8am-9am – Check-In and Refreshments (SJ Academic Centre Atrium)
9am-9:30am – Welcome to St. Jerome’s University (Carol Ann McGregor, VPAD and Michael Seymor, Indigenous Advisory Circle) (Vanstone, SJ2 1004)
9:30-10:30am – Keynote Address (Bruce Rodigues, Chancellor, St. Jerome’s University and former Deputy Minister of Education) (Vanstone, SJ2 1004)
10:30-11am – Refreshment Break and Fall Business Meeting Sign-in (SJ Academic Centre Atrium)
11am-12:30pm – Fall Business Meeting (Vanstone, SJ2 1004)
12:30-2pm – Lunch (SJU Community Centre)
- Affinity Networks – 12:30-1:30pm (SJ2 classrooms and Atrium)
- Advanced Members – 12:30-1:30pm (Siegfried and Ryan Residence, Room 1010)
2-3pm- Concurrent Block #1
- Keeping What Matters: A Housing Case Study in Data Governance, Retention, and Deletion (Kylie Wood and Jack Kostecki, Western University) (SJ2, Room 2001)
- How do housing departments balance growing data needs with responsible data stewardship? This case study examines Western University's approach to developing a data retention and deletion framework, from data discovery and retention schedule development to the creation of an API-driven deletion tool. Participants will gain practical insights into stakeholder engagement, governance, and the operationalization of large-scale data management initiatives.
- Excel-erating Community: Creating Systems for Programming Initiatives in Excel (Charlie Dunsmuir and Jacob Fournier, Wilfrid Laurier University) (SJ2, Room 2002)
- This session explores how the WLU Residence Life Team revitalized Don community programming following its formal reintroduction in 2024. Learn about year-over-year improvements, including enhancements of systems built in Excel. Attendees will gain practical Excel tips, key formulas, and an introduction to using Power Query to streamline program management. This is ideal for attendees who are seeking ideas for program management in lieu of access to a programming software license.
- Beautiful belonging: leveraging art installations in residence to help beautify the spaces and reinforce a sense of belonging for all residents (Pamela Hurvid, University of Waterloo) (SJ2, Room 2003)
- This learning experience explores how University of Waterloo Campus Housing undertook a multi-year, student-centred project that uses commissioned artwork to beautify residences while advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism by fostering connection, representation, and a stronger sense of belonging for all residents. The presenter will share the projects' goals, stakeholders, and process, providing tips for other institutions who may want to introduce similar initiatives.
- Leading Through The Learning Curve: Lessons From The First Two Years of Senior Leadership (Kristen Leal, UTM) (SJ2, Room 2007)
- Transitioning into senior leadership means more than a new title. It requires growth, accountability, strategic thinking, and the courage to lead authentically. Through reflections from the first two years in a senior role, this session explores building trust, shaping culture, navigating change, and learning to balance day-to-day realities with long-term vision. Participants will leave with practical insights for their own leadership journeys.
3-3:50pm – Refreshment Break (SJ Academic Centre Atrium)
3:50-4:50pm – Concurrent Block #2
- Crisis Leadership in Action: Navigating the Grey Area Between Behaviour and Crisis (Zeke Schneider, St. Jerome’s University) (SJ2, Room 2001)
- As residence life professionals, we often navigate the grey area between concerning behaviour and emerging crisis, often making decisions with incomplete and evolving information. In this interactive session, participants will work through case studies where information is revealed in stages, deciding how to respond, when a situation shifts to a crisis, and who needs to be involved. Participants will explore how to balance safety, support, and accountability through uncertainty.
- Teaching Labs and Effort Statements (Lindsay Core, University of Guelph) (SJ2, Room 2002)
- Discover two initiatives that revitalized our student staff training. Teaching Labs provide structured peer coaching, helping managers strengthen facilitation skills, build confidence, and prepare for training. Effort Statements outline the physical, cognitive, and emotional demands of a session so participants know what to expect, prepare accordingly, and access supports when needed.
- What Walking 1,000 km Taught Me About Housing: Creating Holistic Spaces for Students to Live and Thrive (Delores Lanni, University of Waterloo) (SJ2, Room 2003)
- What can walking 1,000 km and staying in 38 different housing operations teach us about residence life? In March of 2026 I walked the Camino de Santiago, during my pilgrimage I experienced how spaces can foster isolation or belonging, and how meeting foundational needs changes our capacity to face the road ahead. Through stories of community, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and the unique housing experience of donativos, this session explores what makes a residential environment truly nourishing—and how we can create spaces where students feel equipped to thrive.
- Oh, Bother: Lessons Learned as a Senior Leader Navigating Complex and Constant Institutional Disruption (Becky Shillington, Loyalist College) (SJ2, Room 2007)
- Financial crisis. Labour disruption. College-wide layoffs. Budget reductions. Then a cyber attack, for some spice.
Institutional change is challenging to navigate, especially when the hits keep coming. How do we protect the student experience and service delivery when trust is fragile, morale is low, and the picture keeps changing? I don't have many answers, but am happy to share some lessons learned (so far) about leading a team, managing up, and staying (mostly) sane through uncertainty.
4:50-5:20pm – Closing (Vanstone, SJ2 1004)
5:30pm – Optional Social (Funcken Café)