In November 2024, Michigan State University leaders and housing professionals gathered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, for the annual Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers Conference.  

This event brought together housing professionals from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. It served as a platform for learning, collaboration and leadership development. MSU made a significant impact, with several members receiving accolades and stepping into new leadership roles. 

GLACUHO 2024 Recap 
At the 2024 GLACUHO Conference, MSU professionals were recognized for their contributions to student housing. Community Director Caroline Murray and former Residence Director Meriya Zalma received Top 10 Program Awards, highlighting their innovative approaches to housing education. 

Residence Education and Housing Services Facilities Manager Jim Steingreaber was honored as the GLACUHO Facility Manager of the Year, reinforcing MSU’s leadership in housing operations.  

Chief of Staff for REHS Matea Čaluk served as the Contemporary Issues Expert for the 2024 GLACUHO conference, guiding discussions and mentoring professionals throughout the event. Each year, the GLACUHO President-Elect selects a focus area to explore. For 2024, Čaluk was selected to lead conversations on the theme Adapting to the Evolving Needs/Wants of Our Professionals to Create a Sustainable Future. 

“I led a pre-conference webinar, delivered the keynote speech, facilitated a breakout session and conducted one-on-one consultations over two days at the conference,” said Čaluk. "I also hosted a follow-up Zoom meeting in December as an opportunity to discuss progress." 

Initiatives like this help housing professionals navigate workforce trends and implement sustainable solutions. 

Bringing Facilities to the Forefront 
Steingreaber was named the GLACUHO Facilities and Operations Committee Chair, a two-year appointment. This committee explored housing facilities and operations while educating staff on best practices. It collaborated with professionals across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. 

“GLACUHO allows us to bridge the gap between facilities and residential education,” said Steingreaber. “I’m excited to bring a facilities-focused perspective to the association and help universities improve their housing operations.” 

Steingreaber aimed to increase awareness of facility management challenges and provide resources for smaller institutions. 

“One of the first things we worked on was creating a resource library within GLACUHO,” said Steingreaber. “It’s not about telling universities what to do but sharing what others have done and offering case studies to provide knowledge.” 

His committee also supported initiatives like MSU’s Women in Facilities program, which promotes diversity in a traditionally male-dominated field. Discussions around emerging technologies, including automation and artificial intelligence, shaped new approaches to campus housing operations. 

Evolving Staff Needs in a Post-Pandemic World 
Čaluk’s work aligned closely with GLACUHO’s focus on staff engagement and retention. She led conversations on efforts in strategic planning, succession planning and gathering employee experience data to inform policy improvements and workplace culture. 

At the GLACUHO conference, she had guided discussions and one-on-one meetings to help universities develop people-centered strategies for the residential experience. “We need to shift our mindset from change to renovation,” Čaluk said. “Rather than overhauling everything, we should modernize and adapt traditions, roles and structures to meet the evolving needs of students and staff.” 

This approach ensured institutions maintain strong, supportive housing communities while addressing workforce expectations and student needs. 

Strengthening Campus Safety and Crisis Management 
Murray’s leadership focused on addressing mental health, conflict resolution and digital safety in student housing. With a team of 15 professionals, she focused on developing resources and training materials to assist institutions across the region. 

“We’re seeing a growing impact of mental health on students' ability to succeed academically and in residence halls,” said Murray. “Our discussions focus on how we can equip housing professionals with the tools to navigate these challenges effectively.” 

Her committee examined how students’ digital footprints and social media activity impact campus conflicts. Additionally, she emphasized interdepartmental collaboration, ensuring campus partners work together to enhance student safety and well-being. Strengthening crisis management strategies allowed universities to foster secure residential environments. 

A Network of Support and Growth 
Beyond their leadership roles, Steingreaber, Čaluk and Murray emphasized the connections they’ve built through GLACUHO. The organization provides a space for exchanging ideas, refining best practices and fostering professional growth. 

“GLACUHO is like a family,” said Murray. “Every year at the conference, I see more familiar faces and we build on the work we’ve done to improve housing operations across institutions.” 

For graduate students and professionals interested in housing careers, involvement in organizations like GLACUHO is invaluable. The association offers rolling committee applications and conference opportunities, with the 2026 conference set to be held in Lansing, Michigan. 

About GLACUHO 
GLACUHO's mission is to provide the best opportunities for housing officers to learn, lead and serve. The organization envisions becoming a premier regional housing association, guided by core values of personal, professional and organizational growth, service, visionary leadership and inclusivity. 

The association supports housing officers in meeting the evolving needs of students, improving residential facilities, advancing professional standards and promoting sustainability and diversity. GLACUHO also prioritizes combating hate crimes and fostering inclusive communities across higher education institutions. 

Get Involved with GLACUHO 
Through their leadership and collaboration, these MSU professionals shape the future of campus housing, ensuring students and staff have the support and resources they need to thrive. 

For those interested in joining GLACUHO, whether as students or professionals, the organization provides invaluable networking opportunities and educational resources. To learn more about upcoming events, committee applications, or the 2026 conference in Lansing, visit glacuho.org. 

Author: Dani Del Castillo, student communications assistant