Are Student Residents Customers?

I recently read an article published by the non-profit Center for American Progress and it really got me thinking. I’ve always had strong feelings about treating our residents as customers. It’s hard to get around the fact that they are customers as they pay to live in housing.  But if the adage “the customer is always…

Economic Mobility

A study on Economic Mobility released by the Pew Charitable Trusts, reports that the majority (84%) of American adults continue to make more money than their parents did after adjusting for inflation. But it may be getting harder to climb to the higher rung(s) and the “rags-to-riches” stories we love to hear about, mostly happen in…

Interesting Data Concerning College Students and Handheld Devices

You live on a different planet if you do not know how addictive digital devices have become, particularly with early adopters who are generally young folks. In the article linked below, you will learn that 67% of the college students in this sample cannot go more than one hour without using some sort of digital…

From Seth Godin’s Blog: Usually, a lot is insufficient

Interesting Seth Godin blog on exceeding expectations. Click Here  I particularly like this: “Marketing isn’t merely bragging. Marketing creates a culture, tells a story, and puts on a show.” What stories can you tell about exceeding expectations with your housing program?

ACE Fellows Program

Not long ago I had the good fortune to participate in the Closing Retreat of the ACE Fellows Program. If you are not familiar with the ACE Fellows Program I encourage you to visit their web site and learn more about this outstanding learning opportunity.  The ACE Fellows Program prepares emerging leaders to serve American colleges…

How I selected my summer housing internship

For aspiring housing professionals, the prospect of choosing a summer internship can be a bit daunting. With hundreds of schools to choose from, you must ask yourself several questions about what you hope your educational outcomes from the internship will be. Reflecting on my own search process, I realized the questions I used to guide…

What We’re Reading Now

The Effect of Housing Wealth on College Choice: Evidence from the Housing Boom Does the equity and appreciation of your home influence your student’s educational choices?  If so, what does the future hold? Fannie Mae: Confidence in Economy and Home Values Increasing It is good to hear some positive news in the real estate market…

Transition Troubles?

I began my journey into Student Affairs in January of 2012 when I entered the Association of College and University Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-I) Housing Internship search. After about a month and a half of scanning job descriptions, researching host institutions, and penning cover letters, I accepted my first post-undergrad position. Now, the only…

MassArt’s dorm a bold statement in the skyline

The new MassArt Residence Hall rises 20 stories above Huntington Avenue. The new dorm tower at Massachusetts College of Art and Design is the most interesting Boston high-rise in years. Even though it isn’t finished, it’s already an architectural landmark, rising like a multicolored flag above Huntington Avenue. There’s a youthfulness about this building, a…

What We’re Reading Now

The white paper issued by Romney On his Plan for Education if elected FACT SHEET: President Obama’s Blueprint for Keeping College Affordable and Within Reach for All Americans | The White House Capstone On-Campus Management is proud to employ over 600 people committed to improving our student communities.  We are proud of their commitment to…

Providing Remarkable Services

I am a big Seth Godin fan.  His blog is one of the few that I read faithfully every day.  It always has something insightful and/or thought-provoking about marketing and customer service that you can actually put to use. January 1st of 2012 marked a new chapter for the student housing professionals of Capstone On-Campus…