Showing posts with label Area Council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Area Council. Show all posts

Monday, July 1, 2013

May Regional Of The Month Winners

SIU Residence Life has some great things going on, and we want to showcase some of our proud moments on our blog. We also hope people considering working in RA, graduate assistant, or full-time positions with our department will take a minute to learn more about the things we are doing. More information about our department, including position descriptions, application information, and graduate and full-time staff profiles can be found on our recruitment website.

SIU Residence Life had two regional Of The Month award winners during May 2013. We are very proud of the Mae Smith Hall Director duo of Dennis Hoyle and Michelle Kinney for earning recognition as the Advisor Of the Month (Dennis) and Residence Life Faculty/Staff Of The Month (Michelle) for GLACURH. It's clear they finished the academic year strong, and we're excited both will be returning to our team for the 2013-2014 academic year. Here are some excerpts from the nominations that snagged them regional recognition.


"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves." —Lao Tzu

I can't think of a more perfectly fitting quote to describe Dennis Hoyle's leadership style. As one of the Hall Directors in Mae Smith Hall, Dennis exemplifies quiet and powerful leadership among the SIU Residence Life Senior Staff, within the Mae Smith staff community, and as the adviser to the Mae Smith Area Council.


Michelle Kinney is an amazing, out of this world, Residence Life staff member and impressive young professional. After less than one year of full-time service in the field Michelle has stood-out in tons of noteworthy ways, and even now in the month of May Michelle continues to make an impact.

As always, thank you to those who submit nominations. Of The Month nominations can be submitted year-round (not just during the academic year) at http://otms.nrhh.org/

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Of The Month Award Winners - April 2013!

SIU Residence Life has some great things going on, and we want to showcase some of our proud moments on our blog. We also hope people considering working in RA, graduate assistant, or full-time positions with our department will take a minute to learn more about the things we are doing. More information about our department, including position descriptions, application information, and graduate and full-time staff profiles can be found on our recruitment website.

12 Of The Month nominations were submitted during the month of April, 2013. Of those, 8 were selected as Campus Winners; and 1 was chosen as the Regional Winner for GLACURH. We're very proud of all our staff and the hard work they've done this year.

Regional Winner

Brandon Macier - Residence Life Faculty/Staff Of The Month, submitted by Gena Stack. "Brandon serves as photographer, historian, public relations representative, technology adviser, graphic designer, and more - all IN ADDITION to his traditional Hall Director responsibilities. Brandon could not accomplish all of this without a commitment to completing tasks and advancing the department. This commitment shows through in all that he does."

Campus Winners

Cats and Dogs on Campus - Community Service Program Of The Month  presented by Katelyn Walker and submitted by Dennis Hoyle. "Numerous residents had the opportunity to relax outside on a beautiful day and enjoy a positive mental health boost by playing with insanely cute animals. This was a great late-semester break for our students. In addition, the residents donated supplies and signed-up to volunteer their time for the local shelters. It is likely that many of these student volunteers will develop a long-term relationship with the animal shelter. This is a great opportunity for students to get a chance to collaborate with off-campus organizations!"

Nicole Carlen - Executive Board Member Of The Month, nominated by Jac Jewell. "Nicole has a love for this organization and it has shown vividly through all she has done this month. She has been a vital role to NRHH this year and she will be missed next year. However, during the month of April she was able to help find new members and keep our current members motivated."

Elaheh Bashang - First Year Student Of The Month, nominated by Justin Schuch. "As an active member of her Area Council, Elaheh was a cornerstone in making sure the month of April was filled with programming efforts driven towards improving the on-campus living experience."

Residence Hall Association - Organization Of The Month, nominated by Justin Schuch. "Lead by a dynamic and dedicated executive board, the Residence Hall Association has endeavored to truly enhance the on campus living experience for all those they represent throughout the month of April. By creating inclusive and welcoming meetings, intentional collaborations, strong programming, and setting the stage for the future of their group, members of the Residence Hall Association have redefined what spring can look like for a successful organization!"

Nicolette Winn - Resident Assistant Of The Month, nominated by Lauren Kyriazes. 'April of 2012, Nicolette has launched a movement called the “No Longer Silenced” project. “The mission of the No Longer Silenced Movement is to raise awareness for and inspire teen survivors of child abuse. It is the No Longer Silenced Movement's highest aspiration that these teens will understand that they are not alone, realize how to ask for help, and acquire skills to aid in future success.” '

Robert Konzelmann - Residential Community Of The Month, nominated by Katelyn Walker. "Throughout the year Robert has stood out as a student and a community member in the Architecture Living Learning Community (LLC)."

