The National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) has presented its January Adviser of the Month award to University of Wyoming Residence Life & Dining Services Area Coordinator Sharleen Jenniges.
She was selected as the regional winner and went on to be chosen for the national award from among more than 100 nominees. Jenniges was nominated by Leah Bachert of Fairbanks, Alaska, a sophomore in secondary education and mathematics and resident assistant (RA) in Orr Hall.
"Shar has dedicated numerous hours to residence hall life this past month and this dedication shows not only through her creative presentations but also through her genuine commitment to making residence hall living better each and every day for each and every person," says Bachert. "Her commitment to her job parallels her passion to help others."
Jenniges, area coordinator for student conduct in Orr, Crane and Hill halls, always takes time to assist RAs to find creative and fair solutions to student conduct issues, says Bachert.
"I believe this award indicates the care and commitment Shar demonstrates to her students daily," says associate director of Residence Life and Dining Services Tony Earls. "The live-in professional staff and the paraprofessional staff at UW work to create an active and healthy academic community."
To create that sense of community, Jenniges presented a session during January's "Winter Warm-up" RA training in which she taught simple tricks to help RAs make their bulletin boards unique and exceptional.
"Posting information on bulletin boards is one small way RAs can help educate students. If the RAs can make their boards eye-catching and interactive, more students will stop by to read them," says Jenniges. "My role is to help RAs figure out how to capture the attention of their residents so that additional learning may take place outside of the classroom."
NACURH is the leading national organization advocating for the interests and welfare of residence hall students, while providing them with leadership opportunities. It promotes living on campus as an integral part of the college experience.
Posted on Friday, March 13, 2009
