Showing posts with label recognition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recognition. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

October 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.


We have LOTS to be thankful for this November, including the great work of so many students and staff. Check out some highlights from our winning Of The Month nominations from October.

Leadership Education and Development (LEAD), Educational Program Of The Month - nominated by Justin Schuch

Andrew Tremper, First Year Student Of The Month - nominated by Alyssa Valach

Savannah Palmer, Institution Faculty/Staff Of The Month - nominated by Ciara Maxwell


Schneider Hall Resident Assistant Staff, Residence Life Faculty/Staff Of The Month - nominated by Lauren Hosty

Jake Kreeb, Resident Assistant Of The Month - nominated by Paul Schumacher


Nightmare on Neely Drive, Social Program Of The Month - nominated by Lauren Hosty


Graydon Baima, Student Of The Month - nominated by Paul Schumacher

Thank you to all who took the time to make recognition a priority by writing OTM nominations this month. Of The Month nominations can be submitted online at otms.nrhh.org 

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

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.

Recognition is a part of our departmental culture here at SIU, and we like to regularly highlight the great work done by our students and staff. Check out the Of The Month winners from September!


"Amber Woyak is the kind of advisor that understands it is okay to let student leaders take control and that we may stumble and make mistakes that we will learn from them and find the right direction that we need to take."

Kyla Jones, First Year Student Of The Month - nominated by Ciara Maxwell

"Though she is heavily involved on campus, she has not forgotten that her education is first. She remains in class every day and is seeking to join the military. She is even a good role model for people on her floor, even her upperclassmen friends that she brings along to events and activities she attends."

Kelby Rogers, Student Of The Month - nominated by Ambreeann Gilbert

"Kelby is the president of the SIU chapter of the Society of Women Engineers and she has done many great things lately. First of all she busted her butt all summer for the conference she was the head of and she made that a huge success. She encourages females in engineering all the time by showing how we can be great and do great things for the world. She encouraged a NASA engineer to talk at the conference she helped to head and helped to show that we can maybe someday work for our dream company and have encourage others. Kelby is a leader on campus and she pushes others to their own greatness."


"Ms. Ashley Stegall serves at the President of the Saluki Chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) and has been a living example this month of seizing as many opportunities as possible for NRHH. September is littered with moments of Ashley’s leadership through her capacity of President of the National Residence Hall Honorary. Ashley has pushed the Honorary to new heights over the past month and given much of herself to ensure successful initiatives and new connections are created."

Thank you to all who make recognition a priority! To submit an OTM nomination, go to http://otms.nrhh.org/

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Resident Assistant Spotlight - Dakota Justice

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.

RA Spotlight - Dakota Justice of Mae Smith

The sign I'm making is for my fraternity - it's a phoenix.
What’s your name? Dakota Justice

Where are you from? Westmont, IL

What’s your major? Anthropology

Where is the best place to study on campus? The Library is easily the best, quiet and peaceful. Also far away from all my video games

What is your favorite book? Septimus Heap series

What is your favorite food in the dining halls? Stir Fry to order is the BEST!!! XD

What is your favorite local restaurant? Primo's easily

Why did you become an RA? I wanted to be an RA because I love helping people and being there for them. Everyone needs to have someone they can talk to, and I am always happy to be that person.

What is your dream job? My dream job is traveling to distant and strange lands where history is buried right beneath your feet, so an Archaeologist is my dream. 

Best advice you would give to a new student on campus? Do not conform so much that you lose who you are, yeah there is a lot of pressure to fit in but one would rather fit in the right place than try and force his way in to the wrong place.

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

Monday, October 6, 2014

Resident Assistant Spotlight - Alaina Howard

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.

RA Spotlight - Alaina Howard from Warren Hall


What’s your name?
          Alaina Howard

Where are you from?
          Palatine, IL

What’s your major?
          Double major in Fashion Design and Merchandising with a minor in Marketing

Where is the best place to study on campus?
          I like to study in my floor's hallway or in my room.

What is your favorite book?
          Vogue September issue

What is your favorite food in the dining halls?
          It is a tie between their vegan steak fajitas or the veggie tacos.

