MT will be hosting a Drive-In focused on our states professional staff. Look for more information in the coming months as we also make this Drive-In Conference an annual event. Shout out to Montana Tech for hosting the 2017 Montana Professional Drive-In. If your institution is interested in hosting either an RA or Professional Drive-In, please let me know. We will continue to plan these locations two years out to ensure we can continue to offer meaningful opportunities across the state. Save the Date- Montana State University-Billings will be hosting RAppin’ with RAppellin’ the Rims October 14-16, 2016. Congratulations to Tammie Brown, Chief Housing Officer at Montana State University-Bozeman, on her retirement in December 2015.
meet the SPRs and new from around the
Nevada
REGION
AIMHO angle
Mary Katherine Woodson University of Nevada, Reno Hello! My name is Marykatherine Woodson and I am the SPR rep for Nevada! I am a third year Resident Director at the University of Nevada-Reno! I have attended AIMHO for three years now and have fallen in love with the region and the work we do! I have served on a committee my first year and look forward to getting involved again. Follow me on twitter @maekae3
New Mexico Marlene Smith University of New Mexico
Utah Seth Gubler Dixie State University
Wyoming Emily Busby Well, I am Emily Busby... I am the Residence Hall Area Coordinator at Casper College in Casper, WY. I have been in this position for 3 years and have been fortunate enough to participate in all AIMHO conferences and RAppin’ conferences during this time. I have served on the Program Committee- Connections sub-committee, earned my AIMHO star, and my case-study one first place in 2013! I am happy to serve in any way I can and am now the Wyoming SPR for the next two years!
connect with
AIMHO
AIMHO angle Stay connected with AIMHO year-round. Follow AIMHO on Twitter and Like AIMHO on Facebook.
2016 #AIMHOwellness challenge
January 2016: drink 96 oz of water a day
This year AIMHO has rolled out a wellness challenge for 2016. Each month there will be a different wellness challenge. Show us how you’re completing each challenge by using the hashtag #AIMHOwellness on Twitter or Facebook and for a chance to have your content featured in the Angle! See below for the upcoming challenges and results from January.
February: Eat a well-balanced lunch while at work. March: Elevate your heart rate for 20 minutes once a day. April: Get sufficient sleep for your body each night. May: Eliminate one food that is not beneficial to your health. June: Personal goal! Pick something you want to change that will impact your personal wellness. July: Do some sort of reflection or mediation each day. August: Add in one food that is nutrient dense. September: Stretch every day October: Pick your favorite month and refocus.
#seeAIMHO During the upcoming year, AIMHO will be featuring photos from around the institution. If you would like your institution to be featured as the Twitter banner image, send a high-resolution image to aimhoregion@gmail.com
aimho 2015 conference
REVIEW
AIMHO angle This year the region packed their bags and headed to sunny Tucson, Arizona for the annual AIMHO conference and to celebrate AIMHO’s 60th birthday. AIMHO had a jam packed weekend filled with programs, conversations, networking and memories. We were joined by members all across the region, as well as some noteworthy AIMHO alumni who made their way from various parts of the country to join in the AIMHO festivities. A big and special thanks to our host committee, especially Nick Sweeton and Justin L and the rest of the host committee. for all of their hard work to make this a memorable and successful AIMHO. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2016 in Boulder!
University of Arizona Tucson, AZ November 15 - 17, 2015
aimho 2015 conference
REVIEW
AIMHO angle
25
students,
10
208
professionals and
other attended the 2016 AIMHO conference
21
past AIMHO presidents
in attendance
37
programs, including two keynote speakers, Dr. Anne Marie Klotz and Josie A.
14
states represented
243
in attendance
aimho 2015 conference
AWARDS
AIMHO angle
AIMHO 2015 held its closing banquet at the Savoy Opera House in Tucson, Arizona. The Awards and Recognition Committee recognized the following people.
Undergrad: Zack Sullivan, Colorado State University Entry Level: Christine Clock, Adams State University Graduate Student: Emilie Nemchak, University of Northern Colorado Mid-Level: Kathryn Kloepper, Southern Utah University
ASU attendees participating in the 2015 Poster Session
aimho college
REVIEW
AIMHO angle
Embracing the energy surrounding the 60th Anniversary of AIMHO, this year’s AIMHO College was a smashing success. On November 14th and 15th, 2015, immediately prior to the Annual Conference, 30 entry-level housing professionals from a variety of institutions across our region traveled to Tucson for 36 hours of intense learning and development. These participants connected to the roots of the profession and our Organization, reflected upon their current roles and styles of work, and contemplated their future impact on the housing field. AIMHO College started off with a warm welcome and AIMHO history lesson from President Barb Remsburg, of the University of Utah, and Sage Sue Belatti, from Northern Arizona University. Together, they showed participants how AIMHO has led and responded to the needs of students and our campuses over 60 years and placing us in context for today. Subsequently, Dr. Beth McKuskey, Past President of AIMHO, Vice Provost for Student Life at Purdue University, and conceptual driving force behind the formation of AIMHO College, furthered participants’ understanding of today’s context and helped them understand current trends in housing to predict the future of our work. Following Beth’s presentation, the esteemed AIMHO College faculty took the floor. First, UNLV’s Rich Clark, President Elect and former Treasurer of AIMHO, led the group to deeper understanding of facilities management, both discussing the day-to-day operations and long-term planning of a physical plant. As a result of his presentation, participants committed to more intentional interactions with the facilities staffs on their home campuses. Following Rich, Past President Julie Franklin of BYU helped the group get personal in discussing their work-life balance, what it’s like to feel out of balance, and how to find footing when things are unsettled in our work. Her lecture, peppered with phenomenal wit, pushed participants to give their very best in work and life. Rounding out the faculty presentations, the University of Arizona’s Greg Ziebell, Past President and Past Sage, engaged attendees in transformational leadership and supervision. All were encouraged to take hold of their own development as they transform students’ lives. Continuing tradition, AIMHO College joined with the Senior Housing Officers’ Institute for breakfast on November 15th. This year, both groups were able to hear jointly from keynote speaker Dr. Josie Ahlquist. In order to sharpen learning, AIMHO College utilized a cohort model again for the third year in a row. In this model, the large group of participants is broken up into smaller groups. These smaller groups are led by former AIMHO College participants and committee members, and they guide their groups through processing information, setting professional development goals, and learning how to incorporate ideas into their daily practice. If your institution had individuals attend AIMHO College this past November, now is a great time to follow up with them about what they learned and to encourage them to share with people on your campus who would benefit from their learning. Now is also a great time to start planting seeds for new staff to attend AIMHO College 2016 in Colorado.
