I Asked ChatGPT: Re-Polarizing Entry-Level Professionals in ACUHO-I Leadership, Balancing Growth and Challenges

Over the past semester, while it's only October, I thought about: what are the next steps for me, as an entry-level professional, to step up into regional and national spaces? How am I going to step up and out of my space and show that I'm one of the next national leaders in our profession? Although, as an undergraduate and graduate student leader, I was heavily involved in anything and everything that a student could do: admissions tour guide, student teaching assistant, supplemental instructor, peer mentor, student government, hall council and residential leadership, summer conference assistant, and more. As a graduate student, I was the same: dean's advisory council, Norman graduate council, graduate student senate, and a graduate assistant.

My involvement in the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH, Inc.) has been apparent since I stepped up to serve on the Midwest On-Campus Taskforce in the spring 2019 semester, over five years ago; and over the years, have engaged with the student organization in [just] about every committee that I could, including serving as a member of the Regional Board of Directors and NACURH Board of Directors. As a new professional, I've engaged with my own regional (SWACUHO) and national (NACURH and ACUHO-I) organizations in being involved; these organizations promote our profession, and allow professionals from across the region to network, mentor, and engage with one another (i.e. New Professionals Institute called SWACUHO-U). I found solace and immense value in the intentional, meaningful, and impactful moments within these professional organizations. As I reflected over how and what I choose to engage in, and how much I choose to engage in, I realize that many other entry-level professionals hesitate to engage in this way; and therefore, I wanted to explore with ChatGPT [just] how intentional, meaningful, and impactful engaging in regional and national spaces can promote an RD's own institutional impact.

For instance, my time serving as a Regional Conference Advisor for the SWACURH 2024 Regional Leadership Conference, I was able to encourage an individual to apply to the conference team, and they were able to, as a first-year student passionate about student leadership, have an opportunity to further strengthen their soft and technical skills while planning a conference to promote the region's mission and values. This is something that I would have loved to do as a first-year student in 2018-2019: be involved in planning a conference for student leaders and having that impact on students across my region. Had I not known about the opportunity, promoted the opportunity wherever I went and whomever I talked to, this individual wouldn't had known about the experience. With this, it's essential as RDs to know what's going on, and promote opportunities where they lay.

In the field of residence life, the conversation around professional development has increasingly centered on how to re-engage entry-level professionals—particularly Residence Directors (RDs)—in leadership roles within regional and national organizations like SWACUHO and ACUHO-I. While it’s common for seasoned professionals to step back from these roles due to growing administrative demands, encouraging RDs to get involved early can provide immense benefits to their careers and to the field as a whole.

But why is it so important for RDs to engage at this level? What types of leadership roles should they aim for, and how can this involvement shape their career trajectory, whether they plan to advance within residence life or transition to another field?

The Importance of RD Involvement: Building the Foundation for Future Leaders

Developing Core Competencies

For entry-level professionals, stepping into leadership roles within organizations like SWACUHO and ACUHO-I is an opportunity to develop skills that may not be fully utilized in their day-to-day roles. Serving on committees or in executive positions allows RDs to build competencies in areas such as project management, budgeting, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration. These are the same skills they will need to advance in residence life or pivot to other areas within student affairs.

Additionally, involvement helps RDs develop a broader understanding of the field beyond their own institution. They learn about industry trends, challenges, and solutions that they can bring back to their campus, enriching the residence life program as a whole.

Creating a Broader Perspective & Stronger Network

Being active in regional or national spaces exposes RDs to a diverse range of professionals, each with unique experiences and insights. This broader perspective allows them to see how different institutions handle similar issues, fostering creative problem-solving skills that can be applied back at their home campuses.

Networking is another key benefit. Building relationships within SWACUHO or ACUHO-I means connecting with mentors, future colleagues, and even potential employers. This network can be vital for professional growth, offering guidance and opportunities throughout their career.

