Talking Stick - September/October 2012 - 56

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heaTher l. Klišanin
What’s the first thing you do when you get into the office each morning?
Put my cell phone in my top desk drawer, check in with the student staff, and get my mail.

What’s the biggest issue for the students on your campus right now?
I feel the economy still causes struggle for many of our students’ families, and it has a direct effect on some of the behavior/social choices our students have been making.

What’s the biggest issue you see facing the profession right now?
I think one of our challenges is still related to tighter budgets and continuing to provide the best services possible with fewer and fewer resources.

What makes your campus unique?
The location. We are set between the heart of downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay. You can walk into downtown for coffee in the morning and enjoy lunch harborside on the campus lawn.

What resource can’t you live without?
The telephone. I understand that technology has come a long way, but I will always appreciate what can come from a true verbal conversation – and a kooshball. I will forever be a facilitator at heart; as long as I have my kooshball handy, I will always be ready for anything.

When was the last time you awoke to a phone call from work in the middle of the night?
It has been about two weeks. Having such a small staff at USFSP, I still have the pleasure of assisting staff with late-night emergencies.

HEATHER L. KLIšANIN is the assistant director of residential life and housing at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg.
Have you gotten any unusual housing or amenity requests? What were they?
This year, I had a mother who thought the RAs should be providing cleaning services and another that wanted someone to do their child’s grocery shopping. I also get asked about views of the ocean; however, I am on the wrong side of the state to provide that.

What do you wish was different about your job?
I love my job. My biggest wish would be to have more personnel assistance. That would enable me to accomplish even more as this young department grows and develops.

What’s your biggest challenge on campus?
Helping other university professionals understand residential life and housing. We have had on-campus housing for only four years, and we are working hard to develop our place and become a solid part of the university campus and community.

Favorite campus traditions?
The Central Western Football Game. I am fairly competitive in nature and love school spirit. Collegiate rivals, school colors, a tailgate, the marching band, cheerleaders, roaring fans, and a football team only lead to one result: an extraordinary memorable experience.

What qualities do you think are important in a housing professional?
Flexibility and passion. We all wear so many hats. You must understand that every day is different, and we want to learn from each new experience.

How do you tell your staff you appreciate their work?
Active and passive praise. I enjoy baking, and they enjoy eating.
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Talking Stick - September/October 2012

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