Prospective Community Directors

Welcome From the Committee

Community Director Position

Benefits

All of our Community Directors receive a meal plan and housing. Additional information on USD's employment benefits can be found here. View the video below to see where you could be living as a Community Director!

• Several apartments have been renovated with new flooring & appliances since this video was made.
• Furniture can be changed or switched out with our facilities team.
• All areas named “Missions” have been renamed to “Valley”
• Not shown: Alcala Vistas Apartments (similar to Manchester)

How have our community directors impacted student leaders?

"From an RA perspective, I really view community directors as our team leaders. They help to guide us, delegate tasks and responsibilities, and help develop a positive staff dynamic among the RAs. They truly make the functioning of our ResEd department possible."

- Jason

"My CD has helped me as a student leader by being a positive role model who embodies what it means to be a caring, compassionate, and invigorated leader. From team staff work to individual one and one's, my CD has been supportive and understanding of my circumstances and situations, respectful of my identities, and helps me to feel more confident and supported in my student leader position. When working with other CDs during student leadership and development training, I feel the same level of support and care given to myself and the work that we are doing. It is reassuring and affirmative to have other staff members share their experience and wisdom with myself and other younger student leaders, and I know that the ResEd experience would not be the same for student leaders or residents without the many contributions CDs and ACDs make in front of and behind the scenes."

- Elizabeth

"CDs have provided guidance during duty and when taking care of incidence reports and other issues. Beyond that, they have provided support and made the student leaders feel heard. CDs have encouraged education on many unspoken topics during training which provided reassurance to me as I am a minority at a PWI."

- Nina

Meet the Search Team

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

Sydney Pidgeon, Executive Assistant for Residential Life and New Student Programs, spidgeon@sandiego.edu

