In addition to providing our studentry with constant support, residence life staff strive to grow their professional lives.

“Professional development is critical for thinking beyond what we currently do in our roles and learning what we could be doing better or smarter,” said Stacy Oliver-Sikorski, Associate Director of Residence Life for Student Success.

“Our involvement connects us with colleagues at similar institutions, or even different institutions, and gives us a new lens with which to view our work and resources to improve how we do it.”

Oliver-Sikorski recently co-wrote a chapter about accessibility in the book, Campus Housing Management, published by the International Association of College and University Housing Officers (ACUHO). She is also the president-elect for the Great Lakes Region ACUHO.

Recommended by Oliver-Sikorski, residence director Lee Cambata, was recently selected to attend a Professional Development Institute sponsored by the regional housing organization. Cambata is one of 20 participants selected to study with seasoned professionals in the field of student affairs.

“I am looking forward to meeting other professionals like myself and being mentored by amazing experienced professionals,” Cambata said. “I am excited to build my knowledge base in certain areas that I know will help me thrive in my current role and my future career goals.”

She will attend the three-day seminar in February. 

In The Loop residence director, Laura Williams, received the Outstanding New Professional in Illinois award by the regional housing association this fall. 

In his letter of recommendation for Williams, Davis Schneiderman, Director of the Center for Chicago Programs, wrote, “Laura is an excellent professional at the start of her career, and she is well deserving of the recognition that comes with this honor.” 

“The award came as such a surprise,” said Williams. “It was moving to read how just doing the work I love to do impacts people in different ways.”

Congrats to the awesome achievements in the Office of Residence Life!

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