CUBO Group Lead Spotlight: Sarah Djuric

At CUBO, we’re proud to have a range of groups that bring our members together to share knowledge, challenges and best practice. Our Special Interest Groups connect colleagues working in the same service areas, while our Regional Groups link members from nearby institutions. Both provide invaluable opportunities for support, information sharing and professional development.

To celebrate the people who lead these groups and help drive important conversations that matter to our sector, we’re introducing the chairs who are at the helm.

This week, meet Sarah Djuric, Chair of the CUBO Residence Life and Student Experience Group.

1. Can you tell us a bit about your career journey and how you came to your current role?
   
   While in University I worked as a Residence Life Assistant, a Campus Wellness Assistant and as the Engineering Co-Op Assistant. These student positions really opened my eyes to the world of student affairs and helped me kick start my career. After graduating I accepted a contract role as a Residence Life Coordinator at a small University. I found a real passion for crisis management, student experience and student support. I worked as a Residence Life Coordinator at a number of Universities in Canada before deciding to move over to the UK. I was lucky enough to have been offered a position as a Residence Life Manager at the University of Leeds, where I oversee our residence life programme.

2. What’s the focus of your special interest group, and why is it important in the current HE landscape?
   
   I lead on the Residence Life and Student Experience special interest group. The focus is exactly what you’d expect – all things residence life, and student experience. This group really breaks down the different aspects of residence life; programming, events, support, crisis response, conduct, student learning, and gives professionals an opportunity to come together to discuss the work we’re doing, the challenges we’re facing and learn from each other. With the HE landscape changing so much, Residence Life acts an opportunity for universities to set themselves apart from private providers and provide a really special and exciting experience to students. By focusing on student development and support, Residence Life can become a crucial part of a student co-curricular experience. We know that ‘sense of belonging’ and ‘community’ play a role in ensuring students settle in and are successful during their time at university- and that can often start with their experience in their living space.

3. What are some of the common challenges or hot topics your group has been discussing lately?
   
   Now we’re talking a lot about budget cuts and how Residence Life Teams can make the most of the money they have to run engaging programs for students in our halls. Another hot topic that’s come up recently is reviewing disciplinary processes and moving away from punitive systems towards more educational approaches. Finally, one of things we’re always talking about is staffing structures. There are so many of us in the group and we all run things differently at our institutions – we’re always having conversations about on-call staffing structures, student roles and the different ways we compensate students for their work (free accommodation, honorariums, paid roles, etc.)

4. Why would you encourage colleagues to get involved in a CUBO special interest group?
   
   It’s a great way to connect and learn from other residence life professionals. This group really acts as an opportunity to meet others and build yourself a strong professional wide-reaching professional network. Joining this group also gives you an enormous group of people you can reach out to if you or your team is ever dealing with an issue or challenge. We all act as a great sounding board for each other for solutions, new ideas and sometimes just a space to vent about challenges.

5. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone new in your area of expertise?
   
   Learn from everyone everywhere. ResLife professionals love to talk about what they do, so don’t be afraid to cold call or reach out to others to learn. Also – get involved, attend the roundtables, come to the conferences – use them as an opportunity to meet people, learn, and steal their ideas (we love to share in Residence Life). Finally – don’t stress to much. Our work can be challenging and heavy sometimes – it’s the lives and experiences of students we’re dealing with. It’s easy to be personally invested because we care so much…but it’s okay to take a break and to take time for yourself when you need it.

6. And finally – what do you do to recharge outside of work?
   
   I’ve always loved the outdoors and the opportunity to get some fresh air. Coming over from Canada I grew up spending a lot of time outdoors and in the woods, and as an adult that’s how I like to recharge. Whether it’s a run on the trails in Leeds, a hike through the peak district or just lying in the sun reading a book at the park, as long as it’s outside I’m happy. Fresh air always does wonders to help me recharge.