2025 OACUHO Winter Conference
On February 22, 2025 Campus Living Centres partnered with George Brown College to co-host a new conference for the Ontario Association of College and University Housing Officers (OACUHO). The newly created Winter Conference brought together student staff from across Ontario to learn and exchange ideas surrounding their work in residence life. The conference was an overwhelming success and underscored Campus Living Centres' commitment to enhancing the student experience in collaboration with our post-secondary partners.
Ryan Sargent, Director, College Business Services & Procurement highlighted the role partnerships play, stating, "George Brown College was happy to partner with Campus Living Centres to deliver the 2025 OACUHO Winter Conference. As a leader in higher education, George Brown College was delighted to welcome a dynamic and diverse group of student residence leaders to our Waterfront campus, where they exchanged best practices and explored innovative ways to foster resilient residence communities."
The Winter Conference was also a new opportunity for Campus Living Centres to affirm our support for OACUHO and their mandate. Luke Jeffery, Director, Residence Life - Leadership, Training & Development, stated, "Campus Living Centres continues to seek new opportunities that further enhance innovation and collaboration within the field of Residence Life. The success of the Winter Conference is a prime example of what can be accomplished when we work together."
We are excited to support this event in the future and to continue fostering meaningful connections that enhance the student residence experience. The success of the Winter Conference demonstrates the impact of collaboration, and we look forward to seeing its lasting benefits for student leaders and the broader Residence Life community.
Luke Jeffery
Director, Residence Life – Leadership, Training & Development
Supporting Success: Highlights from Our Annual Fall Sales Meeting
Supporting Success: Highlights from Our Annual Fall Sales Meeting
Last month, our full Residence and Conference Centre (RCC) sales team came together for our annual fall meeting—a meaningful opportunity to reflect, connect, and prepare for the future. Spanning locations across Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta, our team is united by a shared dedication to delivering exceptional service.
This two-day event underscored the importance of fostering collaboration and celebrating the people who make our successes possible. The meeting was a mix of productive discussions, collaborative group work, and moments of recognition. We reviewed the past season’s achievements, identified opportunities for growth, and set priorities for the road ahead. The event culminated in a celebratory boat ride along the scenic Kingston, Ontario Harbour—an ideal setting to relax, recharge, and build stronger connections within our team.
A highlight of the gathering was the opportunity to honor both incoming and outgoing team members. After an incredible 19 years of service, we bid farewell to Harley Freedman from our Toronto and King locations. Harley’s dedication to the RCC brand has been invaluable, and while we are sad to see him go, we are grateful for his contributions and wish him well in retirement!
Our team’s strength lies not just in its professional achievements but in its remarkable longevity. Many of our sales team members have been with us for over a decade—a testament to the supportive environment we strive to maintain. Retention of strong team members is a challenge for many organizations, but it is a challenge we are fortunate to face less often.
As a geographically diverse team, the ability to meet in person is a rare and valuable opportunity. Events like this annual meeting remind us of the importance of recognizing our team’s efforts and fostering their growth. Supporting the “inner game” of each team member—by acknowledging their contributions, encouraging their development, and fostering collaboration—remains a cornerstone of our approach to leadership.
As we move forward into the 2025 conference season (May - August), the lessons and connections from this year’s meeting will guide us in achieving our goals. Together, we are stronger, more aligned, and better equipped to meet the challenges ahead.
Residence Life Training
The recent Residence Life Training, conducted by our Residence Life Team from August 12-23, was a pivotal event in preparing Resident Advisors (RAs) and Residence Life Management Team (RLMT) members to support students across Canada. With 330 RAs and 50 RLMT members in attendance, the training aimed to equip them with essential skills to address the evolving needs of the student population. This year’s program featured expert speakers, external partnerships, and sessions designed to tackle the critical issues of mental health, inclusivity, and student safety.
A key component of the training was the involvement of external partners specializing in mental health and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). These collaborations ensured RAs gained practical knowledge to support their peers in today’s diverse and complex campus environments.
The LivingWorks START program was a central part of the training. This suicide alertness course trains participants to recognize and respond to signs of suicide risk, an increasingly important skill given the rising mental health challenges among students. RAs left the training equipped to offer support and intervene in times of crisis.
The Inquiring Mind, developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, focused on promoting mental health and reducing stigma in educational settings. It encouraged RAs to foster open discussions about mental well-being, a critical aspect of supporting students who may struggle with mental health issues.
Another significant program was Creating Consent Culture on Campus by Possibility Seeds, which addressed gender-based violence and consent. This course provided RAs with the tools to navigate difficult conversations and support students in creating a safe, respectful campus environment.
The training also covered DEI through the Foundations of DEI program from the Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion (CCDI). RAs explored how to create inclusive communities on individual, team, and organizational levels, which is essential for supporting the increasingly diverse student populations across Canada. Additionally, the See Different Program was introduced, which the RAs will engage with throughout the fall to earn their certification in "Principles of EDI."
