Talking Stick FEATURES 24 JULY + AUGUST 2010 VOLUME 27, NUMBER 6 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY HOUSING OFFICERS-INTERNATIONAL Support System How can campuses and residence halls best support students with Autism Spectrum Disorders? The Talking Stick asks an expert for her take on the subject. 30 Playing Risk Learn why it is important for your housing department to ask those “what if?” questions before moving forward with major initiatives. COLUMNS 6 Vision Understand and appreciate the value of comparative data. 16 Business Bending but Not Breaking When tough economic times hit students, housing departments get flexible in accommodating different payment options. TALKING STICK Symbol of International Friendship ACUHO-I’s talking stick, or speaker’s staff, was hand-carved of wood by the Ohiat Band of the British Columbia Indian Nation. Canadian ACUHO-I members presented it to the association in July 1973 during our annual conference at the University of British Columbia. The inscription reads: It is a sign of authority carried when proclamations are to be made or a meeting of chiefs is in session. ... A token of common heritage both to Canadians and Americans. 20 Facilities Greening the Campus One Hall at a Time Eco-Reps help give a face to sustainability initiatives. DEPARTMENTS 4 8 Online Now Just In Spotlight on Ball State University PLUS eating well; keeping green; managing e-mail; counting students; naming names; and fire safety by the numbers. 13 14 23 38 Your ACUHO-I Transitions Calendar Conversations Let’s talk about integrating international and local students in the residence halls. COVER: Lakeview Village lends a pop of color to the Florida International University’s Modesto Maidique Campus. Comprised of two residence halls, it houses both freshmen and upperclassmen. PHOTO: Dept. of Housing and Residential Life, FIU. 40 41 46 48 First Takes Reporting Out Welcome Snapshot This magazine is printed on recycled stock by PXP Ohio, which has been awarded Greenworks status for its environmental practices.