IC Ulep, Community Director for Manchester Village, iulep@sandiego.edu 

Allie Polk, Community Director for Valley Apartments, apolk@sandiego.edu 

David Santos, Asst. Community Director for Valley Apartments, dsantoscastillo@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.
• Sydney Pidgeon, Executive Assistant for Residential Life and New Student Programs
  • B.A. in Theology and Religious Studies & Psychology and M.Ed in Higher Education Leadership, both from the University of San Diego
  • Professional Interests: Housing & Residential Life; Crisis Management & Student Support; Restorative Justice; Career Development; Assessment; Educational Technology; Study Abroad; Educational Policy & Equity; Training & Recruitment Practices; Academic Integration; Mission & Ministry
  • Reasons I Enjoy Working at USD: USD has given me various opportunities to engage with a variety of my professional interests and explore the work of various divisions. I have felt equipped with mentorship and support to allow me to continue to grow in my role and feel connected to the institution at large. I feel that we are in a constant state of motion, and that movement allows for a newness that keeps things fresh.
  • One Thing You Appreciate About Working With Students at USD: I appreciate how many of our students are passionate and vocal about creating meaningful changes, and willing to see those changes through. Our students see the mission of USD and fight to ensure that we are living out the values we declare. Their fervor for justice, inclusion, and equity allow us to constantly develop as a residential life team and as an institution. Being surrounded by this energy allows me to both partners with them and seek the same integrity within my work.
  • Ways I Have Been Able to Get Involved On Campus: I have had the opportunity to explore various interests of mine throughout campus. My involvement includes participating in restorative justice facilitation, supporting students through the conduct process, serving as a co-instructor for a leadership course, supporting students struggling academically, and working with various student leader groups.
  • What I Enjoy About San Diego and Southern California: I have lived in San Diego my entire life, and I truly don't believe there is a better place to live! We are 15 minutes from the beach, 45 minutes from the mountains, and have multiple road trips to choose from that are only 2 hours away! It is a great spot for a foodie and/or someone who loves to explore new places. I have been here a while, and I am still finding new pockets of this beautiful city.
  • Hobbies and Interests: Camping & Backpacking; Scuba Diving; Reading; Stand Up Comedy; Dog-Parenting; Candle Making
• 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.
• David Santos, Assistant Community Director for Valley Apartments
  • BA in Sociology and a double minor in Counseling Social Change and Latin American Studies. Currently enrolled within the Higher Education Leadership program at USD.
  • Professional Interests: Community outreaching, Recruitment, Training, and retention. Student Life and multicultural affairs. Career Services, Mentoring, and coaching. Mental health, and student wellbeing.
  • Reasons I Enjoy Working at USD: I enjoy working at USD because of the student-centered experience that is within the university culture. Not only is it found within the classroom but also within the relationships across the university overall.
  • One Thing You Appreciate About Working With Students at USD: I appreciate our students' ability to think critically and use their voice whenever they feel called to do so.
  • Ways I Have Been Able to Get Involved On Campus: I am currently a student ambassador (20/21) for the SOLES department at USD.
  • What I Enjoy About San Diego and Southern California: I really enjoy the weather in San Diego and the fact that I have my family here. There is a lot of beauty within this city and there is so much to explore.
  • Hobbies and Interests: Outdoor actives such as hiking, going to the beach, and working out. I want to get into photography, biking, and going back to playing video games.
• Carrington Lemon, Community Director for University Terrace Apartments
  • 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 accessible 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!
• Ashley Thomas Williams, Community Director for Valley A
  • B.A. in Public Relations from San Jose State University; M.S. Higher Education from California State University, Fullerton
  • Professional Interests: Housing & Residence Life; Orientation and New Student Programs; Restorative Justice; Training & Recruitment; Student Accessibility; Social Justice & Equity; Queer/Trans Student Engagement; NASPA Engagement
  • Reasons I Enjoy Working at USD: Coming from a public institution, USD has given me the chance to explore and understand working at a private- catholic institution as it relates to my own identities. As a new professional on-campus I've been able to assist across campus in various capacities and it has allowed me to gain a multitude of experiences.
  • One Thing You Appreciate About Working With Students at USD: The students at USD are passionate about their education, the world, and how their engagement can make an impact on the campus. The students here are also open to dialogue, understanding how their identities intersect and how they present to the world.
  • Ways I Have Been Able to Get Involved On Campus: As someone who is passionate about training and programming, I've been able to get involved with large-scale campus programming as well as join our student development and training committee.
  • What I Enjoy About San Diego and Southern California: I came to the campus at the start of the pandemic and really haven't been able to fully enjoy the city. But the campus is beautiful and I enjoy being able to take walks around campus and because the beach is in such close proximity go there to de-stress.
  • Hobbies and Interests: Cooking; target shopping; hanging out with friends (post-pandemic); movies; fashion; photography; music festivals; food adventures; just being.
• Sally Zheng, Community Director for Valley B
  • B.A in Psychology and Social Behavior (Minor Mathematics) from The University of California, Irvine M.A in Higher Education Leadership Studies from University of San Diego
  • Professional Interests: Assessment Data-Analysis, Housing & Residence Life; Crisis management & Student Support; Social Justice & Equity Practices; Training & Recruitment Practices; Asian-Southeast Asian; Student engagement, Student Retention
  • Reasons I Enjoy Working at USD: I enjoy the compassionate community at the University of San Diego. As a first-generation Asian-American Woman, I have found communities that foster a sense of belonging and solidarity. In my profession, I strive to be student-focused and have found great commonalities between USD's mission and vision.
  • One Thing You Appreciate About Working With Students at USD: I appreciate our student's ability to have authentic engagements in both academic and student affairs with staff and faculty. As a product of a large public institution, I had few opportunities to connect with students outside of research and academics. However, at a small institution like USD, as a staff member, I am able to interface with students and have multiple interactions throughout the years. I have also seen that students at USD are more open and vulnerable to talking about what a sense of belonging means to them and asking for support when needed.
