ALAHO Drive-In Conference
The University of Alabama will host the 2024 ALAHO Conference on Thursday, October 10. Our theme is Restart and Renew! Join us for a day filled with opportunities to connect, explore new practices and reignite your passion for learning about our field. Together, we will discover ways to make positive changes at our institutions.
- Register for the Conference by Friday, Sept 27
- Free! No cost to register
- Submit a Program by Friday, Sept 20
- This is an incredible opportunity for our staff to present and engage. We acknowledge the tight timeline, but we firmly believe that the strength of our organization resides in its people. Take a moment to reflect on the impactful work at your institutions, the topics close to your heart and the meaningful discussions you wish to initiate within the state.
- Nominate Awards and Positions by Thursday, Oct 3
- Positions Available: President-Elect, Secretary and Member-At-Large
- Awards: Service Award & Institution of the Year
Location: UA Student Center
All conference sessions will be located on the 3rd Floor of The University of Alabama Student Center. The Student Center is the heart of The University of Alabama’s campus. From grabbing coffee or a meal to providing space to hang out and relax with friends, you can find a place for most anything within the walls of the Student Center. Learn more about the UA Student Center here.
The physical address is 751 Campus Drive West, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Schedule
8:30-9 a.m. Check-in and Breakfast
9-9:50 a.m. Welcome and Opening Session
10-10:50 a.m. Program Sessions 1
11-11:50 a.m. Program Sessions 2
12-1 p.m. Lunch
1-1:50 p.m. Program Sessions 3
2-3 p.m. Business Meeting/Closing
3:15-4 p.m. Available Tour
Download a digital PDF version of the schedule!
Guest Speaker
Dr. Rosalind Moore-Miller is a vibrant, electrifying leader in the field of higher education with over 17 years of experience. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions in areas such as student engagement, graduate student involvement, and Housing and Residential Communities. Her deep passion for student development and her commitment to creating inclusive, enriching environments have been the hallmark of her professional journey. Currently, Dr. Moore-Miller serves as the Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement at the University of Alabama, where she leads efforts to enhance student life and involvement across campus.
Dr. Moore-Miller’s educational background is a testament to her dedication to academic excellence and leadership. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English and Political Science from Jacksonville State University, followed by a Master’s degree in Counselor Education. She later achieved her Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Leadership with a specialization in Social & Cultural Foundations of Education from the University of Alabama. Her research and academic focus provide her with a strong foundation to address the complex challenges facing students today, particularly in fostering social equity and cultural understanding in higher education. In her role as Assistant Vice President, Dr. Moore-Miller has been instrumental in shaping programs that promote student engagement, supporting both undergraduate and graduate students. Her leadership in Housing and Residential Communities has helped create spaces where students feel supported, heard, and empowered to succeed academically and socially.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Moore-Miller is a proud wife and mother, who cherishes spending time with her family. She is also an avid traveler and reader, finding joy in exploring new places and diving into books that broaden her perspective. Her passion for learning and personal growth extends beyond her work, making her a well-rounded and deeply impactful figure in the higher education landscape. Dr. Rosalind Moore-Miller’s ability to inspire those around her, combined with her vast experience and knowledge, make her an influential leader dedicated to advancing student success and fostering community on and off campus.
Opening Session
Hosted by ALAHO Past-President, Dr. Jeremy Sheffield, we will start our conference with a guided panel discussion involving senior housing officers across the state about the field, trends, areas of growth, and concerns they are seeing that impact housing organizations and professionals.
Program 1 Sessions (10-10:50 a.m.)
Financial Management in Housing (Room 3114)
Presented by Dr. Jeremy Sheffield, University of South Alabama
- Targeted towards entry-level and mid-level professionals this presentation will focus on exposure to budgeting terms, the budget cycle, understanding varying sources of revenue, how to read and interpret a budget, and creating a long-term financial management plan.
Elevating your Supervision (Room 3700)
Presented by Kait Webster & Michael Chavers, University of Alabama
- Explore methods for finding inspiration from various sources to elevate you supervision skills and improve your team dynamics. It is never too late to renew one’s intentions as a supervisor and find ways to better connect with and support your team. Supervision is an area where staff can continuously assess and renew their approach.
A How-To Guide for Housing Master Planning (Room 3107)
Presented by Dr. Matt Kerch (UA), Nyerere Tryman (Auburn), & Neil McMillion (UAH)
- Housing departments of any size struggle with identifying which areas to prioritize while developing long-term planning documents, deferred maintenance needs, and annua upkeep of residence halls. There is an increasing need to develop long-range housing planning documents at institutions. Strategies will be shared during this session with participants that highlight how projects were successful, due in large part to data driven decision-making informing smart fiscal practices, strategic planning, and promoting the importance of living on campus. It is necessary to effectively plan for future needs, in order to ensure the continued success of residential system operations. Attendees will be able to identify the changes that need to occur in residence halls, and begin the planning process to achieve these goals. Always remember that your buildings are a reflection of your department and institution – So, what message are you sending?
