Prospective Community Directors

Welcome From the Committee

Community Director Position

Benefits

All of our Community Directors receive a meal plan and housing. View the video below to see where you could be living as a Community Director!

Reasons to Live in San Diego

How have our community directors impacted student leaders?

"My CD inspires me to want to be a better RA because she wants my success. Having that care and support from her makes me perform better and want to go above and beyond to make her happy. Her leadership has complimented well out group's dynamics and has enabled all of us to bond and become friends- which totally transformed my experience for the better. I appreciate her compassion and care in what I'm going through both as an RA and as a person. She is a mentor to me by being an inspiration and a professional in what she does."-Sofia

“I don’t know if I would have applied to be an RA without meeting and getting to know my CD. They’ve been there as a mentor both as I navigated the RA role and through personal life. They’re someone I can turn too with any challenge and have a desire to see me grow. I couldn't’t imagine serving students in this role without their backing. It’s not uncommon to see our CDs visit us at the duty desk, engage with us at programs, and connect across campus not because they have to but because they want to. The authentic connection I have with my CD makes being an RA more than just another job.”-Tyler

Meet the Search Team

Tyler Crisman, Director of Residential Education, tylercrisman@sandiego.edu

Sabrina Nelson, Assistant Director of Residential Education, sabrinanelson@sandiego.edu 

Anthony Manzi, Community Director for Valley B, amanzi@sandiego.edu

Melissa Sheil, Community Director for Alcala Vista Apartments, msheil@sandiego.edu

