About the Episode
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About the Episode:
Dustin chats with Dr. Paul Gordon Brown for this week’s episode, an expert in residence life technology and thought leadership, to explore how digital tools are reshaping the residential education experience. As the co-founder of Roompact, Paul shares insights on the evolution of res life tech, why AI is often misused in higher ed, and the importance of thoughtful, intentional technology adoption. They also dive into the broader challenges facing student housing, from balancing service vs. engagement to the risk of residential education becoming a luxury only accessible to the wealthy. If you're interested in how technology can improve student engagement and success, this episode is a must-listen.
Key Takeaways
- Residence life is evolving: What was once primarily a housing service has transformed into a strategic tool for student engagement and success.
- Technology enhances student connections: Digital tools help residence life professionals streamline operations, improve efficiency, and create deeper engagement opportunities for students.
- AI must be used thoughtfully: The hype around AI in higher education is real, but its most valuable applications lie in data analysis and decision-making, rather than just automating basic tasks.
- Higher ed marketing requires a long-term approach: RoomPact’s strategy of providing free, high-quality content demonstrates that trust and value-building often outperform aggressive sales tactics.
- Residential life is a social capital builder: Living on campus provides unique networking opportunities that online education may not replicate, raising concerns about accessibility and equity.
How Has Student Housing Evolved Over Time?
The guest highlights the major shift in how universities view student housing. In the past, it was managed similarly to an apartment complex—primarily focused on providing a place to live. Over time, institutions realized that students who live on campus are more likely to be retained and succeed academically. This led to a growing emphasis on residence life as an integral part of the student experience. Today, digital tools are making it easier to measure student engagement and tailor experiences to enhance learning and personal development.
What Role Does Technology Play in Residence Life?
Technology has become essential in helping residence life professionals manage the complexity of their roles. Staff members handle everything from student conduct to crisis response, often working long hours with limited resources. Software solutions like RoomPact streamline operations, freeing up time for professionals to focus on meaningful student interactions. Beyond efficiency, technology also provides valuable data that can be used to improve student outcomes—not just in terms of service satisfaction but in fostering deeper learning and engagement.
What Are the Smartest Uses of AI in Higher Ed?
AI is everywhere in higher education, but not all applications are meaningful. The guest critiques the trend of adding AI features just for the sake of it, using the example of AI-powered email writing tools that don’t provide real innovation. Instead, he argues that AI’s most powerful use case lies in making sense of vast amounts of data—helping universities identify trends, predict student needs, and improve decision-making. He emphasizes that while AI is undoubtedly important, the higher ed sector is still in a phase of experimentation, trying to determine where it truly adds value.
How Does Content Marketing Fit Into Higher Ed Sales?
RoomPact has taken a unique approach to marketing by providing free, high-quality content without requiring email signups or pushing aggressive sales tactics. This strategy is rooted in a long-term vision: by educating the industry and fostering thoughtful discussions, they naturally attract the right audience to their software. The guest notes that higher ed professionals are wary of hard sales pitches, and companies that take a more relationship-driven approach tend to see better results in the long run.
Is On-Campus Housing Becoming a Privilege for the Wealthy?
One of the most thought-provoking points in the discussion is the potential socioeconomic divide between residential and online learning experiences. The guest expresses concern that as tuition costs rise, the in-person college experience may become something only wealthier students can afford. On-campus housing isn’t just about convenience—it’s a key driver of social mobility, connecting students to valuable networks that can shape their futures. He warns that if residential life becomes a luxury rather than a standard, it could deepen existing inequalities in higher education.
About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and I Wanna Work There.
Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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