Talking Stick Features 28 A Scale for Success January + February 2012 Volume 29, Issue 3 The Magazine of The associaTion of college and UniversiTy hoUsing officers-inTernaTional Rubrics can be a valuable addition to your assessment arsenal. 36 Welcome to Our House International houses and their programs put out the welcome mat in an effort to promote diversity and help show students the world. 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. Columns 6 18 Vision Around the world Res Life Let Your Geek Flag Fly Learn how some are using Star Wars, Twilight, Harry Potter, and other geek-tastic pursuits to build community in their residence halls. 21 Special Focus Hoarding in the Halls A messy residence hall room is nothing new. But what do you do when the problem far exceeds the norm? Departments 4 New Member Highlight 8 Just In Spotlight on James Madison University PLUS first-gen program expands at University of Cincinnati; find out what members are talking about online; Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania residence hall gets an extreme makeover; Australian institutions react to legislation update; and creative student housing by the numbers. Cover: The University of Monterrey in Mexico opened its residential college in August 2006 and is one of only three institutions in Mexico to offer housing and the second one with a residential college. Photo: The University of Monterrey 24 Regroup Put Your Passion into Your Work Campus housing staff members have been known to go beyond their desire to do good work by sharing personal passions that augment their professional skills. 13 15 27 44 47 48 54 56 Your ACUHO-I Transitions Calendar Conversations Let’s talk about living in, living on, and moving out. First Takes Reporting Out Welcome Snapshot january + february 2012 3