I want to share an important update with you regarding Housing & Residential Education. As the University of Utah continues to grow—welcoming more students and expanding our campus—we are making strategic adjustments to ensure we continue to provide the best experience for our students while also improving how we operate.
Annalisa Purser, Chief of Staff for Student Affairs, will transition to a new role with the Board of Trustees at the University of Utah by the end of March. Rachel Aho, Sr. Director of Housing, will assume some of Purser's responsibilities part-time. Student Affairs appreciates Purser's contributions and welcomes Aho's leadership.
Balancing work, school, and personal life can be challenging. The Four Burners Theory suggests focusing on Family, Friends, Health, and Work, adjusting priorities as needed. James Clear's Atomic Habits emphasizes small, consistent actions for long-term success. Design your environment, stack habits, and celebrate small wins to enhance productivity.
Crafting a positive professional presence involves dressing for success, using effective body language, honing communication skills, developing emotional intelligence, and managing social media. These elements help reflect your personality and values, opening doors to career opportunities.
Lori McDonald, Vice President for Student Affairs, warns staff about phishing emails impersonating her. She emphasizes that official communications will always come from her @utah.edu email and never request gift cards or sensitive information. Staff should report suspicious emails to the university’s IT security team.