continue the
CONVERSATION AIMHO angle
Each year during the annual conference, Twitter is buzzing with the hashtag #AIMHO as everyone excitedly tweets what they’ve learned, what they’re looking forward to applying, and what they’re up to at the conference. This year, the #AIMHO hashtag was used countless times. Connections were made, new followers were had, and memories were recorded. Now that we’re home at our respective institutions, how do we keep that excitement alive? How do we continue the conversation and use social media throughout the year to stay connected with the region and those that make it up?
Continuing the Conversation: Tips to maintain Social Media presence post AIMHO Steve Schwartzman Utah State University Believe it or not, we are now two months removed from a thrilling AIMHO 2015, and many a region member are searching for means to keep the momentum rolling. Among the myriad of messages embraced in all of the events that took place in Tucson one stood very tall: as student-affairs professionals, it becomes more important by the day to keep our finger on the pulse. Social media is, at times, equal parts effective as it is frightening. We’re talking millions upon billions (yes, with a “B”) of messages careening the technological superhighway – everything from takes on the presidential election to Super Bowl analysis to hey-what-color-is-thisdress? – and “little old me is supposed to be an influential voice for Residence Life? Is that even possible?” Quick answer: it absolutely IS possible. It’s all about getting started. Here are some tips to propel you on your path to becoming a social media influencer and continuing the conversation.
continue the
CONVERSATION AIMHO angle
Don’t just leave it to us youngins The reputation has been too rampant for too long that social media is a young peoples’ game. It is easy to assume that younger staff - who may be more “hip” to inside terms and trends, will have something more interesting to say - when it’s actually just the opposite. Imagine a core of people across the world who have anywhere from five to 40 years of vast experience in a field that imbues passion and meaning in all of us. Wouldn’t you want access to that level of wisdom and perspective? It’s like having a faction of Residence Life Jedis at our disposal, and all it takes is a Twitter handle and a vigor for sharing. Ask any young professional and they’d most definitely leap at the chance to engage in such organic training. Just like that, you are a social media influencer before even getting started. Dust off those notebooks Another common concern for social media novices is not knowing what to talk about. Lucky for you, there is a smörgåsbord of topics at your disposal thanks to a trusty resource known as the notebook. Dig back into some notes and impressions you had during previous conferences and bring them back into the discussion on-line. Oftentimes you will jog the memory of many a professional who are eager to keep engaging and finding perspective. The most memorable discussions don’t have to die at the gavel when we can resurrect them at our keyboard. If you think it’s interesting, others will, too Found an engaging article? Share it! It could be in the “Chronicle for Higher Education” or “Nickelodeon Magazine,” but if it was interesting to you, it is bound to catch somebody’s eye. Brag about your institution One of the biggest inaccuracies we hear from time to time is “nobody wants to hear what is going on at my institution.” The truth is, giving us a behind the scenes look at life at your school is one of the easiest ways to gather interest. Whether you have a great event in the works, a special keynote speaker or just want to show us how you run Fall move ins, there is something fascinating about learning how we ResLife professionals are the same and different all at the same time. Know the right hashtags Think of a hashtag as a ticket to a round table discussion or program session right from your desk. There are already a handful of popular industry hashtags you can slap on top of your tweets and posts that assure your voice can be heard among thousands of ears regardless of how many followers you have. For starters, try out: #AIMHO, #ACUHOI, #SAPro, #SAChat, #SAGrad and always be on the lookout for others. Blog! Do you have a wealth of insight but just don’t know how to narrow it down to 140 characters? No problem, all you need is a link less than 140 characters and about an hour a week to get your thoughts typed up. A blog is phenomenal way to put your perspective into words and truly influence others who are looking to travel deeper on their learning pathway. A good blog isn’t hard to start up and can really take any direction you want it – and you would be shocked how quickly you can gather an engaged audience if you stay consistent. Conclusion The biggest tip of all: no matter where you are on the social media spectrum, you can start now! Get started, have fun and help continue the conversation. We’ll be waiting for you.