How it feels in PA right now.....

Empathy and Sympathy

Great video explaining the difference between empathy and sympathy. So important in the work that we do.

xoxoxo

Emails on emails on emails on emails.......

This is how I'm feeling today.

Things Hall Directors Wish Their Residents Knew.....

Recently, I've seen several posts about things RA's wish their residents knew. Pretty clever RAs, pretty clever. In response, here are several things that Hall Directors wish their residents knew....

1. Stop by our office and say hello! We are here for more than conduct meetings and roommate conflicts. Many of us were inspired to work in Student Affairs because someone invested in us and we'd like to pay that forward. 
2. We live in. Yes, that door we come out of in the morning and go into in the wee hours of the night is not Narnia, it's our home. Not only is this our place of work, but it our home as well. Please respect our space.
3. We're not here to ruin your good time. We're here to keep you, and others, safe.
4. Speaking of safety. There is a reason for every single policy in the code of conduct and that is to keep our community a positive one and a safe one.
5. Seeing the police/campus security in and around the complex does not make us happy. Actually, it's the exact opposite. Stressful. We worry that you are okay and yes, that you are safe.
6. We are not babysitters! We are educated and highly trained professionals. Please understand that we are not here to watch you, but to guide you, when needed.
7. Most days, your roommate conflict is not the only thing we have on our plate. We want to help, but immediate response isn't always feasible.
8. That being said, when you don't get the immediate results you want, please don't have your parents call immediately. Solve your problems yourself.
9. That being said, your parents call us more than you know. Often times, they call because they're worried and want to help, but don't want you to know they've called.
10. Too much alcohol is a real thing. Please be careful.
11. We don't like fire drills as much as you do and we do not schedule them just to inconvenience you. 
12. We do not like anonymous social media apps. Not one bit.
13. Emails are not text messages. Email etiquette is  really important. Oh, and the $ sign comes before the number, not after. That's my own personal pet peeve.

That's just a few items for now! Happy New Year!

Happy first day of orientation!

Good luck to those embarking on the orientation journey today!

Summer is here!