Res Life presents at Institute for the Curricular Approach

Four Residential Life staff members presented at the ACPA - College Student Educators International's Institute for the Curricular Approach (ICA) in October 2023: Assistant Director for Residential Education Chris Ambrose, Community Director Sam Ferrigno, Community Director Danielle Parker, and Residential Education and Leadership Coordinator Grace Collins. Community Director Charlito Iwuagwu helped develop the presentation, entitled "The 'With' Box - Infusing Restorative Practices in the Review Process."

UMBC Residential Life was chosen as an ICA spotlight institution because of its well-developed residential curriculum that is rooted in restorative practices. Ambrose says, "It was a great professional development opportunity for all of us. We really enjoyed showcasing our institution and all of the hard work that has gone into making our residential education experience strong for our students." 

Presenters shared UMBC's journey in the review process of the residential curriculum, the creation process in improving areas within the curriculum, and the benefits of implementing the restorative philosophy throughout the whole process. They engaged key stakeholders, including RA's, the Residential Education Team (community directors and some graduate assistants), and residents. Outcomes included gaining more information about residents' knowledge and experience with the curriculum; assessing curriculum implementation and creating supporting tools to improve implementation; and revising curriculum sequencing and creating better learning outcomes.