Talking Stick - January/February 2011 - 51

conTInued

LOOKING FOR IDEAS IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES

CONVERSATIONS

show staff their appreciation. With a supply of thank you cards as well as electronic cards made available on the university’s website, housing staff at the University of Washington are provided with inexpensive ways to recognize fellow employees on a regular basis. Also, as each school year comes to a close, student staff members have the chance to socialize with their co-workers at a celebratory gathering. This event gives managers the opportunity to recognize employees by submitting various award nominations for staff members. Among these awards are those for outstanding teamwork, leadership excellence, and exceptional customer service. At Pepperdine, the first five minutes of each housing meeting is devoted to “celebrations and recognitions” during which staff share the accomplishments of their co-workers and acknowledge

birthdays or special events. Another distinctive part of the staff meeting is the “Love Seat.” Specific words of encouragement and appreciation are shared with the individual who is chosen to sit in this seat during each staff meeting. Monthly “kudos” during department meetings is a common form of recognition given to staff at the University of Illinois, UrbanaChampaign. The university also plans informal activities to celebrate staff accomplishments, including end-oftraining cookouts and end-of-the-year dessert banquets. “Our staff is our most valuable resource,” says Anton. “We want to keep them happy, healthy, and productive. It’s good for both the organization and the individual tS employee.”
Bridget Cunningham
is the editorial intern for Talking Stick.

form. They have taught me a lot of lessons that have helped me bring meaningful change to students’ lives. I really needed their help because I missed having the experience of living on campus during my undergraduate years. As a student at the University of Delaware, I was a commuter and never lived in a residence hall. That gave me a fresh perspective on the design of the building type and, at the same time, made me aware that I had to learn a lot about student housing in order to create unique architectural solutions for a variety of institutions. The process has been enjoyable and meaningful, particularly since residence halls contribute so much to a student’s maturation and enjoyment of campus life. This conversation is just getting started. Enjoy the rest of the discussion online at http://blog.acuho-i.org/2011/01/ conversations-architects/.

MANAGING STUDENT CONDUCT

be carefree

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january + february 2011

http://blog.acuho-i.org/2011/01/conversations-architects/ http://blog.acuho-i.org/2011/01/conversations-architects/ http://www.AdirondackSolutions.com http://www.AdirondackSolutions.com

Talking Stick - January/February 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Talking Stick - January/February 2011