Building Confidence and Advocacy Skills

Stepping into leadership roles within these organizations requires confidence, initiative, and the ability to advocate for oneself and one’s team. By serving as a chair or committee member, RDs learn how to navigate group dynamics, present their ideas effectively, and advocate for initiatives that can drive positive change within their regional or national community.

These skills are not only essential for personal development but also serve as a foundation for roles that require advocacy—whether that’s advocating for students on their campus, championing policy changes, or driving diversity and inclusion efforts within the field.

Key Roles and Committees: Where Should RDs Focus Their Energy?

SWACUHO Executive Positions (Secretary, Treasurer, Historian)

Roles like Secretary or Treasurer on the SWACUHO executive board are excellent entry points for RDs because they provide hands-on experience with organizational management, record-keeping, budgeting, and strategic planning. These roles demand attention to detail and organizational skills, which are transferable to higher administrative roles.

Serving as Historian or a committee chair also allows RDs to dive deeper into specific aspects of the organization’s operation, such as professional development, conference planning, or membership engagement.

Committee Chair or Chair-Elect (Regional & National)

Committees are a great way for RDs to start their journey in regional and national leadership. Committees focused on professional development, diversity and inclusion, student engagement, or crisis management can align well with an RD’s daily responsibilities, making it easier to connect their involvement with their role on campus.

Serving as a chair or chair-elect involves coordinating projects, managing a team, and overseeing the successful execution of initiatives. These positions can be excellent stepping stones for those considering future roles such as Assistant Director or Director of Residence Life.

Specialized Task Forces or Working Groups

For RDs with specific interests or skills, joining a specialized task force or working group can be particularly rewarding. Whether it's focusing on sustainability, mental health initiatives, or crisis response, these roles allow RDs to delve into niche areas, building expertise that can make them stand out in future job searches.

Career Advancement: Growing Up or Out

For Those Looking to Advance in Residence Life

Engagement in regional and national leadership is often viewed favorably by hiring committees for mid- to upper-level positions in residence life. When RDs demonstrate that they can handle responsibilities beyond their campus role, it shows a capacity for strategic thinking, collaboration, and leadership—all qualities needed for Assistant Director, Director, or even Dean positions. Professionals who have served as regional officers, committee chairs, or in other leadership capacities often have a clearer understanding of the broader field of residence life, making them better equipped to lead teams, manage departments, and advocate for their programs within their institutions.

For Those Considering Transitioning Out of Residence Life

The skills gained from involvement in SWACUHO and ACUHO-I leadership aren’t confined to residence life. Strategic planning, team management, budget oversight, and public speaking are competencies that can be transferred to roles in other areas of student affairs, higher education, or even beyond academia.

RDs who are unsure if they want to stay in residence life long-term can use their experiences in these leadership roles to explore new interests, build connections across different sectors, and test out skills in a supportive environment.

Enhancing Career Flexibility and Adaptability

Participation in leadership roles at a regional or national level showcases adaptability and resilience—traits that are valuable no matter the career path. RDs who engage actively in SWACUHO or ACUHO-I often have to navigate different challenges and unforeseen issues, from conference planning mishaps to budget crises, which strengthens their problem-solving abilities. Whether they decide to grow within residence life or seek new challenges elsewhere, having a robust set of experiences in professional organizations makes RDs more competitive candidates, giving them the confidence to take on new roles and responsibilities.

Conclusion: Creating a Culture That Supports RD Engagement

For institutions, encouraging RDs to take on leadership roles within SWACUHO and ACUHO-I is not just about professional development; it’s about building a more vibrant and innovative community within residence life. By supporting RDs—through workload flexibility, funding, and mentorship—institutions can ensure that these professionals are not only growing but also bringing back valuable skills and perspectives to their teams.

Re-polarizing entry-level professionals to engage in these spaces is a strategy that benefits everyone involved. It builds a stronger field, empowers the next generation of leaders, and ensures that the community of residence life professionals remains dynamic, diverse, and connected. To foster this environment, institutions must recognize the importance of this engagement, provide the necessary support, and celebrate the achievements of RDs who choose to step up, grow, and lead.

References

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com