Ian Christopher Ulep, Community Director for Valley A, iulep@sandiego.edu 

Meet the Residential Education Team

• Tyler Crisman, Director of Residential Education
  • Ed.D. Higher & Post-secondary Education Administration, New York University; M.S. Student Affairs in Higher Education, Colorado State University; B.A. Journalism & Mass Communication/Speech Communication, University of Northern Colorado
  • Professional Interests: Housing & Residential Life, Student Conduct, Study Abroad/Away, Diversity/Multicultural Affairs, Higher Ed Law, Strategic Planning
  • Reasons I Enjoy Working at USD: I get to work with talented, passionate students and colleagues.  At a smaller institution/department, I get to wear many different hats and have the opportunity to do a variety of types of work.  I get to be very developmental in my work. USD provides support and resources for my professional development. I love how our Mission and Values provide an anchor for my work with my colleagues.
  • One Thing You Appreciate About Working With Students at USD: They are some of the brightest and committed student leaders I've worked with over the years.  So many of them are excited to be changemakers out in the world once they leave USD - it's thrilling to play a small part in their development and growth as human beings.
  • Ways I Have Been Able to Get Involved On Campus: Campus-wide initiatives, committees, search processes, task-forces, etc.  Visibility at events, programs, etc.
  • What I Enjoy About San Diego and Southern California: The weather, for sure.  In particular, I thrive in this environment where it's almost always blue sky everyday....and you're almost always guaranteed a beautiful sunset view to end the day.  I also appreciate how San Diego has a lot to offer in terms of culture, food, activities, etc. That said, it doesn't feel like a big city - rather it's quite drivable (our traffic isn't nearly as bad as our neighbors to the north in LA) and easy to get around.
• Alysse Hogan, Community Director for Camino and Founders Halls
  • M.Ed. Student Affairs, UCLA; B.S. Communication, Indiana State University
  • Professional Interests: I am interested in student development in general. More specifically I am interested in supporting students' professional development and supporting them through career decisions and getting them connected to internships/job opportunities. Additionally, I'm interested bridging the gap within academic affairs and student affairs, and building a more cohesive learning experience for students
  • Reasons I Enjoy Working at USD: Aside from it being the most beautiful campus in the country, I enjoy working at USD because as administrators we are offered a variety of opportunities that most administrators aren't offered to participate in. For example, we get the opportunity to teach a leadership course for first year students, we get the opportunity to go abroad with second year students, and we also get to work very closely with other campus partners.
  • One Thing You Appreciate About Working With Students at USD: I appreciate that most USD students really buy in to the changemaking identity of the campus and have a genuine desire to positively impact the world around them.
  • Ways I Have Been Able to Get Involved On Campus: I have been involved with supporting the Black Student Resource Commons by attending their various events on campus. I also am currently in the process of building a NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program Cohort at USD. Additionally, I have been able to work with an academic department and teach a leadership course for first year students.
  • What I Enjoy About San Diego and Southern California: USD is VERY centrally located so anything or any place you want to go is usually never farther than 20 min away. I enjoy that San Diego has WAY less traffic than LA. I also enjoy that there are little sub communities within this larger city that make San Diego feel big enough but not overwhelming. And then obviously we have the best weather!
  • Hobbies and Interests: I'm a foodie so I love exploring different places to eat all around the city! I enjoy playing tour guide when friends come to visit so I enjoy taking people to all the tourist spots in the city that I only visit when I have visitors.
• Carrington Lemon, Community Director for Maher Hall
  • M.A. Higher Education Leadership, USD; B.A. Political Science and Sociology, University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Professional Interests: Supporting students with marginalized backgrounds and first-gen students and being an ally to support undocumented students - making post-secondary education assessible to larger populations through policy and law reform
  • Reasons I Enjoy Working at USD: I appreciate the small community that we have here at USD. Coming from a big city and attending a large public institution, I always felt like a number. USD is a small campus, which allows me to get to know folks on a more personal level. Those who I interact with on campus, whether that be daily or monthly, are always kind, thoughtful, and really do care to know how my day is going. 
  • One Thing You Appreciate About Working With Students at USD: The passion that our students have when it comes to equality, inclusion, and social justice truly inspires me to continue to support and empower those who feel they do not have a place on this campus. Their voices often aren't acknowledged as much as they should be, but students will continue to fight that much harder for the injustices they may be experiencing. 
  • Ways I Have Been Able to Get Involved On Campus: Critical Issues board and Sexual Misconduct board member, Men's club volleyball advisor, Men's Retreat facilitator, Black student retention committee, and will work with supporting undocumented students (UndocuAlly) 
  • What I Enjoy About San Diego and Southern California: Moving from Chicago here to San Diego, I didn't know a single person. While living here, I've had the opportunity to explore many of my interests (year-round, thanks weather) and look forward to continuing discovering myself. What I enjoy about living here is I don't feel rushed and can move at my own speed, while trying to figure out my next steps in life. 
  • Hobbies and Interests: DC comics (tv shows, movies, books, all of it), San Diego microbreweries, beach volleyball, football Sundays!visitors.
• Anthony Manzi, Community Director for Valley B
  • M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Boston College; B.A. in Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies from Assumption College 
  • Professional Interests: Housing and Residential Life, First-year experience and transition, Catholic higher education and specifically its intersectionality with gender and sexuality, college access, leadership development, student leader development and training, higher education law and policy
  • Reasons I Enjoy Working at USD: I appreciate the ways in which our department works together to take on new initiatives and try new practices. In the short time I have been here, I feel that I have been able to have an active voice in changing outdated or ineffective practices to better serve our students, student leaders, and their needs. Our small but mighty team is able to implement think critically, collaborate intentionally, and enact change which I really appreciate. Coming from a larger department, I truly value the tight-knit collaborative nature of our Residential Education team and feel it has been instrumental to serving our students and student leaders. 
