The Roommate Resource Service

Parent Training Module: Abstract and Facilitator Information

Abstract:

Roommate conflicts are stressful for students, for parents, and also for the university administrators who are involved in helping to resolve roommate conflicts. This resource provides parents with information on how to assist their student with the development of positive roommate relationships, and the typical university response to a roommate conflict. The importance of assertive communication is reviewed, as is information on how conflicts are typically negotiated on campus. Also presented is the role of the RA and Hall Director in resolving conflicts, the roommate agreement process, and tips for understanding roommate conflicts and supporting their student through the roommate conflict process.

This resource is generic enough to meet the needs of all institutions, but specific enough to provide quality educational information to parents.

Facilitator Information:

Jody Donovan serves as the Director of Student Transitions and Parent & Family Programs at Colorado State University. She also serves as an Assistant Professor, teaching Student Development Theory for the Student Affairs in Higher Education graduate program. Jody has over 18 years of experience, working at both public and private institutions, within housing, Greek life, judicial affairs, career counseling, orientation, academic and personal skills advising, as well as general administration. Currently working on her dissertation involving a family’s experience sending their first-generation, Latina student to college, Jody anticipates receiving her doctoral degree in May, 2006 from the University of Northern Colorado. In her spare time, Jody enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons in Fort Collins, Colorado.