Resident Assistant Spotlight - Christopher Weiss

SIU Residence Life has some great things going on, and we want to showcase some of our proud moments on our blog. We are currently accepting applications for Resident Assistants for the spring 2015 semester. More details, along with the application, can be found on our website. Information sessions about the RA position will be held

     Thursday, 09/18 7pm Neely Hall and Lentz Dining Room #5

RA Spotlight - Christopher Weiss of University Hall

     

Hello everyone! I’m Christopher Weiss, an RA at University Hall. I currently live on the 2nd floor which has been named Mavro House. I am from Batavia, Illinois and I am studying Automotive Technology. I don’t read a lot but from the books I have read my favorite has got to be Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. My favorite place to study is in the small dining room within University Hall, but a great place to get away and relax is the courtyard on the second floor of Faner. It’s hard to find if you are new or not there often, but it is a very nice place. I really enjoy the fresh sandwiches that are made in Trueblood Dining Hall; I get one every day. I love great Chinese food so I will occasionally go get New Kahala, especially now that they moved one block from the residence halls.

I became an RA because I wanted to have some sort of leadership experience in my resume when I left Southern Illinois University. This is a great role to get that experience, and I wanted to put some of my youth leadership skills that I gained from my activity in Boy Scouts of America in my home town. It also is a great feeling when I am able to help out my residents with questions they have and to be a resource for them.

I am currently refining my resume and cover letter to be prepared for the work force. I would love to be employed with Ford Motor Company when I graduate. I know I will have to start at the bottom, but I want to work my way up and achieve a leadership role when I am employed with Ford. There is so much advice that I could give new residents and transferring students. The best advice that most continuing students, including myself, will say is to be involved at SIU. Academics come first but staying involved in clubs (RSOs), a campus job, campus events, your residence hall, and other social activities is going to help you so much. It will help you make lasting friendships as well as keep you busy during your free time. It is a great thing to put on a resume and it helps you meet some of your classmates and fellow residents in your building, campus, and your classes.

Are you an RA and would like to be featured? Talk to your Hall Director about submitting your profile information.

Resident Assistant Spotlight - Nathaniel Grudzinski

SIU Residence Life has some great things going on, and we want to showcase some of our proud moments on our blog. We are currently accepting applications for Resident Assistants for the spring 2015 semester. More details, along with the application, can be found on our website. Information sessions about the RA position will be held 

     Sunday, 09/14 7pm Schneider Hall

     Monday, 09/15 7pm Wall & Grand Building I

     Tuesday, 09/16 7pm Lentz Dining Room #5

     Wednesday, 09/17 7pm University Hall

     Thursday, 09/17 7pm Neely Hall and Lentz Dining Room #5

RA Spotlight: Nathaniel Grudzinski of University Hall

Name: Nathaniel Grudzinski

Hometown: Newburgh, IN

Major: Computer Science and Math

Best Place to Study: Big Muddy Room in the Basement of the Student Center

Favorite Book: Calvin and Hobbes

Favorite Food in the Dining Halls: Chicken Tenders and Mac and Cheese

Favorite Local Restaurant: Quatro's

Why I became an RA: I was really interested in becoming more involved on campus and becoming a leader. The RA position seemed like a perfect opportunity to be paid to be a leader and role-model in the residence hall that I was living at.

Dream job: This is such a difficult question. But I am interested in Information Security, so I think becoming an expert in that field and consulting big businesses and governments on how they can be secure would be very fun.

Advice for a new student: Go to class throughout the semester and don't fall behind in class. Get involved and invested with a volunteer organization and become a leader in that organization.

Are you an RA and would like to be featured? Talk to your Hall Director about submitting your profile information.

RA Appreciation Week! - West Campus

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.

April 20-26 is Resident Assistant Appreciation Week! In Residence Life we know our RAs work very hard to provide a great experience for our on-campus residents. THANK YOU for all you do, RAs! This post features the amazing staff in West Campus.