Rebecca Dycus - Spotlight Of The Month, nominated by Gena Stack. "I can confidently say Rebecca lives this mission in her work. She promotes our residential communities positively; represents our staff team as a warm, open, caring individual; and makes University Housing a better workplace for all with whom she comes in contact."

Thank you to the following individuals for submitting OTMs for April: Elizabeth Nielsen, Sarah Larsen, Lauren Kyriazes, Beisabel Velasco, Katelyn Walker, Dennis Hoyle, Jac Jewell, Justin Schuch, and Gena Stack. Thank you for making recognition a priority!

Monday, May 20, 2013

End of the Year Recognition by Jac Jewell

SIU Residence Life has some great things going on, and we want to showcase some of our proud moments on our blog. We also hope people considering working in RA, graduate assistant, or full-time positions with our department will take a minute to learn more about the things we are doing. More information about our department, including position descriptions, application information, and graduate and full-time staff profiles can be found on our recruitment website.

Jac Jewell is one of the Hall Directors in Schneider Hall, and serves as the adviser to the Saluki Chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary.
The end of the year is a time to celebrate the great things our students and staff members have done throughout the year. This year marks the second year of a student leader recognition banquet sponsored by the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH). NRHH invited student leaders and staff members from across campus to come to a banquet at the beginning of May. We recognized our outgoing and incoming Area Council members, Black Togetherness Organization (BTO) members, Residence Hall Association (RHA) members, and NRHH members.

Every month NRHH encourages campus and community members to nominate people and programs for Of the Month awards. A list of campus winners from the entire year was compiled, and nominators were asked to provide additional support for why each nominee should receive the Of The Year (OTY) recognition.  NRHH spent two hours going through 55 nominations looking for the "best of the best" to showcase as our Of The Year winners in 15 different categories. The winners of these awards were recognized at our end of the year banquet. I am happy to share them with you now!


Adviser 

The nominator wrote of this Adviser Of The Year nominee: None can claim dedication and determination to helping their advisees…from supporting board members and dedicating extra time to multiple organizations, the nominee worked to develop countless experiences throughout the year. The 2012 to 2013 Adviser Of The Year is Travis Gibler.


Executive Board Member OTY Ashley Stegall (left) with
RHA and Mae Smith Area Council board member Becky
Borowiak


Executive Board Member 
First Year Student OTY Shane Kenealy
The nominator wrote of this Executive Board Member Of The Year nominee: I am consistently impressed by her performance as an executive board member…she is a source of enthusiasm and positivity. The 2012 to 2013 Executive Board Member Of The Year is Ashley Stegall.








First Year Student


The nominator wrote of this First Year Student Of The Year nominee: The nominee is an outstanding example of a first-year student who makes a concerted effort to engage in the community…the nominee makes a point to contribute back to SIU and has demonstrated leadership and initiative. The 2012 to 2013 First Year Student Of The Year is Shane Kenealy.




Graduate Assistant

The nominator wrote of this Graduate Assistant Of The Year nominee: The nominee is consistently looking for ways to grow as a student and future professional...asking insightful questions and eager to learn from anyone…it is great to see students like this nominee who, while they love what they do, commit to challenging themselves and trying new and different things. The 2012 to 2013 Graduate Assistant Of The Year is Jon Gorgosz.

Institution Faculty/Staff Member 
The nominator wrote of this Institution Faculty/Staff Member Of The Year nominee: Quite honestly, the nominee can be seen as nothing but a phenomenal campus leader who is actively working to build bridges between departments and students. Few other professionals are able to claim the level of dedication shown to the profession and students. The 2012 to 2013 Institution Faculty/Staff Member Of The Year is Chad Beights.

Residence Life Faculty/Staff Member 
Residence Life Faculty/Staff Member OTY Steven
Yeagley (left) with Hall Director David Keys (right)
Residence Life Faculty/Staff OTY Steven Yeagley,
Resident Assistant OTY Leigh Cardosi, Student OTY Adam
McCallister, and Exec Board Member OTY Ashley Stegall

The nominator wrote of this Residence Life Faculty/Staff Member Of The Year nominee: The nominee does not use a one size fits all process, they look at your individual needs and go from there. ..the nominee is a person of great character, foresight and integrity and has done so much for the advancement of this department. The 2012 to 2013 Residence Life Faculty/Staff Member Of The Year is Steven Yeagley.