In addition to the training programs delivered, the event featured impactful keynote speakers. Tina Varugheseopened the conference with a session on cross-cultural communication, a vital skill for RAs working in diverse student environments. Her talk emphasized the need for understanding cultural differences to better serve residents.
Craig Whitton delivered the closing keynote, offering insights on leadership, resilience, and the unique challenges RAs face. His message encouraged attendees to approach their roles with empathy, adaptability, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Neeshali Piekutowski led interactive sessions on Effective Boundary Setting, Active Listening, and Assertiveness. These topics are critical for RAs, as they often balance complex relationships with their peers while maintaining a position of leadership.
Beyond the external partnerships, the event included over 20 internal sessions facilitated by our RLMT members. These covered a wide range of topics vital to residence management, including Student Support, Residence Learning Models, Emergency Procedures, and Restorative Justice. These sessions were designed to provide RAs with the knowledge and practical skills needed for day-to-day operations and for managing crises in residence.
Livestream sessions were also incorporated into the conference, allowing for broader participation and making the content accessible to those who could not attend in person. This hybrid approach ensured flexibility for attendees.
The training also highlighted the importance of Indigenous perspectives. Asha Frost, an Indigenous healer and speaker, opened and closed the conference with ceremonies that emphasized connection, reflection, and respect for Indigenous cultures. These ceremonies provided a meaningful cultural context, aligning with the broader goal of fostering inclusive and respectful communities within residences.
The 2024 Residence Life Training was a crucial step in preparing RAs and RLMT members for the academic year. With a focus on mental health, inclusivity, and leadership, the training provided participants with the tools necessary to support students in a dynamic and evolving campus environment. This event ensured that Campus Living Centres remains at the forefront of student support, continuing to foster enriching, inclusive, and safe residence communities across Canada.
Celebrating Excellence on and off the Track: Ahmad Sangau (Sangau) Represents Canada in the Multisport Duathlon World Championships 2024
We are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of one of our own, George Brown College, Sales & Conference Manager, Sangau, who recently competed in the 2024 Multisport Duathlon World Championships in Townsville, Australia. Not only is Sangau a key member of our Residence & Conference Centres – Canada sales team, bringing dedication and an infectious smile to the workplace, but he is also an accomplished athlete who embodies perseverance and passion on the track.
Competing against some of the best duathletes in the world, Sangau finished an impressive 57th out of 319 participants and 11th in his age group. His race, the Sprint Duathlon, consisted of a 5km run, a 20km bike ride, and a 2.5km run, with finishing times of:
- 5km Run: 16:55 minutes
- 20km Bike: 32:45 minutes
- 2.5km Run: 8:54 minutes
When reflecting on the experience, Sangau shared, “It was an honor to represent Canada at the Multisport Duathlon World Championships. The experience of lining up with some of the best duathletes in the world was unforgettable. While I’m satisfied with my results, there’s always room for improvement, and I look forward to the next challenge."
In addition to this remarkable achievement, Sangau also qualified for next year’s championships in Spain after competing in the Canadian National Championships in Montreal, where he finished 5th overall and 3rd in his age group.
A significant part of his journey has been fueled by the support from his team at work, “from the bottom of my heart, I’m incredibly grateful for your support toward achieving my athletic goals," said Sangau. "Your belief in me, not only on the track but also at work, has inspired me to set new goals and continuously strive for excellence."
We believe in the power of teamwork and support, both in the office and beyond. Sangau’s story is a testament to the impact of dedication, community, and the pursuit of goals, whether in the professional or athletic arena.
Congratulations, Sangau, on your incredible performance! We are proud to have you on our team and excited to see what the future holds for you in both your athletic and professional endeavors.
A Smooth Transition: Preparing Students for Campus Living
A Smooth Transition: Preparing Students for Campus Living
September, the gateway to a new academic year, is a time of excitement and anticipation for students moving into residences across the country. For those working behind the scenes in student housing and campus operations, the journey to ensure a seamless move-in begins long before the leaves start to turn. It’s a process filled with planning, collaboration, and communication—all aimed at welcoming students into their new home away from home.
Moving into student housing is a significant milestone in one’s life, with a team of over 330 Residence Advisors and 55 within our Residence Life Management Team, we provide not only academic support but also foster a sense of community and belonging. From social activities to resource identification, our staff is here to help students navigate any challenges they may encounter.
Within housing, the ultimate goal is to ensure that every student has a positive experience and feels welcomed into their new residence community. When our team’s hard work pays off, and students feel comfortable, it's essential to celebrate these successes. Recognizing the dedication and effort of our staff reinforces the sense of community that we strive to create. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our staff for their dedication and unwavering support. Your efforts are the foundation of our students' successful transition into campus life. As we welcome a new cohort of students into our buildings, we remain dedicated to ensuring that their time with us is among the best years of their lives.