Growth, Reflection, and the RSD
When Priya Seeraj-Turingia reflects on her five years at Nipissing University, one theme stands out clearly: the Record of Student Development (RSD) has been the backbone of her growth, guiding how she learns, leads, and contributes to the campus community.
Priya first discovered the RSD in her first year, when she arrived at Nipissing to pursue English Studies. Drawn to the close-knit campus, small classes, and supportive environment, she quickly found herself getting involved in residence life, mentorship programs, equity initiatives, and student leadership roles. But it was the RSD that helped her understand how these experiences connected to something bigger. “The RSD helped me see the learning that happens outside the classroom,” said Priya. “It showed me the full picture of my growth.”
That insight shaped everything that followed. As she immersed herself in campus life, from four years with Residence Life to roles with the International Student Mentorship Program, Relay for Life, the Equity Centre, and Students of Colour United, Priya returned to the RSD as a framework. Each activity contributed to specific competencies, and each competency represented a skill she wanted to strengthen as an aspiring educator. Workshops like SafeTALK, Bringing in the Bystander, Mental Health First Aid, and Consent+ weren’t just additional training; they were intentional steps toward building the skills she hopes to bring into future classrooms.
Now in her first year of the Bachelor of Education program, Priya continues to use the RSD to guide her development. “It gives me confidence when applying for opportunities,” she explained. “It offers a clear, endorsed overview of the skills I’ve built beyond academics, and it helps me articulate how my involvement shapes who I am as a leader.”
Her RSD also played a major role in how Priya understood the breadth of her involvement. With 28 competencies to explore, she used the RSD as a roadmap to diversify her learning. Rather than staying within familiar roles, she actively sought opportunities across leadership, mentorship, community engagement, and equity, all of which would expand her competency profile.
Today, she has completed 26 of the 28 and continues to pursue the remaining areas. Along the way, her commitment has been recognized through awards, including the Dave Marshall Leadership Award, the NUAA Student Life Award, and the Murray Green Award.
For Priya, her RSD is far more than a record; it’s a living tool that encourages reflection, intentional growth, and lifelong learning. It has shaped the roles she chose, the competencies she developed, and even her emerging teaching philosophy. As she prepares for her future career in education, her RSD continues to be her compass, helping her understand not just what she’s done, but who she’s becoming.
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!