Talking Stick SePtember + OctOber 2014 VOlume 32, ISSue 1 The Magazine of The associaTion of college and UniversiTy hoUsing officers-inTernaTional Features 32 Mind the Gap There are times when the housing department and campus faculty can seem miles apart, but there are steps you can take to bring the two sides closer together. 42 The Role That Keeps On Giving Everyone who works in campus housing knows how important the resident assistant position is. Survey results from ACUHO-I and EBI deliver even more proof. 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 20 Vision Res Life Campuses show how ceremony and tradition can add so much to the residence life experience. 24 Special Focus Campuses are scrambling to get a diagnosis about how the Affordable Care Act will change how they manage their student employees. 28 Cover: Southern Methodist University opened their residential commons in May 2014. Putting themselves on a different path, they have redefined their residence life model and have embraced the residential commons way of life complete with live-in faculty. The photo here highlights one of their new dining halls. To hear more about working and living with faculty, read the feature story on page 32. Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Southern Methodist University, Kim Leeson Departments 4 New Member Highlight 8 Just In Spotlight on Bridgewater State University PLUS five quick tips for improving move-in day; training student staff in the art of the interview; the professional development value of serving on a campus committee; and reporting campus sexual assaults by the numbers. Business Housing departments are turning to apps for phones and tablets to deliver the information that students need, literally putting it at their fingertips. 15 Your ACUHO-I 17 Transitions 31 Calendar 50 Conversations Let's talk about new approaches in apartment living. 52 54 This magazine is printed on recycled stock which is made from 10% post-consumer waste. First Takes Reporting Out 62 New Members 64 Snapshot September + OctOber 2014 3