Developed by:
Dave McKelfresh, Director, Staff Training and Assessment; Kim Moistner-Bartlett, Vice President for Educational Initiatives, Reslife.Net

Description:
Directing a residence hall is a lot like conducting an orchestra. To create harmony, you've got to work to bring together different instruments, sections, or voices. As you reflect on the first semester you might recall some areas as being worthy of a standing ovation, while others were in need of more rehearsal time and re-tuning. This course is designed to assist entry-level Resident Directors as they strive to evaluate the first semester and do a bit of "re-tuning" for the second semester. Instructed by two seasoned student affairs professionals who have "been there," this course will provide participants with the tools to accomplish just that. The course will address three topic areas: (1) Assessing the activities and efforts of the first semester, (2) Examining an array of relationships inherent in the success of the RD position, (3) Keeping one's personal and professional life in harmony in the midst of a live-in environment. In addition to interacting with the two course instructors, participants will have the opportunity to share and learn from other entry level RDs enrolled in the course.

Course Outline:
In Segment 1, course material will focus on assessment of the first semester and areas participants may wish to focus on or change for the new semester. Specific time will be spent on goal setting for a new semester and setting priorities.

Segment 2 of the course will focus on the concept of relationship management. Material will address working with RA's to manage roommate relationships, managing working relationships with RA staff, and managing working relationships with colleagues.

In Segment 3 course participants will examine ways to create a harmony and balance between the RD position and one's personal life. Material will address life management techniques including time management strategies, stress reduction techniques and more.

The format for all three weeks of the course will include a variety of instructional methods including "lectures", current readings on subject matter, and practical case studies.

Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Assess their accomplishments during their first semester and identify areas to focus their energy for the new semester.
• Develop a list of short-term goals and objectives for the new semester.
• Recognize the role managing relationships plays in the residence hall director position and develop techniques for managing those relationships.
• Examine their time management skills and make adjustments, as they deem necessary.
• Utilize stress reduction techniques in managing their own stress levels.
• Make thoughtful decisions regarding setting limits between work and their personal life as a live-in professional.

Participant Expectations:
Participants will be provided with 6 weeks to complete this course, and should plan to complete one segment every 2 weeks to complete the course on time.

Bios:
Dave McKelfresh is on a joint-appointment at Colorado State University as the Director of Staff Training and Assessment with Housing and Dining Services, and as an Assistant Professor in the Student Affairs in Higher Education graduate program. Dave received his Master's degree at Colorado State University, and his Ph.D. at the University of Northern Colorado. Most recently he has been a faculty member at the National Housing Training Institute in 2002 and with the ACUHO-I Stars College in 2003 at the Annual ACUHO-I Conference.

Kim Moistner-Bartlett is a Partner with Reslife.Net. She has over 12 years of experience within higher education and student affairs. She served as the Director of the Freshman Year Experience at The University of Southern Mississippi, a program she designed and implemented for the university. Prior to this commitment, she served as the Assistant Director of Residence Life for Staff and Student Development at The University of Southern Mississippi. She has also served in professional residence life positions at Temple University, Philadelphia University, and The University of Wisconsin-Stout. Kim received her M.A. in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education from Ball State in 1992 and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1988. In addition to her work with Reslife.Net, Kim presents training workshops for student affairs professionals and student staff on a variety of topics including customer service, diversity, alcohol education and conflict mediation.