Resident Assistant
The nominator wrote of this Resident Assistant Of The Year nominee: As a second-year RA, the nominee has been a wonderful role model for both our new and returning RAs. They helped lighten burdens throughout the entire year and was always ready to step up and help in whatever way possible. The 2012 to 2013 Resident Assistant Of The Year is Leigh Cardosi.






Spotlight 

The nominator wrote of this Spotlight Of The Year nominee: The nominee is going above and beyond in every way and deserves to be recognized for their outstanding work…the determination, quality of service, and extraordinary personality makes the nominee an absolute asset to the staff. The 2012 to 2013 Spotlight Of The Year is Shelly Mudd.

Student 
Mae Smith Area Council Adviser Dennis Hoyle (left) with
Student OTY Adam McCallister (center) and Graduate
Assistant OTY Jon Gorgosz (right)

The nominator wrote of this Student Of The Year nominee: The nominee inspires everyone around with the positive drive put forth to make everyone feel as if their opinions and input matter. They constantly give recognition to others who go above and beyond and does not expect anything in return. They are a true leader, an inspiration, and an amazing friend who deserves recognition for motivational efforts and positive influence. The 2012 to 2013 Student Of The Year is Adam McCallister.




Diversity Program 
The Diversity Program Of The Year nominee was developed upon sensing a need for training of diverse issues beyond the “usual” training activities. A charge was given for a new, more complex, training activity was put out and the committee responded with a wonderful program for professional and student staff. The 2012 to 2013 Diversity Program Of The Year is Where Do I Stand? Intersectionality Training, put on by the Residence Life Training Committees.

Educational Program 
The Educational Program Of The Year was born out of Resident Assistants trying to figure out how to get their residents to come to a program about signs of sexual assault, which is not always the most fun topic to discuss. The RAs came up with this program to hook residents and once they were there the RAs were able to inform residents on different resources on campus. The 2012 to 2013 Educational Program Of The Year is Life Lessons with Peter Griffin, written by Chance Baker.

Passive Program 
The Passive Program Of The Year was a challenge by the RA supervisor to create a bulletin board which would be creative, fun, and get residents talking about the topic. By taking some time to think about what would resonate with community members, one of the RAs created a “throw back” bulletin board to help residents gain more understanding of sexually transmitted diseases. The 2012 to 2013 Passive Program Of The Year is STDs, Don’t Catch ‘Em All, done by Brittany Lemke.

Social Program 
The Social Program Of The Year was a program put on by an entire staff, RAs, GAs, and HDs. The staff saw a need for safe and alternative programs during a weekend traditionally set aside for some potential bad decision making. The program was really three programs in one done at multiple times through the day to give residents something to do. The 2012 to 2013 Social Program Of The Year is Polar Bear Alternative Programs, done by the Schneider Hall Staff.

Organization 

The nominator wrote of this Organization Of The Year nominee: At the beginning of the semester, students are just getting used to the swing of things. Memorizing their schedule, finding their classes, buying books, finalizing registration, and planning out their semester. It is a hectic time for students and staff…a little break for some fun is a welcome interruption. The 2012 to 2013 Organization Of The Year is the SIU Student Programming Council.

Residential Community

The nominator wrote of this Residential Community Of The Year nominee: Whether it be participating and supporting campus wide events, raising money for charitable foundations or organizing programs that catered to resident’s suggestions, the organization has gone above and beyond to create a positive community in many unique ways. The 2012 to 2013 Residential Community Of The Year is the Mae Smith Area Council.

In addition to recognizing Of The Year awards, we took time to recognize all our student leaders on campus. A special plaque was created last year to honor the Presidents of the three umbrella organizations: National Residence Hall Honorary, Residence Hall Association, and Black Togetherness Organization. Pictured below are outgoing Presidents Joelle Rollins-Kent (RHA), Greg Gierling (NRHH), and Courtney Taylor (BTO). Thank you for your service to SIU and University Housing!

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Highlights from our Student Leaders by Jess Coombs

SIU Residence Life has some great things going on, and we want to showcase some of our proud moments on our blog. We also hope people considering working in RA, graduate assistant, or full-time positions with our department will take a minute to learn more about the things we are doing. More information about our department, including position descriptions, application information, and graduate and full-time staff profiles can be found on our recruitment website.