  • One Thing You Appreciate About Working With Students at USD: I feel very proud to work with our students at USD because they truly are some of the most passionate and driven students I have ever worked with. The students here are extremely passionate about what they are studying and what they are involved in, and many of them genuinely want to make the world a better place. I have been impressed by their constant drive to learn - both in and outside of the classroom. They challenge one another in a way that promotes accountability while holding true the meaning and spirit of the USD community.
  • Ways I Have Been Able to Get Involved On Campus: I have had the pleasure of co-chairing our RA Training Committee overseeing January and August RA Training. I also serve as a member of our division-wide Student Leader Development and Preparation initiative working to create a cohesive student leader conference experience in August. I have been able to work closely with the New Student Onboarding team, in line with my passion for first-year transition, to help implement opening weekend and currently serve as our Residential Life representative on that university-wide committee. I co-advise our Scholastic and Residential Council and finally, serve on our CD Recruitment and Selection team! 
  • What I Enjoy About San Diego and Southern California: I am a self-identified beach bum so San Diego is a near perfect place for me. I love being able to see the ocean from different parts of campus, and having bodies of water within duty range. The weather here is unparalleled, which was a nice shift from chilly Boston winters. I love the different neighborhoods of San Diego because they make SD feel small and intimate while also giving you the "big city" feel as well. Southern California has a lot to offer as well, being a few hour drive from LA and only ~20 miles from Tijuana! (I've only made the drive to LA once, for an impulse purchase on Jonas Brothers concert tickets...#Whoops)
  • Hobbies and Interests: I love the beach and go pretty often. I also love trying new breweries which San Diego has a ton of. I enjoy reading autobiographies and memoirs, especially on the beach. Spending time with my pup and taking him to all the San Diego hotspots is also a great pastime. I recently bought a camera, so I'm trying to get into photography with the beautiful San Diego landscape!
• Sabrina Nelson, Assistant Director of Residential Education
  • M.Ed. Counselor Education (Student Affairs) from Clemson University; B.A. Theology from Creighton University
  • Professional Interests: Continuing to find ways to support more inclusive environments for all students to pursue their endeavors. I am interested in intentionally supporting second year and upper division students in their experience at universities, Title IX, and social justice education. Exploring what it will look like to pursue a PhD and discerning leadership opportunities.
  • Reasons I Enjoy Working at USD: We work with some really great people-from students, to faculty, and fellow staff. People are invested in the work we are doing and are striving to create a campus community that is supportive of learning, connections, and development. 
  • One Thing You Appreciate About Working With Students at USD: Our students are well informed and passionate about what they are doing. There is a high level of dedication to what they are pursuing which is inspiring to be around. 
  • Ways I Have Been Able to Get Involved On Campus: I have been able to represent our department on a few committees. Our division is highly collaborative, which allows me to build relationships and partnerships with other departments to further develop programs and initiatives. I have also been engaging in some offerings for faculty and staff through Mission and Ministry, which I have valued on a personal and professional level. 
  • What I Enjoy About San Diego and Southern California: The weather! It makes it so easy to be active and adventure outdoors around the area. I love being able to take my dog to the beach or hiking on a regular basis. Running year round here is so easy because the weather is perfect for outdoor running. There is always something going on in San Diego to do-whether it is farmers markets, eating out, adventuring.
  • Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy running, reading, swimming, skiing, watching college sports, exploring, playing with my dog, walking, learning, and connecting with friends. 
• Allie Polk, Community Director for Valley Apartments
  • M.Ed. in Student Affairs and B.A. in Psychology & Sociology from Iowa State University
  • Professional Interests: Supporting students through simplifying administrative and facilities related processes; Integrating Student Affairs and Custodial work to enhance student development; Life skills education in Residential Life
  • Reasons I Enjoy Working at USD: I love working at USD because of the people I get to be with. My colleagues are incredibly supportive, kindhearted, and fun. Not only do we work productively and collaboratively together, but we genuinely enjoy spending time with each other outside of our roles. For example, many of us on the Residential Education team get together to watch the Bachelor together on Monday evenings or go out to get dessert after team meetings with our RAs. Additionally, because working in Residential Education can be challenging at times with a busy schedule, many instances of the unexpected, and living where you work, the support I receive from the folks I work with means a lot and feels endlessly uplifting.
  • One Thing You Appreciate About Working With Students at USD: The students here at USD continually remind me of all the reasons I first entered the field of Student Affairs. Our student leaders and residents are passionate, empathetic, and ambitious. I love their energy and interest in changing the world for the better.
  • Ways I Have Been Able to Get Involved On Campus: Working at a medium sized campus, like USD, means that there are endless ways to be involved! Outside of my typical CD duties, this year I have had the opportunity to co-chair our RA Recruitment & Selection committee, work on a Learning Communities committee, and facilitate Restorative Justice circles. Outside of work, but still on campus, I have had the opportunity to facilitate circle style conversations with multiracial students and be a judge at the annual Multicultural Talent Show!
  • What I Enjoy About San Diego and Southern California: When I arrived in San Diego for my on campus interview, I knew the city felt like home right away. Having lived in the South and the Midwest, I knew I was looking for something different during my job search. Now that I having been in SD for a bit, it has felt more and more like home every day. The sunshine, palm trees, and beautiful views are wonderful all times of the year. San Diego is just a few hours drive from fun weekend towns, and the USD campus is close to the airport so it is easy to travel far as well. And in my experience, it has been easy to find fun things to do off campus. I love spending time outside and there is always a new beach to lounge at or a new trail to hike at! I also like to read and have been able to enjoy various events at the many local public libraries.