What is your favorite local restaurant?
          Longbranch! They have the best homemade whipped cream.

Why did you become an RA?
          I like helping others, and I like being someone people can turn to for help.

What is your dream job?
          Either a costume designer for Hollywood movies or a buyer for a major company.

Best advice you would give to a new student on campus?
          Keep up on your studies and take as many credits now as you can to let your senior year 
          glide by.

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

Friday, October 3, 2014

Resident Assistant Spotlight - Joseph Cooley

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. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, October 5.

RA Spotlight - Joseph Cooley from Schneider


What’s your name: Joseph A. Cooley

Where are you from: I grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago but I moved around so much that it would be hard to say one particular area. To name a few places, Summit, Justice, Bridgeview, Bolingbrook, and Berwyn.

What’s your major? Psychology

Where is the best place to study on campus? The library but I often settle for my room.

What is your favorite book? Right now it would be the Kaplan GRE prep book. No I do not really like this book haha but I hear it's going to help me get into grad school. In all truth I'm more of a movie buff. I love movies such as Quentin Tarantino films, The Professional, Star Wars, The Departed, Rocky, etc.

What is your favorite food in the dining halls: Grilled chicken and sweet potatoes

What is your favorite local restaurant: Thai Taste and Quatro's pizza

Why did you become an RA: I became an RA so I can serve as a leader and as someone who can guide lower class-men who are going through many similar situations that I have been through when I was a freshmen or sophomore.

What is your dream job: My dream job would probably be the owner of the Chicago Bears. However, I would settle for being a high school guidance counselor and football coach.

Best advice you would give to a new student on campus: My best advice to a new student on campus would be to take initiative and GET INVOLVED! I spent my first two years of college at a community college while also having a full-time job. It was a totally different atmosphere there. It seemed that like myself everyone else had a job that they were going to either before of after class. Not many students were interested in socializing and networking. When I transferred here I was so blown away on the social and professional networking connections I made. Not only is the social atmosphere great but there are so many great opportunities. I have joined clubs, I worked in two research labs, I'm an RA in Schneider hall, and I currently have the opportunity to teach as an undergraduate teaching assistant for Intro to Psychology. I can talk for hours about all the awesome things I have done in the 4 and half semesters I've been here. SIUC is a great school and I am proud to be here. I just think you have to remember school is what you make of it. So go out there and take advantage of your time here because college, like high school, only happens once and it can be the greatest time of your life if you allow it to be.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Resident Assistant Spotlight - Kaili Calderone

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. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, October 5.

RA Spotlight - Kaili Calderone of Mae Smith


What’s your name?
My name is Kaili Calderone. My first name is pronounced like Kylie. 

Where are you from?
I am from Crystal Lake, Illinois - it's about 6 hours straight north from SIU.

What’s your major?
Currently I do not have a major, but I would love to get in to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program here. It's the ultrasound program.

Where is the best place to study on campus?
The best place to study on campus would have to be Morris Library. My favorite spot there is in the rotunda on the third floor, its a round room and there are some really comfy chairs in there! Just make sure you don't fall asleep there...

What is your favorite book?
My favorite book of all time would have to be The Giver. I read it in middle school and I just recently saw the movie and I love them both!

What is your favorite food in the dining halls?
I'm not a picky eater, so basically anything there is good for me!
What is your favorite local restaurant?
When my family came to drop me off before the semester started we ate at Harbaugh's. Its super super super close to campus and it's great for breakfast! We actually ate there both days my family was here.

Why did you become an RA?
I wanted to become an RA because I saw how my friends didn't get along with their RAs at their own respective schools, and I wanted to make sure that my school would be a different experience for my residents on my floor.

What is your dream job?
My dream job would be going to third world countries and giving medical attention to people who can't afford their own medical care.

Best advice you would give to a new student on campus?​ 
Being a new student myself here on campus, the best advice I received was to get involved early on. The earlier you get involved on campus the better off you are. You make new friends from the start and it looks good on resumes!

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

Monday, September 29, 2014

NACURH Educational Program Of The Month - Saluki Life Carnival

SIU Residence Life has some great things going on, and we want to showcase some of our proud moments on our blog.