Jess Coombs is one of the Hall Directors for West Campus. Jess also serves as the adviser for the West Campus Area Council.

Working with students this year has been an amazing experience! Not only did I attend the Illinois Residence Hall Association (IRHA) Conference “Where the Wild Things Are” hosted at Western Illinois University (WIU), but I also worked with my Area Council members to put on the Saluki Rodeo. The IRHA group worked really hard to harness their inner monsters and create some great shirts, SIU giveaways, and an awesome skit. They came to represent SIU, and learn about what is happening at other Illinois Schools and take what they learned to create some great programs and opportunities for other students here at SIU.

"Inside all of us is.... hope 

Inside all of us is.... fear 

Inside all of us is.... adventure 

Inside all of us is a wild thing" 

 -Where The Wild Things Are 2009

This group had a blast at the social one evening during IRHA, getting to know others and taking some crazy photos! They weren't afraid to show off their wild sides! :)

The whole delegation, decked out for their skit
The West Campus Area Council had a great year of programming: from the Highlighter Dance Party to Open Mic Nights, and an end of the year celebration with the Saluki Rodeo. This group took months to plan the Saluki Rodeo and loved riding the bulls, going through the obstacle course, and trying to get the farthest on the bungee run. Residents from all over campus were invited to expel some extra energy before hitting the books for finals. The Area Council also teamed up with Residence Hall Dining to put out some favorite summertime foods and some of our area council members were covered in sugar from making many bags of cotton candy.

                       

Here you can see two of our members having a blast on the inflatables and holding on tight to the riding bull as it spun around. This group really shined in all they did this year, and have paved the way for the future of the Area Council. Working with the students at SIU, is such a privilege and they taught me as much as I taught them. I can’t wait to see what our student leaders do for the 2013-2014 school year!

Friday, April 19, 2013

Mae Smith Area Council

SIU Residence Life has some great things going on, and we want to showcase some of our proud moments on our blog. We also hope people considering working in RA, graduate assistant, or full-time positions with our department will take a minute to learn more about the things we are doing. More information about our department, including position descriptions, application information, and graduate and full-time staff profiles can be found on our recruitment website.


Dennis Hoyle, Hall Director of Mae Smith, coordinated today's blog post. Dennis is the adviser to the Mae Smith Area Council, the programming and representation group for Mae Smith Hall. Members of the executive board for the MSAC contributed their thoughts about being involved with this highly successful organization.

The Mae Smith Area Council is a passionate group of students who are devoted to quality programming in the residence hall. This year for the Mae Smith Area Council, in particular, has been filled with excitement, learning and stories of student success. Below are some of the thoughts of MSAC members about what has made this year special:





"I believe what makes us successful is that we are always doing an event for the building and we are always at the top of our game. The events I am proud of most are our movie nights and making tye-dye t-shirts." -Jamal

"I like getting to make and see all the smiles that people have when they come to one of our events!" - Haylee

 
 
Make a Hand-Turkey Night







"I think that from the very beginning we all became good friends, which helps us get along and communicate easily with one another so we can efficiently plan events." - Anna

Mae Smith residents are thankful for Area Council!






"The only word I can think of to describe our Area Council is FAMILY. We are extremely close and always welcome new members and new friends." -Becky

Bowling Night!

"We all get along pretty well and we learned how to organize and communicate in a positive and effective way. I really enjoyed putting on the Tie-Dye event. I had fun when we put on the game night event and made snow cones also!" - Anna


No problem getting waivers signed for football
"I can't say that I have ever had as much fun being on an executive board than I have since I joined Mae Smith Area Council. I really enjoy the sense of community in Mae Smith and there is such a feeling of fulfillment after a successful event. I believe we are so successful because of the time and energy commitment put in by our executive board and by our advisers, we never leave good enough alone and we constantly strive to bring bigger and better events to our residents." -Adam

 Want to be a part of an Area Council for the 2013-2014 school year? Contact your Hall Director for more information.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Student Leader Profile - Ciara Maxwell

SIU Residence Life has some great things going on, and we want to showcase some of our proud moments on our blog. We also hope people considering working in RA, graduate assistant, or full-time positions with our department will take a minute to learn more about the things we are doing. More information about our department, including position descriptions, application information, and graduate and full-time staff profiles can be found on our recruitment website.

