NOVEMBER 2022Discussion Guide

TS HEADER IMAGEThe Talking Stick Discussion Guide helps readers utilize the content to strengthen individual and departmental professional development efforts. These discussion questions, crafted by campus housing professionals, help readers to make meaning of the content and best identify ways the information applies to individual practices and institutions. Some suggestions for how to incorporate them into a professional development curriculum include:

Building discussions into departmental meetings.

Delegating articles to staff and asking them to lead discussions.

Reading articles that address topics outside of normal day-to-day responsibilities to broaden knowledge of all the different aspects of campus housing or positions one may aspire to.

Incorporating articles into class discussions for graduate students.

Assigning articles to graduate classes and coordinating opportunities for students to discuss readings and how they would apply to future careers.

TS DIVIDING RULEhorizontal_imageTS DIVIDING RULE-1593717294New GrowthStudent affairs professionals are tired and tired of it. What are the questions today’s leaders need to answer to improve conditions for tomorrow’s new hires? LEADERSHIPRead StoryQuestions:

As you work with staff and students, how can you role model developing meaningful connections in the workplace that allow the work to go above and beyond merely receiving a to-do list and salary but also helps build meaningful relationships?

What suggestions would you share with colleagues about what can enable flexibility and remote work in the field?

What values do you think are needed to shape the mission and vision of the future of the student housing profession?

TS DIVIDING RULE-1593548888The Big ComebackToday’s grad and family housing is better than ever, with updated facilities and resources that serve the whole life of the student.thin lineRead StoryQuestions:

What have grad students on your campus asked for in on-campus housing?

What do you envision for grad and family housing on your campus in the future?

TS DIVIDING RULE-1593548888-1593548895An Emotional ResponseFostering staff members’ emotional intelligence builds a framework for success. outsideRead StoryQuestions:

What are some ways our selection process assesses for EQ? If it doesn't, how can we integrate it?

How do we formally and informally assess EQ development in our team? What are ways we can strategically integrate better practices related to EQ development?

What are the departmental, divisional, and campus-wide resources related to expanding one's network? Why do you think opportunities like this expand EQ

Responding to crisis, which can require quick thinking and setting our emotions on the back-burner, is the antithesis of developing strong EQ; in a field that sometimes endures ongoing crisis, this can be challenging. What are some strategies we can practice to ensure that our crisis work doesn't create conditions that set up a quick-response zone and neglect our emotional capacity? Does anyone have specific strategies they use to shift gears after managing a crisis situation?

TS DIVIDING RULE-1593548888-1593548895-1593548898Watching What You SayLegislative restrictions on the freedom to read, learn, and teach are coming for higher education. Here’s what you need to know.seenRead StoryQuestions:

Reflect on the policies, laws, and bills in your area and state. Where are you seeing government-mandated censorship hit your community most? How has this affected your local community and organizations?

Compare the current orders affecting your institution. How have these impacted your day-to-day work within residence life? How has your department worked to ensure that student well-being, safety, and education are not compromised in the face of restrictive orders?

If a student were to come to you today asking you to explain gag order laws, what would you say? Sometimes practice and proactive planning are the best way to ensure that our students have thorough explanations and that you are able to still communicate the level of care students can expect. Take some time to think or write out what you would say if asked.

How can your team ensure that students are still feeling supported while navigating laws that may impact a part of their identity? What are ways that diversity, equity, and inclusion can still remain a priority within your work?

TS DIVIDING RULE-1593548888-1593548895-1593548898-1593548900LGBTQ LLCsA growing number of living-learning communities focus on LGBTQ students and allies.conversationsRead StoryQuestions:

What faculty, staff, and administrators would you bring together to help create and shape a living-learning community (LLC) for LGBTQ+ students on your campus?

What would you add to staff training to help staff who support students in the LLC?

How would your campus climate shape the LLC?

COVERReader Guide1122 MASTHEADVisionAD - STARREZSpotlight: University of IowaPage TurnerAD - ROYAL BASKETFirst PersonAD - MACKEY MITCHELL and MICROFRIDGEWatching What You SayAD - AMERICAN BEDDING and KWK ARCHITECTSAn Emotional ResponseAD - BRILL and COMMUNITYNew GrowthAD - MARKETPLACEThe Big ComebackAD - USSConversations: LGBTQ LLCYour ACUHO-INew MembersSnapshotDiscussion Guide