Confidence, Connection, and the RSD
For Desiree Paczay, the Record of Student Development (RSD) has been more than a list of activities; it has been a way to understand her growth, track her expanding skill set, and document the depth of her involvement at Nipissing University. Now a Master of Science in Mathematics student set to graduate in 2027, she can look back and see a clear evolution: from a quiet first-year student unsure about extracurriculars, to a confident, engaged leader within the Nipissing community.
Desiree first encountered the RSD during Orientation Week, when she learned that attending the “Speak About It” debrief could be added to her record. That small introduction quickly became a turning point.
“After hearing about what the RSD was, I decided that participating could be a valuable investment in my future,” she said.
And she was right, the RSD ultimately became the framework that helped her take risks, seek new experiences, and articulate her development both inside and outside the classroom.
Throughout her undergraduate years in Environmental Biology and Technology and Mathematics, and now in her graduate studies, Desiree has built a broad portfolio of academic and professional roles. She has worked as a Research Assistant, Teaching Assistant, and Math Drop-in Centre employee; held positions such as STEM Camp Supervisor and Student Proctor; and served as the Math Representative for the Math and Computer Science Society. She also presented at the University’s Undergraduate Student Research Conference and attended conferences and mini-courses at other institutions, experiences that expanded both her academic and professional networks.
Her RSD became the place where all this learning came together. Desiree’s record includes teaching roles, proctoring, camp leadership, academic success workshops, conference presentations, and meaningful recognitions such as the Dave Marshall Leadership Award. “These help show my dedication and communication, collaboration, and leadership skills,” she says, qualities that matter not only in academic settings but in workplace environments as well.
One of the most significant impacts of the RSD for Desiree has been the way it helped her see her own growth. “Coming into university, I was very reserved and not the type to take part in extracurricular activities,” she reflected. “Through my time in university, I changed a lot as a person.”
Watching the number of activities on her RSD grow each year became tangible evidence of her increasing confidence and willingness to try new things. So much so, that seeing that an event was “RSD-approved” was often the push she needed to attend something she might have otherwise skipped.
Desiree sees her RSD as an important addition to her academic transcript; one that captures the full scope of her development over her years at Nipissing. For future jobs, volunteer roles, or graduate opportunities, it will offer a full and accurate picture of who she is: a scholar, a leader, and someone who consistently steps outside her comfort zone to take on new challenges.
Her RSD hasn’t just recorded her journey; it has been a growing highlight of how far she has come, and the skills she will carry with her into her academic, professional, and personal life well beyond graduation.
Ready to start building on your story? Visit nipissingu.ca/rsd to access the RSD Student Portal today and learn more.
Already building your RSD? Don't forget to submit your RSD-approved activities for this year by April 15 at 11:59 p.m.
Contact rsd@nipissingu.ca for support or with any questions!