Talking Stick September + OctOber 2013 VOlume 31, ISSue 1 The Magazine of The associaTion of college and UniversiTy hoUsing officers-inTernaTional Features 28 Becoming an Assessment Storyteller Learn how assessment data and stories go hand in hand. 36 The Quintessential Professional Embrace the character traits that can help shape you into a better leader. 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 Vision 16 Res Life The Power of Small Words How to handle microagressions. 20 Business Operations When Do They Call for Help? Training staff and students to make the right call during an emergency. 24 Cover: Tillman Hall houses the School of Education at Clemson University in South Carolina. Its clock tower, which makes the hall a landmark, houses the 47-bell Clemson Memorial Carillon, which is rung every year to announce campus events such as the beginning of the academic year. Facilities Hope Is Not a Strategy Pros discuss the budget plans that you must have in place. Departments 4 New Member Highlight 8 Just In Spotlight on Western Illinois University PLUS loving your library; reflecting on the first year of RA training in Afghanistan; engineering students help out res life and dining; overhear about the possibility of students using old hotel cardkeys; and handing out laptops to incoming students by the numbers. 13 Your ACUHO-I 14 Transitions 27 Calendar Photo Credit: Clemson University 44 Conversations Let’s talk about the rewards of great customer service. 47 First Takes 48 Reporting Out This magazine is printed on recycled stock which is made from 10% post-consumer waste. 54 New Members 56 Snapshot SEPTEMBER + OCTOBER 2013 3