(Felts, Kellogg, & Warren) Staff,
I cannot tell you proud I am to work alongside you this year as you helped students from near and far create a new home. As I look back on this year and reflect I see so many small opportunities that you took to tell a student that you cared them and that you were there for them. Thank you. I was utterly shocked in a good way with the maturity, level of awareness, and understanding you displayed in conversations with, and about our students. When life got crazy with projects, events, and life (as you are full-time college students) I could still trust you to follow through and keep the important things in mind. When the makeup of our team changed you rolled with the punches and trained new staff without missing a beat. You all are the hardest working undergraduates I know of, and it is hard to put into words the difference you have made in the halls and the department as a whole. Thank you so much for all that you do! - Brandon

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Abbott, Brown, Smith, and Steagall. 4 different buildings, each with their own personalities, niches, and quirks. Each of them has different Living Learning Communities (LLCs) that creates a solid community amongst their floors. Together, they come to form our wonderful staff; the 12 RAs that live in each of those buildings take on the same qualities of their respective buildings but are also unique: they represent West Campus.

It has been a pleasure watching our staff grow over the year. They have built relationships amongst the co-RAs in their building, their duty partners, and other RAs from across West Campus. Visually, it is everywhere in our area: in the dining hall as they sit with each other, keeping a fellow RA company while the other is on duty, and during our always-lively staff meetings. They are more than an RA staff: they are a family.

Our staff has had some very difficult things that they have had to deal with. It could have been very easy for many of our staff members to stop giving 100% to their work because of these difficult times. However, in good times and in bad, our staff members always have come back to one question: how can we help? Because of this level of dedication, our staff has continued to triumph over each of these moments. We could not be more proud of them.

Jon and I are so thankful for each of you! You all have done fantastic work that makes both of us very proud. Best of luck to all of you in your future endeavor!

Much Love, Travis & Jon

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The Bailey, Baldwin, Bowyer and Pierce staff has worked hard dealing with student issues, but also creating meaningful events to get their residents out of their rooms and socializing. They have put on different events from a risky business educational series to touring campus to show students their classes. Recently some Bailey Gentlemen were working on some cardboard boats to race this Saturday, and preparing teams for the Olympics by holding try outs. Baldwin has held some discussions, and had some great floor decorating events. The residents really take pride in making the floor their own. Bowyer has enjoyed karaoke and dinner discussions on life. Pierce has been active with game nights and movie nights, and just socializing on the floors. Every building worked hard to get their residents involved within the SIU community, and it shows when the groups are together in the dining center or out at campus events.

The group knows how to work hard in and out of the classroom especially in their positions. This close-knit group can always be found in the dining center eating together, going to the rec center together, or taking their residents to events on campus. I could not be more proud of the hard working, loyal group of staff. This is your week to celebrate all you have accomplished, so thank you for all your hard work.

Jess & Tristen

RA Appreciation Week! - University Hall

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.

April 20-26 is Resident Assistant Appreciation Week! In Residence Life we know our RAs work very hard to provide a great experience for our on-campus residents. THANK YOU for all you do, RAs! This post features the amazing staff in University Hall.

The Spring 2014 University Hall Resident Assistant staff is a strong and capable group! This mix of new and veteran staff members have worked together seamlessly this semester to make sure the residents of University Hall have a positive experience. The staff consists of:

First Floor
Miranda Hayes & Veronica Nkunde

Second Floor
Rachel Homewood & Jamaal Moore

Third Floor
Natalie Cartolano & Chris Weiss

Fourth Floor
Mariah Patz & Lucas Sears

Fall 2013 RA staff also included Mike Hulyk and Kalekey Love El.

From left: Lucas Sears, Veronica Nkunde, Mariah Patz, Hall Director Drew Donahoo, Natalie Cartolano, University Hall Staff Mascot Li’l Hauler, Miranda Hayes, Chris Weiss, Rachel Homewood, Jamaal Moore

This staff has accomplished many great things this year, most noteworthy of which is an active, engaged community. With a residential population predominately ages 21 and up and with most residents having single rooms, this can be a tough goal to reach. However, this staff has excelled at getting residents out of their rooms and interacting with each other.

