Staff can establish shared ground rules, ensure all parties are heard and reinforce the purpose of the conversation. Training student staff on active listening, conflict mediation, and intercultural awareness can ensure a foundation of trust is built through roommate meetings.

Roommate agreements serve to start a conversation and introduce the RA as the first point of contact when things start to go sideways. It’s our role as educators to help students understand how to proactively and effectively address current and potential problems to reduce harm.