Michigan State University welcomed housing and dining service professionals for the annual Michigan Housing and Dining Service Officers Association (MHDSOA) conference Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. This year's theme, “Cultivating Collective Impact,” emphasized the importance of collaboration and shared experiences among professionals working in similar roles across the state.

As the fall semester kicked off and students settled into their routines, around 50 conference attendees representing universities across the state of Michigan gathered to reflect on their work, exchange ideas and celebrate their successes in a supportive environment. At the opening, Director of Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) Helena Gardner invited attendees to, “Take a breath,” adding, “We’re here to engage and connect. For just a few days, we have the chance to exhale on our challenges and inhale new ideas and experiences.”

Key Topics and Collaborative Discussions
Throughout the conference, attendees explored a variety of important topics related to housing and dining services. These included understanding Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations, managing early arrivals and summer operations, effective staff supervision, and handling mail and packages. Additional discussions covered student conduct issues tied to Title IX, mid-year staff onboarding, and budgeting for maintenance projects.

Panel discussions delved into specialized areas such as housing and dining accommodations and the importance of trauma-informed and identity-conscious customer service. These panels emphasized the need for inclusive and empathetic approaches in supporting diverse student populations.

In addition to new panel discussions this year, the planning committee hosted a Michigan-themed trivia night in the Izzo Hall of History in the Breslin Center. Teams were split to represent different schools, and attendees were able to network during this friendly competition while enjoying a delicious meal from Kellogg Catering.

Looking Beyond the Basics: Housing and Dining’s Broader Role
A major goal of the event was to encourage reflection on the broader role housing and dining services play in shaping student experiences. Dr. Ray Gasser, assistant vice president of REHS, and Rebecca Selesky, assistant vice president of Culinary Services emphasized the importance of this message in their co-drafted introduction pamphlet, saying, “Students and their support systems are looking for us to share our value as they determine if and where they want to invest in higher education.”

The discussions highlighted how housing and dining services go beyond providing spaces for students to eat and sleep — they play a critical role in supporting student well-being, retention and success. Attendees also explored strategies for better communicating the value of these services to campus partners, ensuring that their essential contributions to student life and the academic mission are fully recognized.

Shaping the Future of Campus Living
As the conference concluded, participants had the opportunity to gain new insights and explore strategies to enhance their operations and better serve students. The discussions around collective impact, innovation, and the essential role of housing and dining services in higher education provided valuable takeaways. By focusing on collaboration and shared experiences, the conference encouraged attendees to reflect on their contributions and consider new ways to support student success and well-being.