DHRL’s Kathiana Desir Recognized as National Pro Staff of the Month


Assignments Assistant Selected as April 2020 NACURH winner

Posted Tuesday, October 20, 2020 @ 11:25 AM

Housing Assignments Assistant, Kathiana Desir, was announced as the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) Residence Life Professional Staff winner for April 2020. Kathiana was nominated for her exceptional work for the department right as the pandemic forced all universities around the country to adapt to a new normal. During this time, she took two new employees under her wing and helped them acclimate into the Assignments team, all while transitioning into a safe work-from-home setup.  

Kathiana continued to do whatever was necessary to keep UCF Housing’s phone call-centers running and functional amid daily changes, updates and new processes. She worked 6-7 days every week throughout the entire month to help with departmental needs and student concerns. When asked about Kathiana’s impressive work ethic and positive attitude, one colleague stated “She is the glue that holds our department, and her standard is to always go above and beyond what she is asked to do. She can always be relied on by her team for information, advice, or to jump in to answer student questions and concerns.” 

Kathiana’s supervisor, Dr. Lynell Hodge, added “Kathy’s approach to customer service has always been stellar. During the pandemic, she’s continuing to provide a level of commitment, care, and patience when working with students and parents. She continues to try to get to the crux of a call by asking questions, clarifying, and listening intently to best assist them. In addition to her work with students, Kathy is detailoriented and always thinking of ways to make sure the user experience is positive and seamless. I am so thankful that Kathy is a part of our Assignments team.” 

This stellar customer service has been echoed by students and parents. One UCF parent, Julie Cocozziello, contacted UCF Housing on Twitter to express how pleased she was with Kathiana’s assistance. She shared, “My daughter has a disability which sometimes results in her becoming anxious over situations. Kathiana has provided her with a tremendous amount of personalized support for the past two years with the housing process. The satisfied parent agreed that Kathiana goes above and beyond in her position. She continued, “Kathiana is very patient and gives us the tools and guidance we need to navigate and has empowered us both. Regardless of the vast caseload she handles, we have always received incredible and expeditious customer service. As a parent, you would not necessarily expect that this type of individualized attention could be provided at such a large school. 

Kathiana was able to be recognized because someone noticed her efforts and submitted an OTM nominationOTMs, or “Of the Months”, are a way to recognize the amazing things going on at a university. This recognition starts on the campus level, with the potential to reach regional and NACURH levels. The UCF OTMS are overseen by the UCF NRHH, or the National Residence Hall Honorary. 

Any resident or staff member can submit an OTM, and the general categories are:

  • Advisor
  • Executive Board Member
  • First Year Student
  • Student
  • Residence Life Professional Staff
  • Institution Faculty/Staff
  • Organization
  • Resident Assistant
  • Student Staff Member
  • Spotlight

Individuals can also recognize programs for OTMs, and those categories are:

  • Community Service Program
  • Diversity Program
  • Educational Program
  • Passive Program
  • Social Program.

OTMs are due by 11:59 p.m. on the last day of each month. 

 

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