Some of the most successful events the University Hall RAs have planned this year include Tai Chi and Hot Tea, Safe Zone Training, Personal Safety Halloween Trick or Treat Sacks, Family Dinner (cooked by the RAs), a Super Bowl party, “A Day in Africa,” Spring Break BINGO, Rainbow Waffles, Frozen Festival featuring Sno-Cones, and more board game nights than you could imagine! Each of these events, as well as the numerous others we've had this year, have been popular with residents and helped to contribute to the active community we've had this year.

Between hosting Chancellor’s Scholar candidates, interviewing potential new RAs, providing extra assistance during busy weekends, their weekly RA responsibilities, and many other duties as assigned, this staff has really proven themselves over the past year.

I am very thankful to have worked with this staff and am in debt to them for all they have taught me this year. It has been a great year and it certainly would not have been without this group. The efforts they have put into getting to know their residents, providing quality programming, and effectively responding to issues as they arise are impressive and appreciated.

Thanks so much for a great year, University Hall RAs! 

RA Appreciation Week! - Schneider Hall

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.

April 20-26 is Resident Assistant Appreciation Week! In Residence Life we know our RAs work very hard to provide a great experience for our on-campus residents. THANK YOU for all you do, RAs! This post features the amazing staff in Schneider Hall.

We would like to take a moment to thank all of the Schneider Hall RAs for their hard work during the Fall 2013/Spring 2014 academic year! The #SchneiderEmpire has truly become a place where friendships have formed and memories were made. The #SchneiderEmpire is grateful for your contributions.

At the beginning of the year, you worked extra hard to make sure residents were welcomed by decorating the lobby and houses, while planning engaging events. Some of those events included house dinners, movie nights, campus tours, and you taught them how to live with one another.

Throughout the semesters, you have had countless one on one conversations with our students to ensure they felt connected, safe and not alone. You have opened your doors, minds and hearts to them. It is evident in the amount of active residents we have. Nightly, you are in the lobby playing cards, pool, watching TV and building those friendships with our residents. Because of that, we are thankful.

It has been a pleasure to work with all of you. Thank you for the late nights, long days, planned and spontaneous events, paperwork, long emails, changing of plans, staff meetings and everything in between. Your enthusiasm, creativity and ambitions make our jobs easier and more enjoyable for your students. THANK YOU!

In essence, you all have been nothing short of unstoppable. Every day you all demonstrate the innate divine direction that you possess to transform lives and the ambiance in Schneider. In the #SchneiderEmpire, we not only have great leaders but we have rockstars that shine brighter than the sun. What's even more important is that you all are the architects of the blueprint that runs Schneider and you have other growing stars watching your every move, waiting to walk in your shadow. You all have proven that you wake up every day ask yourselves "Who is being moved by your existence?" Be phenomenal or be forgotten. Thank you all for the gift of your effort and time. -Amber, Travis, and Nick

Meet the RAs! - Brian Moreno

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.

As we recruit new Resident Assistants for the 2014-2015 year, we wanted to introduce a few of the talented individuals currently on our team. This profile features Brian Moreno, RA in Pierce Hall.

1. What's your name? Brian Moreno 
2. Where are you from? Cicero, IL 
3. What's your major? Civil Engineering, specializing in Structural Engineering 
4. What is the best program or event you've been to on campus? I would have to say that the best program/event that I have been to on campus is the Dawg's Nite Out events. I have been going to them since my very first semester here at SIU, and I continue to take my residents over to this event. 
5. What was the last book you read for fun? The House of Hades by Rick Riordan
6. What is your favorite thing about being an RA? Getting to meet a lot of new people every year, and having been able to gain all this leadership experience which will help me out in the professional world. 
7. How else are you involved at SIU? Aside from being an RA, I am also a member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. 
8. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In 10 years I see myself being a licensed Professional/Structural Engineer working at a company in downtown Chicago, and participating in marathons and triathlons across the country. 
9. Favorite quote? My favorite quote is, "Some running is good, more is better, and too much is just enough."
10. What do you do to unwind when you're feeling stressed? To unwind when I am feeling stressed I like to go out for a run, go to the gym to work out/swim, or just sit down and read a book.

Interested in the Resident Assistant position? Apply today! http://www.housing.siu.edu/positions/resident-assistant

Are you an RA and would like to be featured? Talk to your Hall Director about submitting your profile information.