Today we are taking a brief break from our Resident Assistant Spotlight series to share some exciting news. Saluki Life Carnival was named the Educational Program Of The Month by the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH).


"Student Rights & Responsibilities at SIU collects a "financial condition of sanction" when students are found responsible for certain violations (typically related to alcohol or cannabis). The philosophy behind the financial condition is to take money out of the alcohol/drug economy and put it towards educational programs on campus. Money collected during the 2013-2014 academic year was earmarked to be spent on programming to educate students about the choices they will encounter in the upcoming year and the possible consequences of the decisions they could make. Additionally, the educational components of the event were designed to promote realistic and positive social norms about alcohol, tobacco, drugs, sex, and sexual assault. Student Rights and Responsibilities reached out to University Housing to help implement this program in order to reach one of the largest first-year student populations: those who live in on-campus residence halls."

The full Of The Month nomination can be read here.

Additionally, this month Amber Manning-Ouellette, Director of Enrollment Management for the College of Business, was named the SIU Institution Faculty/Staff Of The Month. "When I think of people at Southern Illinois University who discovered what they love and committed themselves to serving others, Amber Manning-Ouellette is one who rises to the top of the list." Click here to read the full nomination.

Thank you to all who submit OTM nominations to recognize the hard work of our students and staff. To submit a nomination, please go to http://otms.nrhh.org/ OTMs for each month are due by 11:59pm on the 1st of the following month.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Resident Assistant Spotlight - Justin Mullen

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.

RA Spotlight - Justin Mullen of Felts Hall


1. What is your name? Justin Mullen

2. Where are you from? Mount Vernon

3. What's your major? Psychology

4. Where is the best place to study on campus? Lower Level of Student Center near the Craft Shop

5. What is your favorite book? The Great Gatsby 

6. What is your favorite food in the dining halls? Tacos

7. What is your favorite local restaurant? Fat Patties

8. Why did you become an RA? I love helping people and being there when they needed someone and making their college life enjoyable beyond academics.

9. What is your dream job? Being a Marriage Counselor or working in a big university's Housing Department

10. Best advice you would give to a new student on campus? Never be afraid to be yourself, enjoy college and have fun because some of your greatest memories come from college.

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

Monday, September 22, 2014

Resident Assistant Spotlight - Julia Mosebach

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.

RA Spotlight - Julia Mosebach of Schneider Hall


What’s your name? – Julia Mosebach (proudly representing Schneider Empire!)

Where are you from? – Cape Girardeau, Missouri

What’s your major? – Psychology

Where is the best place to study on campus? – The fourth floor of the library. Turn left off of the elevator and walk past every single book shelf. Turn the corner and there you will see a plush chair with a foot rest. No one ever is back there, and it is so quiet and comfy!

What is your favorite book? – The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

What is your favorite food in the dining halls? – Vegetarian stir fry :)

What is your favorite local restaurant? – Longbranch! That harvest wrap, though…

Why did you become an RA? – I love helping people through difficulties they're having and being an active listener whenever needed, and I knew that would be a part of my job.

What is your dream job? – Clinical Psychologist (who miraculously has time to travel the world and write novels every now and then).

Best advice you would give to a new student on campus? – Don’t be afraid to be uncertain of why you’re here. Throughout high school it is always forced upon us to have strict career goals and a plan, but a part of college (and possibly the most exciting part, at that) is figuring out what you love.​

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

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Resident Assistant Spotlight - Sara Smith

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

     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 - Sara Smith of Mae Smith Hall

What’s your name? Sara Smith

Where are you from? Glendale, CA (a suburb of Los Angeles) / Nashville, TN

What’s your major? Marketing

Where is the best place to study on campus? Any empty open classrooms around campus or the library

What is your favorite book? Welcome to the Dark House​ by Laurie Faria Stolarz

What is your favorite food in the dining halls? The Monte Cristos from Lentz or mac and cheese

What is your favorite local restaurant? I love going to Cristaudo's

Why did you become an RA? I became an RA because I wanted to help make students feel more welcome and comfortable in the residence halls. I am a transfer, so I went through the whole transition to college thing twice, and I wanted to help make the transition easier for other students as well as just be able to be there for anyone who needed my help.