  • Hobbies and Interests: I love reading, listening to spoken word, and storytelling. I also appreciate lounging at the beach, seeing movies at the theatre, playing board games, like Monopoly, playing video games, like Sims, and binge watching crime TV shows and scary movies.
• Melissa Sheil, Community Director for Alcala Vista Apartments
  • M.A. Higher Education Administration, Boston College; B.A. Psychology, Providence College
  • Professional Interests: Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity, Sexual/Relationship Violence Prevention and Education, Restorative Justice, and Women's Leadership
  • Reasons I Enjoy Working at USD: There are many ways to get involved and engaged with the community, both within and outside of Residential Education. I appreciate all of the unique opportunities I have been given to learn and grow within my first year! 
  • One Thing You Appreciate About Working With Students at USD: The students are empathetic, driven, and intelligent. Our RAs see the role as more than a job- they see it as lifegiving, intentional work, and walking alongside them in their roles has been my favorite part of my role! 
  • Ways I Have Been Able to Get Involved On Campus: I have been able to serve on various committees, both within our department and in our division, that relate to my professional interests and long term goals. I have also participated in several on-campus professional development opportunities for the division, which I find renewing and grounding for the work I am doing.
  • What I Enjoy About San Diego and Southern California: I really value how close we are to all types of nature- from the beach, to mountains to hike, so many opportunities are at our fingertips. There is also a comprehensive food and craft beer scene, and I enjoy trying new restaurants and breweries.
  • Hobbies and Interests: Reading on the beach, trying new restaurants and breweries, attempting to sample every ice cream and coffee shop in San Diego, going to baseball games, and hanging out with old and new friends.
• Ian Christopher Ulep, Community Director for Valley A
  • B.S. in Biological Sciences (Pre-Health Concentration) from Old Dominion University; Ed.M. in College Student Affairs from Rutgers University-New Brunswick
  • Professional Interests: Critical Perspectives; Housing & Residence Life; Multicultural Affairs; Conduct & Adjudication; Crisis Management & Student Support; Restorative Justice; Student Accessibility; Social Justice & Equity Practices; Training & Recruitment Practices; Asian-Pacific, Black & Indigenous, Queer/Trans StudentEngagement; NASPA & ACPA involvement
  • Reasons I Enjoy Working at USD: I am currently learning more about the intersections of my professional interests through the politics and resource needs at the University of San Diego. As a new queer professional of color, I am also learning how to navigate various campus roles at a private-catholic institution and how to support students with similar and intersecting identities.
  • One Thing You Appreciate About Working With Students at USD: I appreciate our students' ability to engage their liberal arts education in the work that we do as student affairs professionals. Coming from large public institutions, diversity & inclusion aren't common topics of professional development or discussion because most students there are focused on research and professional engagement. Here, we are able to interweave the importance of diversity and inclusion both on campus and abroad because our students are so receptive to it.
  • Ways I Have Been Able to Get Involved On Campus: I am regularly engaged in working groups focused on restorative justice and first-generation student support. I also volunteer time to work with students in the conduct process for alcohol related incidents, male-identified students, and campus educators who present various topics such as the Safe Space Allies training and Unconscious Bias workshops for our faculty, staff and students.
  • What I Enjoy About San Diego and Southern California: The weather. Coming from the East Coast, and directly from the North-East where winter lasts for 6 months... being in Southern California is a dream. The cost of living does feel a bit much at times, but is well balanced by our contract benefits and on-campus amenities.
  • Hobbies and Interests: Music & Guitar; 2-D Art; Video Games; AMC Movie Stubs; Shopping; Fashion & Photography; Open Mics & Stand Up Comedy; Reggae Concerts; Beach Days; Reading
• Edith Velasco, Assistant Community Director for Alcala Vista Apartments
  • M.A. Higher Education Leadership, University of San Diego; B.A. Communication Studies and Sociology, University of San Diego
  • Professional Interests: Supporting students from underrepresented communities; First-Generation Student Experience 
  • Reasons I Enjoy Working at USD: I like that a lot of my co-workers and I have the same shared values and passion about helping students succeed. I also love that as an alum I'm able to give back to the community that gave so much to me 
  • One Thing You Appreciate About Working With Students at USD: I like being able to be hands on. I mostly work with the student leaders but being able to know that you have a direct impact on their experience is what's most rewarding
  • Ways I Have Been Able to Get Involved On Campus: I'm an Alum advisor for the multicultural sorority on campus and I've been able to work with Student Support Services 
  • What I Enjoy About San Diego and Southern California: I love the culture. I'm Southern California born and raised so I never want to leave 
  • Hobbies and Interests: Canoeing, Painting, Bowling, Karaoke
• Sally Zheng, Assistant Community Director for Manchester, UTAs, & PTAs
  • M.A. Higher education; USD, B.A. Psychology and Social Behavior University of California Irvine 
  • Professional Interests: I am interested in supporting students through residential life. I am specifically interested in student conduct, diversity, inclusion, and assessment. I aspire to obtain my Ph.D. in the near future.
  • Reasons I Enjoy Working at USD: I enjoy working at USD because there is a culture of care for students. We go above and beyond to support students through their college journey and provide many resources to help support them. 
  • One Thing You Appreciate About Working With Students at USD: I appreciate students being able to connect and communicate with their RAs. I see genuine and authentic interactions amongst students.
  • Ways I Have Been Able to Get Involved On Campus: I am part of the student conduct hearing panel and doing assessment.
  • What I Enjoy About San Diego and Southern California: The weather and the close availability to the beach and many other nature resorts. 
  • Hobbies and Interests: Reading, journaling, painting, swimming, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

How to Apply

You can apply either through the USD human resources website or The Placement Exchange. Links for these can be found below. If you have any questions regarding the job posting, do not hesitate to contact us.