September OTM 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.

20 Of The Month nominations were submitted during the month of September, 2013. Of those, 9 were selected as Campus Winners, and 2 were chosen as Regional Winners for GLACURH. 1 of these went on to be recognized as the NATIONAL Of The Month award. We're very proud of all our staff and the hard work they've done this year.

National Winner

Chad Trisler - National Institution Faculty/Staff Of The Month, nominated by Justin Schuch. "Chad knows the importance of being a visible and available professional here at Southern Illinois University. On top of the job responsibilities Chad has, he spent the month of September being an active member of our community and donating many hours to students who live on campus!"

Regional Winner

Facts About Safe Sex - Regional Passive Program Of The Month, created by Alexis Kindred and nominated by Alyssa Davis

Campus Winners

Peter Fox, First Year Student Of The Month, nominated by Hector Dorantes

Drew Donahoo, Residence Life Faculty/Staff Of The Month, nominated by Jamaal Moore

Let's Talk About SEX, Educational Program Of The Month, presented by the Schneider Residence Life staff and nominated by Travis Gibler

Luke Sears, Resident Assistant Of The Month, nominated by Drew Donahoo

Third Floor Neely "Merton House", Residential Community Of The Month, nominated by Rachel Head

College Classic: SIU vs. SEMO at Busch Stadium, Social Program Of The Month, nominated by Gena Stack

Ashley Stegall, Student Of The Month, nominated by Mariah Patz

Thank you to the following individuals for submitting OTMs for August: Lauren Kyriazes, Travis Gibler, Rachel Head, Hector Dorantes, Miranda Hayes, Blake Livingston, Alyssa Davis, Jamaal Moore, Edward McCracken, Lauren Hosty, Bridget Grubbs, Christopher Weiss, Rachel Homewood, Mariah Patz, Drew Donahoo, Justin Schuch, and Gena Stack. Thank you for making recognition a priority!

Did you know YOU can submit an OTM? Go to otms.nrhh.org to nominate someone today!

Student Leader Profile: Robert Konzelmann

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.

We have some fantastic student leaders in University Housing, and we like to feature them on our blog. Today's post features Robert Konzelmann. Robert is a Resident Assistant (RA) in the Architecture Living Learning Community in Mae Smith Hall.

1. What is your name? Robert Konzelmann

2. Where are you from? Good ol’ Williamsville, Illinois 

3. What is your major? Architecture 

4. What is your favorite dining hall food? Definitely the stir fry. 

5. What has been your favorite program or event on campus so far? The Wheel Chair Accessibility Program—best excuse to race around on wheelchairs and not get asked to leave.

6. Where do you hope to be (or what do you hope to be doing) in 2023? I hope to be working under a famous architect and designing the future. . . Also fighting crime on the side— that would be pretty cool too. 

7. What is the best part about living in University Housing? I would definitely say that meeting everyone and getting to know them. It is such a unique experience that it can hardly be considered a job.

8. Where do you get your best studying done? Good question. . . I would say either in my room or in the shower—I hope I’m not the only one who can get their thoughts straight in the shower.

9. Why did you get involved with your community? I got involved in my community because it’s what all the cool kids are doing these days. Also, I believe that in order to make it through this adventure we call life, it’s important to stick together and support each other through it all. It’s better to be a light in a dark place than to let others wander around in the dark. 

10. Favorite quote? “A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.” – Steve Martin

Interested in being our next featured leader? Contact your Hall Director/adviser for more information.

Student Leader Profile: Christina Kalaytowicz

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.

We have some fantastic student leaders in University Housing, and we like to feature them on our blog. Today's post features Christina Kalaytowicz. Christina is the President of Pommee House A in Schneider Hall.

1. What is your name? Christina Kalaytowicz

2. Where are you from? Wheeling, IL

3. What is your major? Undecided 

4. Favorite dining hall food? Noodle Bowl! :)

5. Favorite program/event on campus so far? Dawgs Nite Out

6. Where do you hope to be (or what do you hope to be doing) in 2023? Working with pediatric oncology patients

7. What is the best part about living in University Housing? Meeting all the new people and the fun events in your building.