What is your dream job? I would love to work for the marketing and sales team for the Los Angeles Kings or really any NHL team.

Best advice you would give to a new student on campus? Don't be afraid to ask questions, and definitely, if you don't understand something, go to your professor's office hours. They're there to help you!

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

Friday, September 12, 2014

Resident Assistant Spotlight - Blake Bussie

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: Blake Bussie of Brown Hall


What’s your name? Blake Douglas Bussie

Where are you from? I'm from Reisterstown, Maryland right outside of Baltimore

What’s your major? Marketing

Where is the best place to study on campus? The best place to study is for sure the new 6th and 7th floors of the library.

What is your favorite book? THE GREAT GATSBY

What is your favorite food in the dining halls? Quesadilla night for sure

What is your favorite local restaurant? I'm obsessed with Quatro's

Why did you become an RA? I became an RA because my RA my sophomore year was my best friend and she encouraged me to be one since she thought I would be perfect for it, so I went for it!

What is your dream job? My dream job is to be a recording artist and performer...like Beyoncé

Best advice you would give to a new student on campus? Best advice I can give is to open your world and experience what SIU has to offer you because there is so much to get involved in. Only you can control your experience at college, so make it great!

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

Monday, September 8, 2014

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.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

April 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.

Campus certainly feels different right now, since most of our students and staff have moved out for the summer. Summer RAs are in training this week and preparing to open for summer school this weekend, so the quiet certainly won't last! We want to take a minute to share some of our great moments from the end of the year. April was another strong month for OTMs in Residence Life!


Regional Winners

Spring Scavenger Hunt - Educational Program Of The Month - coordinated by Jamaal Moore and nominated by Natalie Cartolano

University Hall Community - Community Of The Month - nominated by Justin Schuch

Campus Winners

Tyler Chumbler - First Year Student Of The Month - nominated by Miranda Hayes

Lucas Sears - Resident Assistant Of The Month - nominated by Rachel Homewood

West Campus Olympics - Social Program Of The Month - nominated by Travis Tucker

Andrew Jackson - Student Of The Month - nominated by Rachel Homewood

Thank you to all who take time to recognize the hard work of others by submitting OTMs - Miranda Hayes, Rachel Homewood, Jamaal Moore, Natalie Cartolano, Lucas Sears, Justin Schuch, and Travis Tucker.

Friday, April 25, 2014

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

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

RA Appreciation Week! - Wall & Grand

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 Wall & Grand.


WAGsWAG Family…what is it you may ask? Well, let me give you the description.

WAGsWAG family [wag] [swag] [fam-uh-lee, fam-lee]

Noun: An SIU student who is a resident assistant at Wall & Grand apartments. This finely picked group of individuals wears many different hats. These individuals are conflict managers, educators, enforcers of rules and regulations, concierges and additionally student leaders. Their job is not easy and truly is never done. They are able to take on situations head on and deal with them in a patient and helpful manner. A WAGsWAG family member needs to be academically strong, customer service-oriented, quirky, have a creative personality and be a strong student leader.

There is no way I could ever describe my WAGsWAG staff in one description. Each one of them has a different personality and contributes their own to what it means to be part of the WAGsWAG family.

Thank you WAGsWAG family:

For the endless amount of hours you pour into your work 

For the creative programs and bulletin boards you have created 

For the positive attitude 

For always going above and beyond 

For always being there to help your fellow staff and residents 

For being professional 

For being positive role models 

For being responsible and respectable individuals 

For being a nifty and quirky bunch

For always providing a good laugh

Now you may ask who these wonderful individuals are:
Top row from left to right: Tyler Mode, Christian Kleckner, Joseph Essig, Apryl Wright, Jacob Rose
Bottom row from left to right: Earnest Johnson, Jessica Carron, Heather King, Chandrea Willard, Brittany Lemke

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

RA Appreciation Week! - Mae Smith 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 Mae Smith Hall.


