Who's Who in the Office of Residential Education & Services

Director of Residential Education and Services
Susanne Ferrin

Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President for Student Development & Campus Life, the Director of Residential Education is responsible for the development, oversight and ongoing evaluation of both the residential education and housing operations components of a comprehensive residential program. The director provides leadership in staff selection, supervision and training; budget and policy development; facility planning and operations; program management; strategic planning; marketing and retention of the residence student population; students’ rights and responsibilities; community building and the integration of academic programs into the residential halls. Through a staff of managerial, professional, clerical support and students the director provides clear definition of roles enabling each member to contribute to the success of the overall program.

Associate Director for Budget & Residential Services
Jeanine Stroh

Reporting directly to the Director of Residential Education and Services, the Associate Director for Budget and Residential Services is responsible for the fiscal and operational housing components of Residential Education and Services. The Associate Director oversees the day to day budget functions of the department and works with the Director in preparing the annual budget. The Associate Director coordinates the management of facilities through an aggressive plan of maintenance, repair and replacement. The Associate Director works closely with the Director in establishing strategic/long term plans for all facilities, existing and proposed. With an objective of full occupancy and the development of healthy living conditions the Associate Director oversees the program and policies inherent in room selection, room change situations, lease agreements, conference housing and overall quality of facilities. The Associate Director assists the Director as needed in all areas of residential services management and acts on his/her behalf as an appointed designee.

Assistant Director for Residential Education
Kevin Stenberg

Reporting directly to the Director of Residential Education and Services, the Assistant Director for Residential Education is responsible for the development and coordination of professional and student staff training; general residence hall programming; and academically based educational and leadership programs. In addition, the Assistant Director takes the lead in establishing relationships with the University’s student activities, student leadership, new student experience, center for academic advising and adult learning, intercollegiate athletics, campus recreation and admissions staffs in creating and sustaining a series of programs for residential students. The Assistant Director participates in the marketing of these programs and their on-going assessment. The objective of the Assistant Director is to build a strong sense of community through consistent staff approaches to residential living and its challenges as well as significant student involvement in residential life programs.

Assistant Director for Facilities Management
Theresa Giardino

Reporting to the Associate Director for Budget & Residential Services, the Assistant Director for Facilities Management is responsible for the coordination of the maintenance and repair of residential facilities as well proposing long term capital improvements.  The Assistant Director supervises the department’s Facilities Coordinator, providing direction and systems for rapid response to facilities matters.  They work closely with the University’s Physical Plant administration in establishing methods for identifying facility issues and remediation within acceptable timeframes.  Working with the Associate Director and Facilities Coordinators, the Assistant Director helps to establish high standards for maintenance, repairs, purchases and customer service that contributes both to student satisfaction and a quality living learning environment.

Housing Assignments Coordinator
Kevin Schafer

Reporting directly to the Associate Director for Budget and Residential Services, the Housing Assignments Coordinator is responsible for the overall coordination of room assignments for new and returning students; the development of comprehensive marketing and retention programs; the development of living/learning communities and special interest housing programs; summer conference operations and guestroom registrations. The Housing Assignments Coordinator works closely with many University offices, including Admissions, Auxiliary Services, Bursar, Financial Aid and Disability Resource Center.

Facilities Coordinator/Conference Services
Malini Som

Reporting directly to the Assistant Director for Facilities Management, the Facilities Coordinator/Conference Services is responsible for the day-to-day identification of facility issues and their remediation. The Facilities Coordinator works with in-residence staff and the Assistant Director to identify those issues and then provides official notification to Physical Plant. Through relationships established with Physical Plant staff, the Facilities Coordinator develops timelines for work completion and provides follow-up as needed. Through effective communication with students and staff as well as timely completion of maintenance and repairs, the Facilities Coordinator serves to provide good customer service. Additionally, the Facilities Coordinator/Conference Services is responsible for working with the Associate Director for Budget & Services in coordinating the use of residential facilities for conferences.

Residential Education Specialist
Clara Jackson

Reporting directly to the Assistant Director for Residential Education, the Residential Education Specialist is a member of the Residential Education & Services team who takes the lead role in developing and nurturing learning communities and special interest housing in the residence halls. The Residential Education Specialist is also responsible for coordinating the programming efforts of the residential professional and student staff. Through a strong program of co-curricular, leadership and activities based initiatives the department of Residential Education and Services seeks positive outcomes of better student academic performance, increased student satisfaction and building a sense of community within and across residence halls. Working with the Assistant Director for Residential Education, the Residential Education Specialist establishes significant working relationships with other departments and members of the faculty to bring enrichment resources to the residence halls.

Housing Applications Developer
Claire Lichack

Reporting directly to the Technical Project Specialist for the Division of Student Development and Campus Life, the Housing Applications Developer is responsible for implementing, maintaining, and supporting information systems, and supporting the Technical Project Specialist in department wide IT projects. Responsibilities include management information systems and web-based application services support for Residence Life, Dining Services and the One-Card Office.

Community Director

Under the supervision of the Director of Residential Education & Services, the Community Director is responsible for the management of housing communities of resident students. General responsibilities include: student staff development, student community development, routine administration, conference housing, activity programs, supporting learning communities and professional development. The Community Director serves as a role model and mentor to staff and resident students. With a strong emphasis on providing educational experiences in a residential community, the Community Director orchestrates activities that integrate the academic and social life of students. The Community Director develops cooperative ventures between their residential facility and other University departments through professional collaborations.

Community Assistant

Reporting directly to the Community Director, the Community Assistant is responsible for the day to day interaction and development of the students who reside in the residence halls. The Community Assistant is an upper class student who is chosen and trained by the department to assist students in adapting to residential living and encouraging learning outside the classroom through maintaining a safe and secure environment for resident students, student community development, and educational programming.