8. Where do you get your best studying done? Probably in the hub lounge.

9. Why did you get involved with your community? I got involved because I like to help others and to help make a better community.

10. Favorite Quote: Never Ever Give Up.

Interested in being our next featured leader? Contact your Hall Director/adviser for more information.

Student Leader Profile: Kevin Lewis

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.

We have some fantastic student leaders in University Housing, and we like to feature them on our blog. Today's post features Kevin Lewis. Kevin is the President of Ellis House C, in Schneider Hall.

1. What is your name? Kevin Lewis

2. Where are you from? Los Angeles, California

3. What is your major? Theater

4. What is your favorite dining hall food? French fries!

5. What has been your favorite program or event on campus so far? Dawgs Nite Out

6. Where do you hope to be (or what do you hope to be doing) in 2023? In Hollywood, acting in TV and/or films

7. What is the best part about living in University Housing? The people. They're all so lively and interesting

8. Where do you get your best studying done? In my room

9. Why did you get involved with your community? I got involved with my community so I could have my voice heard. And it doesn't hurt to make sure people know who I am

10. Favorite quote? "My every thought was ambitious. Not to be wealthy, not to be learned, but to be great." - General Custer

Student Leader Profile: Amanda Neuhouser

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.

We have some fantastic student leaders in University Housing, and we like to feature them on our blog. Today's post features Amanda Neuhouser. Amanda is the Birthday Chair for Cortland A, located in Kellogg Hall.

What is your name? Amanda Neuhouser

Where are you from? Bloomington-Normal, IL

What is your major? Cinema Radio TV

What is your favorite dining hall food? Waffles

What has been your favorite program or event on campus so far? MCMA RSO/SPC movie nights

Where do you hope to be (or what do you hope to be doing) in 2023? Living in LA working on a film for the Sundance Film Festival.

What is the best part about living in University Housing? Proximity to class

Where do you get your best studying done? In my room, at my desk, with my coffee

Why did you get involved with your community? To meet people and learn about my field early

Favorite quote? "The harder you work, the luckier you get." - Gary Player

Interested in being our next featured leader? Contact your Hall Director/adviser for more information.

The First Few Weeks by Amber Woyak

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 blog post was written by Amber Woyak. Amber began working at SIU on July 1, 2013, and is one of two Hall Directors in Schneider Hall. Amber has two years full-time experience working as a Hall Director at Ferris State University in Michigan. She received her Master's degree from SIU Carbondale and her Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

For the past few weeks, SIU Residence Life Staff have been participating in Hall Director training.  As a new HD at SIU, it has been very exciting to meet the professional staff that I’ll be working with this coming year.  As a team, we have been fortunate to be able to spend the last few weeks together and continue planning for an excellent year.   I wanted to take this time to share a few of the exciting things we have been discussing for the coming year.

One part of training that was most exciting to me was the opportunity to travel to different departments on campus, such as AutomotiveTechnology & Aviation, University Honors Program, Mass Communication and Media Arts, College of Liberal Arts and School of Architecture.  As a team, we were able to meet with some of the Staff and Faculty members in these areas to learn more about their academic programs so we can serve as a better resource to our students.  We were able to tour their buildings and offices so we could see where our students are spending their time when they are not in our buildings.  It was extremely beneficial, as a new staff member to SIU, to participate in these tours and learn more about the academic side of campus.

Another exciting part of our training was taking a day to have a retreat at Touch of Nature.  During this time, we truly jumped into the details of the student organizations that our department advises or works with (RHA, Area Councils, NRHH, BTO, F/UAs, etc.)  Additionally, we were able to talk about the strengths and weaknesses of our programs and develop a tangible plan for the coming year with new initiatives.  I’m excited to see these come to fruition and be an active member of the change happening on campus. 

The last few weeks have been eye-opening to the changes happening on campus and in Residence Life. I’m lucky to be a part of such a great team and I am looking forward to the rest of training, opening and the academic year with the students!

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.

Dennis Hoyle - GLACURH Regional Advisor Of The Month, May 2013

"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 - GLACURH Regional Residence Life Faculty/Staff Of The Month, May 2013

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/

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!

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!

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!

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.