  • Ways I Have Been Able to Get Involved On Campus: I am involved in groups on campus centered around my identities such as Asian Spaces, Women of Color spaces, and First-generation spaces. I also volunteer time to work with students in the conduct process and professional staff in institutional assessment efforts.
  • What I Enjoy About San Diego and Southern California: I enjoy the sunny California weather the most! Growing up in California, I have always appreciated the warm weather and the ability to go to the beach and enjoy a nice tan almost every day.
  • Hobbies and Interests: Swimming, Yoga, Volleyball, Calculus, Reading, Cup of Tea, Journaling, Beach Days, Food
• Cody Riggs, Community Director for Alcala Vista Apartments
  • B.A. in History from Seattle Pacific University; M.A. in Higher Education from University of Denver
  • Professional Interests: Housing & Residence Life; Leadership Development; Conduct & Adjudication; Restorative Justice; Social Justice & Inclusive Excellence; Higher Ed Assessment; Transfer/Community College Student Retention; Athletics; Outdoor Recreation
  • Reasons I Enjoy Working at USD: I've enjoyed my time at USD as I've found it to be a supportive and challenging community. My colleagues are very dedicated and passionate about their work, which has made this a motivational environment for me. I also appreciate the various opportunities the position provides outside of the standard res life/housing realm that encourages professional/personal growth.
  • One Thing You Appreciate About Working With Students at USD: I appreciate USD students' willingness to step into leadership roles and contribute to the campus community. USD students seem to have a high level of involvement spanning both academic and personal spaces, which fits in well with the university's student affairs-related goals.
  • Ways I Have Been Able to Get Involved On Campus: Starting my role during the pandemic hasn't allowed me many on-campus involvement opportunities, but when possible, I look forward to spending time working in cross-departmental groups to further Student Leadership Development, Student Leader Recruitment, and Selection, and the Systemic Review of SIP Programs, Policies, and Practices.
  • What I Enjoy About San Diego and Southern California: I love the weather and the food! Since moving to San Diego, I've been able to explore a lot of great restaurants and cuisines, while the weather has also encouraged me to be more active. As I spend more time in San Diego I look forward to exploring more of the region to find new places to eat and spend time outdoors.
  • Hobbies and Interests: Basketball, Hiking, Reading, Cooking, Traveling, Live Music, Wildlife.
• Melissa Sheil, Community Director for Alcala Vista Apartments
  • M.A. Higher Education Administration, Boston College; B.A. Psychology, Providence College
  • Professional Interests: Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Social Justice; Sexual/Relationship Violence Prevention and Education; Restorative Justice; Training and Recruitment Practices; Womxn'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 over the last three years!
  • 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. Some examples of this are my work with the Divisional Assessment Committee, serving as a Restorative Justice Lead Facilitator, working with the Alcohol Abuse Action Team, serving as a Rainbow Educator, and working with the Critical Issues & Sexual Misconduct Hearing Boards. 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. Finally, I had the opportunity to travel to Florence, Italy for three weeks to support our second-year study abroad initiatives.
  • 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: Working out (I love to spin!), 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.
• 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
• IC Ulep, Community Director for Manchester Village
  • 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
• Rebecca Hill, Assistant Community Director for Manchester Village
  • B.A. Sociology from Elmhurst University; M.A Higher Education Leadership candidate from University of San Diego
  • Professional Interests: Sociological perspectives and topics; Black Feminist Thought; Critical Race Theory; Multicultural Affairs; History
  • Reasons I Enjoy Working at USD: Currently, in my role, I am exploring the ins and outs of residential education, alongside taking courses that provide real-world applications in supporting students in higher education. As a Black woman, I am encouraged to be in spaces, advocate for causes close to my heart, and open to USD's possibilities as a graduate student.
  • One Thing You Appreciate About Working With Students at USD: I appreciate my team members' experiences and varying identities because they help me work for a student's reach and support. I also understand that my department emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in their housing procedures and practices. In this space, I can be looked at as a fellow practitioner and hone in on my passions while educating and supporting student leaders.
  • Ways I Have Been Able to Get Involved On Campus: Currently, I am involved in few committees that our department, DISJ, and Recruitment and Selection. Within these committees, and have learned tangible skills that I can learn to incorporate into my studies.
  • What I Enjoy About San Diego and Southern California: The weather is definitely different from the Midwest, which is starting to grow on me. I am used to having to bundle up and wear all these layers, now at least I can say Christmas was warm and enjoyable. Transportation wise it is not the same but the scenery here definitely makes up for it.
  • Hobbies and Interests: Reading, Listening to all types of music; abstract art and sculpture; Embroidery; Singing; charcuterie boards; movie marathons; restaurant discoveries; Sewing; Pinterest, Photography

How to Apply

You can apply through the USD human resources website at https://jobs.sandiego.edu/en-us/job/494309/community-director (Job Posting #3001). If you have any questions regarding the job posting, do not hesitate to contact the CD Recruitment Chairs, Tyler Crisman (tylercrisman@sandiego.edu), and IC Ulep (iulep@sandiego.edu) for more information.

Reasons to Live in San Diego

From beaches to coffee shops, to farmer's markets, and many more, you will always have something to do in San Diego. View our San Diego spots to visit list to find out the places to visit while living in San Diego.

Tour of San Diego with the 2020 CD Team

Tour of USD’s residential communities with the 2020 CD Team

Live-In Partners & Families for Professional Staff

Live-in professional staff may live in their university-provided staff apartment with their married spouse, registered domestic partner, and/or their legally dependent children.  Questions can be directed to the Director of Residential Education.

Pets and Approved Animals for Professional Staff

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted in the residence halls at this time.  The university does comply with all local, state, and federal laws and ordinances pertaining to service animals as well as animals documented and approved for wellbeing reasons.  Questions can be directed to the Director of Residential Education.