Programming, in my opinion, is one of the best aspects of being a resident advisor in the resident halls. Today’s class left me with so much thoughts about the work and effort that goes into programming for fellow residents.
Over the past semesters witnessing big events and successful programs planned by the RAs, I never knew they dedicated so much time, efforts and hard work towards planning and organization for the programs until I attended today’s class. In spite of the lecture though, I’m still bugged by a couple of questions about this broad topic, Programming.
I learnt a lot about Programming after this class. For example, advertising, budgeting, planning, getting ideas, types and common structures of programs; and timing are some of the common elements I learnt from this session.
However, the most beneficial aspect of Programming, I think, is the area of planning. Planning plays a huge role towards the outcome of a particular program. In a way, it incorporates what a program entails, a suitable venue and time of the program, roles of every participating RA in the event, and so on. Considering the various factors makes planning for an event a huge task towards achieving a good outcome.
In planning, the expectations of the residents are also considered. No resident would like to attend events that are not interesting to them. Of course, every resident might not have the same expectation towards a program, but trying to implement a general fun program such as diversity events attracts more of the residents to come out. Thus, considering their expectations of the residents in planning for an event is vital.
My greatest concern about the topics covered in this session is promoting a suitable and favorable community for the residents through programming. Even though, the RAs are also expected to do lock-outs, help the residents, ensure that the rules are obeyed, and announce crucial information to the residents, making the students feel at home getting to know one another through fun programs is the best means of building a good community.
In conclusion, planning, in a big picture, provides a means to achieve a fair turn-out in programs. In essence, planning for a program involves a lot of processes, which if carried out properly results in successful events. Considering the expectations of the resident also makes the planning aspect easier to implement.
Question:
- 1.
which method do you suggest as the best means to know of programs expected of the residents, creating surveys or asking individually? There are several methods to finding this information. There are surveys you can have your residents complete at the beginning of the year and you can ask. What I would suggest is doing a combination, because you will not get surveys back from everyone and you will not be able to talk to everyone either. Also, you must realize that like anyone, your residents’ will change over the course of the year, so you will want to stay on top of their ever changing interests. 2. Do you think it is very necessary to provide food before students can be attracted to your events? No, it is not necessary. All too often, RAs believe that food is the only way to attract residents to programs. However, if you know what your residents are looking for in programming, they will come no matter what is provided. 3. I know that RAs sometimes program in groups of two, three or more. Are they allowed to program in groups throughout the year? Depending on your supervisor, you may be able to do this. There may be specific stipulations. 4. Do you think it’s a good idea for the RAs to implement events where they take the students out to places such as amusement parks, gaming such as mid-night bowling and such? These are fantastic programs which require a lot of the planning you were talking about, because it is difficult to get residents off campus sometimes. You would want to think about transportation, because it is liability for the department if you or any RA is transporting residents for a program. Also, sign ups ahead of time are good so you can see how many are interested in going. 5. Sometimes when the budget is too much, the RAs ask for sign-up fees. For example, the residents pay half of their fee to go out for a movie night in the theatre. Do you think doing this may draw more people or less people to the program? Great events off campus can cost more than an RA’s budget can provide if he wants to take his whole floor, so they may cut some of the cost and ask the residents to pay the rest. The way to attract residents to the program is bringing up how much the discount is and really pushing the benefits of the program.