Living away from home for the first time can be a real struggle. It is a challenge that Michael A. Nembhard, who became Farmingdale State College’s Director of Residence Life in September 2022, knows all too well.
For Nembhard, moving from Brooklyn, NY, to attend Buffalo State College was an overwhelming experience. Juggling for the first time the academic, financial, and social pressures of life on his own brought challenges familiar to many students who are getting their first taste of independence.
Nembhard really didn’t know who to turn to, but fortunately, some college staff members recognized his challenges and provided the support he needed. He completed his B.S. in Business Management and went on to earn an M.S. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration. While an undergraduate, he worked as a Resident Assistant (RA) and then later as a Residence Director (RD) at Buffalo.
This experience inspired Nembhard to work in student services so that he could provide assistance similar to what he received during his college days. “I had mentors who were able to help me turn things around, provide support, and advice,” said Nembhard, “I wanted the ability to give back to students. I wanted to mentor students since in college I found staff willing to help.”
Like Nembhard, many college students face challenges when embarking on their collegiate career “to help them elevate and succeed” Nembhard said. He will be positioning the Residence Life Office at FSC to support all residential students in their academic, social, and professional development. “FSC has the campus resources to help, and I wanted to be a part of that. I wanted to be a part of the FSC mission that rises to the challenge and is dedicated to student success.”
The desire students have to live on campus and gain the full college experience continues to increase. “We always have a waiting list (for housing),” Nembhard said. “As interest grows, we need to make sure we have the availability. It’s a good problem that campus housing is in demand.”
During the Fall 2022 semester, the College had 494 students residing in Orchard Hall. Dewey Hall is currently closed for renovations but is scheduled to reopen in Fall 2023.
“We want to fill the residence halls and retain the students,” he said. “I want to see strong retention. If students are homesick or want to transfer, we need to show them what we have to offer.”
To ensure students have a solid support system, the College provides training for the 12 student RAs and the two RDs who live on campus to help students socialize successfully, resolve conflicts, navigate the financial aid process, and get academic, medical, or mental health assistance as needed. “We’re helping students adjust to living with strangers; they are not used to cohabitation,” Nembhard said.
Residence Life staff members strive to make students feel “at home." Nembhard stresses to residential students that FSC is their “home away from home,” and works to provide as many necessities and amenities as he can to make them comfortable.
Keeping students busy is key to retaining them, and Nembhard and the Residence Life staff are always brainstorming different ideas. In December 2022, about 200 students attended a midnight breakfast served by faculty right before finals started; the Residence Life staff also organized events for National Hispanic Heritage Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Other plans include a Caribbean block party, a casino night to benefit a charity, and other fundraisers.
“We’re looking to create new activities and interests to get students involved on campus and help them develop emotionally and intellectually,” Nembhard said. “We want to increase engagement activities and collaborate with other departments to offer the best experience.”