Today's student leader spotlight features Ciara Maxwell. Ciara is a resident of Neely Hall and a student employee with Residence Hall Dining.


My name is Ciara Maxwell, and I am from Memphis, TN. 

My major is Biological Sciences, and Pre-Physical Therapy is my track. 

My favorite part about living in the residence halls is that I am always informed of things going on around campus. Also, I get to meet someone new every week since these are large buildings.

Tuesday Night Zumba on the first night was a great memory. We had a room full of different people that were enjoying themselves. 

One of my favorite quotes is by Benjamin Franklin,"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." 

The best study spot would be either my desk or the lower level of Trueblood.

Along with being in 3 RSOs, I also work for University Housing Dining.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Student Leader Spotlight - Shane Kenealy

SIU Residence Life has some great things going on, and we want to showcase some of our proud moments on our blog. We also hope people considering working in RA, graduate assistant, or full-time positions with our department will take a minute to learn more about the things we are doing. More information about our department, including position descriptions, application information, and graduate and full-time staff profiles can be found on our recruitment website.

Today's student leader spotlight is on Shane Kenealy. Shane is a first-year resident of Mae Smith Hall and has been very involved with Mae Smith Area Council and the Residence Hall Association. Shane recently served as part of the SIU delegation to the Illinois Residence Hall Association (IRHA) conference. In November 2012, Shane received recognition as the National First Year Student Of The Month from the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH).


  1. My name is Shane Kenealy
  2. I am from Plainfield, Illinois. I live right now in Mae Smith Hall.
  3. My major is Special Education Teaching
  4. My favorite part about being involved in the Residence Halls is that I can meet many different people and do many different activities.
  5. My favorite program would have to be the tie dye event that Mae Smith Area Council did. I also like the movie nights that we have. 
  6. In 10 years I see myself as a Special Education teacher and with a family.
  7. My favorite memory so far would have to be the gingerbread decorating contest and Dawgs Night Out. There are many more that I did like also.
  8. My favorite quote is you take the good with the bad and the bad with the good.
  9. The best study spot on campus is the 9th floor hub lounge and the library.
  10. I am in the AIR program at the Rec Center and I go to the Newman Center for church and for me to receive my confirmation.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Student Leader Spotlight - ShaKyla McBee

SIU Residence Life has some great things going on, and we want to showcase some of our proud moments on our blog. We also hope people considering working in RA, graduate assistant, or full-time positions with our department will take a minute to learn more about the things we are doing. More information about our department, including position descriptions, application information, and graduate and full-time staff profiles can be found on our recruitment website.

Today's profile is with ShaKyla McBee, West Campus resident and Vice President of Area Council.


1. What’s your name? ShaKyla McBee
2. Where are you from? I am from Memphis,TN.
3. What’s your major? My major is Physiology/Pre-Med with a double minor in Chemistry and Africana Studies.
4. What is your favorite part of being involved in the residence halls? My favorite part about being involved in the residence halls is the fact that I am able to meet so many people and connect with people from all walks of life.
5. Where is your favorite program / event you have worked with while being involved? My favorite event that I have worked with thus far would have to be helping with Open Mic Night in Thompson Point. It was a huge success and I look forward to helping host many more in the future.
6. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I see myself having graduated from Emory University School of Medicine and established a living in Atlanta, GA working at Grady Memorial Hospital as an anesthesiologist. I also hope to have implemented yearly medical mission trips to Africa at Emory University School of Medicine.
7. What is your favorite memory, thus far, from being involved on campus? My favorite memory would have to be from helping with Dawgs Nite Out. I was a volunteer a few times and I truly enjoyed being able to help with the caricature stand and Just Dance stations for about an hour and a half. Once my shift was over, I was able to go and enjoy the night with fellow Salukis at the Student Center.
8. Favorite quote? My favorite quote is, "When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."- Franklin D. Roosevelt.
9. Best study spot on campus? The best study spot on campus is definitely the Big Muddy Room in the Student Center down by the craft center. It's very quiet and has a cozy vibe. I always get a ton of work done whenever I go there to study.
10. How else are you involved at SIU (besides being involved within Residence Life)? I am involved in many organizations but I will shine a light on a few of them. I am a member of the University Honors Program, a Saluki Science Ambassador, a Saluki Ambassador (Tour Guide), as well as a member of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.