The Mae Smith Staff has been extremely successful and creative this year! They go above and beyond the basic requirements of the job to ensure that the residents of the #MaeSmithNation are successful. Our staff has continued to amaze us by being a close-knit group of people who are truly passionate about their work. They consistently challenge themselves to do the best possible for their residents. This is seen in many ways, but one of the most evident is how many of our RAs create and implement large scale events throughout the year, in addition to the ones they are required to do. Some of the most successful of these events were the Masquerade Ball, Valentine Card Making for Philanthropy, Open Mic Night, and Mocktails and Improv, not to mention a dozen additional required large scale events that were also very successful. 

In addition, the Mae Smith Staff is devoted to being present and available to their residents. RAs are frequently seen in the lobby and the dining hall, spending time with residents and having positive interactions at all times of the day and night. Many of the events mentioned occurred on weekend evenings, which just goes to show the dedication of the staff along with the consistent support from Mae Smith residents. Our RAs have also frequently collaborated with the Area Council, supporting them by attending meetings, recommending Area Council activities and working with Area Council to plan events.

It has been such a pleasure to watch our staff work this year and to participate in all of the activities they’ve planned. Thank you #MaeSmithNation for all of your commitment, enthusiasm and hard work!

Thank you Mae Smith RAs for all you do! - Dennis, Michelle, Dre, Mo, and the rest of the SIU Res Life team!

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

February 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 ourrecruitment website.

February flew by and we had LOTS going on! We hosted the Illinois Residence Hall Association 2014 conference, assisted with the overnight program and interviews for the Chancellor's and University Excellence Scholarship interview weekend, interviewed over 200 candidates for Resident Assistant positions, coordinated a campus-wide Tunnel of Oppression as part of Black History Month, and sent a recruitment team to the Oshkosh Placement Exchange to interview candidates for graduate and full-time positions. Here are a few highlights our students and staff chose to nominate for Of The Month recognition.

Regional Winner

University Housing - Organization Of The Month - nominated by Gena Stack

"While cooperation and teamwork are core values of the department, this month has been a shining example of what can be accomplished when dedicated staff members pull together for a common purpose. University Housing put on a major program or event each week this month, and each was a resounding success - not because of the commitment of an individual, but because of the combined strength of the team."

Campus Winners

Jennifer Dilbeck - Student Of The Month - nominated by Christopher Weiss

Rishae Rucker - First Year Student Of The Month - nominated by Alyssa Davis

Cookies & Community - Social Program Of The Month - nominated by Gena Stack

To submit an Of The Month nomination, please go to http://otms.nrhh.org/

Friday, March 7, 2014

OTM Winners from January!

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 ourrecruitment website.

January is a short and busy month in Residence Life. Students and staff come back after winter break, and we all jump right in with training and opening the halls for the spring semester. We are very grateful to those folks who still took time to make recognition a priority this past January - by writing some great Of The Month nominations!


Minute-to-Win-It Saluki Style - Social Program Of The Month, nominated by Justin Schuch


Don't Let Belongings Sail Away by Miranda Hayes - Passive Program Of The Month, nominated by Drew Donahoo

NRHH Exclusive Event - Spotlight Of The Month, nominated by Justin Schuch

To nominate an outstanding person or program for an Of The Month award, go to otms.nrhh.org

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

December 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.

Today we are taking a quick break from RA profiles to share some exciting news - the Saluki chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary won the NACURH award for Community Service Program Of The Month of December. Their program - End the Hunger Games Food Drive - challenged all of our residential communities to give back to the local community and support the fight against hunger. "May the food be ever in good flavor" was the unofficial tagline of this event, which served as a positive way to wrap up the fall semester. Read the full nomination here.


Additionally Donnell McCauley, custodial sub-foreman at University Hall, won the GLACURH Regional Of The Month for Spotlight. "Donnell McCauley can always be found to offer a friendly smile, a pleasant conversation, or a helping hand when needed."

The following submissions were recognized as Campus Winners:



Allen Shelton - Resident Assistant Of The Month - nominated by Amber Peterson

Tamarah Buchanan - Student Of The Month - nominated by Kalekey Love-El

Thank you to Christopher Weiss, Curtis Brown, Amber Peterson, Joseph Leet, Kalekey Love-El, Justin Schuch, and Drew Donahoo for submitting OTM nominations this month.

To submit an Of The Month nomination, please go to http://otms.nrhh.org/