Talking Stick FEATURES 28 JULY + AUGUST 2011 VOLUME 28, ISSUE 6 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY HOUSING OFFICERS-INTERNATIONAL Balancing Act To help meet the demand for new or renovated housing, campuses may turn to debt financing. This primer explains the ins and outs of the process. 36 Making Gender-Neutral Housing Work Along with being a philosophical decision, gender-neutral housing has its logistical issues as well. Discover how these campuses adapted to new ideas. COLUMNS 6 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. Vision Goal Setting 17 Res Life Bringing Academic Resources Closer to Home Graduate students arrive on campus with a unique set of concerns. Here’s how campus housing can be positioned to help meet them. 20 Facilities Grant Writing 101 Tips and tricks for when it comes time to ask for the money DEPARTMENTS 4 8 Online Now Just In Spotlight on Bennett College PLUS a passive house; RecycleMania report; remembering those students who have passed; and RA diversity by the numbers. 24 Turn the Page Group reading exercises are beneficial for students and staff alike. Learn how to put one in place and browse our short stack of title suggestions. COVER: The center of campus at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut is a flood of activity. PHOTO: Olivia Drake, Wesleyan University 13 Your ACUHO-I 15 Transitions 27 Calendar CORRECTION: The name of Western Oregon University member Tina Fuch was misspelled in the Spotlight of the March-April 2011 issue. Talking Stick apologizes for this error. 44 Conversations Let’s talk about connecting the dots when it comes to student welfare. 47 First Takes 48 Reporting Out This magazine is printed on recycled stock by PXPOHIO, which has been awarded Greenworks status for its environmental practices. 54 Welcome 56 Snapshot JULY + AUGUST 2011 3