A Fresh Start: Renewing Your Approach to RA Hiring (Room 3111)
Presented by Hannah Colvin & Nicole Smith, University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Ready to revitalize your Resident Assistant recruitment and selection process? This hybrid session offers a thorough overview of UAH’s approach, covering essential stages such as recruitment strategies, the selection timeline, and effective interview practices. Participants will explore resources, including one-way interviews and the use of a checkbox scoring system, for successful hiring. The session will end with a roundtable discussion, fostering engagement and collaboration as attendees share questions and insights. Join us to enhance your understanding and refine your hiring practices!
Entering the Housing World with Confidence (Room 3108)
Presented by Kaylea Hudson, University of Alabama
- Entering the housing world can seem daunting and overwhelming. This program is designed to help professionals who have recently entered the housing world establish confidence and a framework for success. Ideas discussed and strategies recommended can also be used in onboarding sessions to improve the training process at your University. Come to this presentation to empower you or your new hires to Enter the Housing World with Confidence!
Complete a program evaluation!
Program 2 Sessions (11-11:50 a.m.)
First Generation Students on Campus (Room 3114)
Presented by Stephany Godinez, University of Alabama
- The number of First Generation students on campus have grown over the years. Finding ways to connect with students that have a different experience arriving to your institution is vital for their success. How should you cater to their interest and keep them involved if they do not have the correct support system? Learn how to design hall programs and what UA is doing around campus to include First Generation students.
Engage & Elevate: Transforming Training into a Fun Adventure (Room 3700)
Presented by Reagan McKelvey, University of Alabama
- Get ready to revolutionize your training experience! In this engaging session, we’ll explore how to make training sessions lively and inclusive. We’ll kick things off with a creative icebreaker, then dive into the significance of neurodivergence and effective accommodations. Learn to choose themes that enhance participation, create exciting challenges, and foster team building through a fun points system. From dress-up days to scavenger hunts, discover practical examples for any university size. Join us to unlock strategies that will transform your training into an unforgettable adventure for everyone involved!
Preparing to Interview: The Next Level (Room 3107)
Presented by Joe Kelley, University of Alabama
- Have you considered applying for a mid-level or upper level position? Come explore ways to prepare yourself to be ready for that next level interview. This session will discuss what to do currently in your position, how to prepare interview responses, and resume/cover letter writing to show you are ready for that promotion. This session will combine real life experience with tangible take away items to help you prepare for the mid-level interview process.
Understanding Communication Styles for Effective Leadership (Room 3111)
Presented by Savannah Dorriety, University of Alabama
- Communication is a vital skill for effective leadership, but with different people come different communication styles. A good leader should be able to communicate across styles effectively. This presentation aims to equip participants with an understanding of various communication styles and their impact on leadership. By exploring different approaches to communication, we can enhance interpersonal relationships, foster collaboration, and drive success.
Complete a program evaluation!
Program 3 Sessions (1-1:50 p.m.)
From “Hear Me Out” to “Here You Go”: Mastering the Art of Idea Implementation (Room 3114)
Presented by Nicole Smith & Hannah Colvin, University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Ready to turn your ideas into action? Join us for a dynamic session that will equip you with the tools to transform your concepts into successful plans. Discover the SPARKLE Framework, a practical guide through each project stage, from idea generation to execution. You’ll gain insights from real-world examples, learning how we’ve converted “hear me out” moments into impactful results. By the end of the session, you’ll have the skills and confidence to drive your ideas forward and make a meaningful impact in your role and organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your creative visions into reality.
SB129 Round Table Discussion (Room 3700)
Presented by Mya Walker, University of Alabama
- In this session, staff from each institution have the opportunity to participate in a round table discussion regarding the effects of SB129, how each institution is working to abide by SB129, and how each institution is ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and opportunity for all residents/students.
Mental Wellbeing of Resident Advisors: The Unique Impact Crisis Has on Student Staff (Room 3107)
Presented by Grey Smith, University of Alabama
- Our RAs are often the first people on the scene when crisis occurs in a residence hall. As a supervisor, it is important to provide the support and resources necessary to prevent burnout and secondary trauma associated with crisis response. We will review what the current data tells us about Resident Advisors and their mental wellbeing, how we can be proactive to mitigate the impact an incident can have on an RA, as well as look at how to strengthen your staff after an incident has occurred.
Leading our Leaders: A Guide to Student Leadership Development (Room 3111)
Presented by Caleb Sanders, University of South Alabama
- This presentation focuses on effective strategies for fostering student leadership development from a supervisory perspective. Emphasizing experiential learning and peer mentorship, we aim to help participants equip students with essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Through interactive leadership assessments and analyses, we hope to outline key characteristics that create a culture of leadership within educational environments. Supervisors will gain actionable insights to support and empower student leaders, ensuring they can make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
Complete a program evaluation!
Sponsors
ALAHO wants to acknowledge and thank the following sponsors for this year’s conference:
