RA/AA Class 03-25-08

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.

RA/AA Class 03-18-08

I’ve always loved to play the role of a leader in my community, and being offered the job to become a resident advisor (RA) in University at buffalo Resident hall makes me see myself achieving that goal. From my past experience leaving in the dorms, interacting with other students and participating in the hall council, I knew certain responsibilities expected of the RAs. In spite of this, I still believed that attending the training was a better means to gain more skills about the position. Today, Tuesday 18^th, I had my first RA class training.

At first it seemed like a lecture, but afterward when everyone began to share their opinion, the class was more interactive than just having one speaker in the room. In the training, I learnt a lot about the RA position. For example, a more descriptive and brief explanations of the position, what is expected, a way to build good community in the dorms, and so on was presented by the instructor.

Although this first class was more like an introduction to the job, having a good knowledge and comprehensive meaning of the position was beneficial to me. Amongst everything that was mentioned in the training, the most advantageous aspect of the class was the lecture on how to build a good community.

Initially, I had little opinion about building a strong community of people. Talking to people, knowing their names and being friends with them was my definition of strong community, but during the lecture I learnt that a good community is more than just people living together and it develops as a result of every resident being able to interact freely with one another in any circumstance. Specifically, I understood that in order to ensure good interpersonal relationship and ease of communication among the residents, the RAs should plan social events which might foster communication among students. For example, diversity events where students get together to learn about other cultures.

Some RAs in my building had a sport event last semester called Soccer tournament and Barbeques party. This was the best event I ever attended because I learnt a lot, and made so many friends. The atmosphere was very welcoming and so many students came out to eat, have fun and watch the game. At the end, I had so much fun watching the game and speaking to a lot of student who I had never interacted with.

My greatest concern as an RA about the areas of the positions covered in class today was being able to know more about the job, and approach certain situations prepared. For example, when I have problems, I could schedule to speak to my resident hall advisor because I know he is in charge of the building and the coordination of the RAs. This in turn makes it easier for me to cope in the position. In the past, I’ve wondered what the RAs would do suppose they suddenly face a problem that had never been taught how to handle. Who to speak to, where to go and how to explain the situation also ties into the concern being an RA. Clearly explaining the different aspects of building a good community has improve my knowledge towards becoming a better RA.

In conclusion, this first RA class has impacted so much on my knowledge of building a good community among the resident and being able to know what to do, who to talk to and how to approach some situations in the resident hall.

Question regarding the topic:

1. Sometimes it’s hard to be readily available to the residents especially when you have a previous commitment to follow up. What is the best way to handle situations or complains that may come-up when you are in hurry or extremely busy doing something else if you are not on duty?

Sometimes it is very hard to find a balance between all the responsibilities of the position. Things arise that need your attention when you have other things on your mind; such as tests, duty, etc. There are always people you can ask for help in any situation you do not know how to handle. There is a good support structure in the position where if you are having a hectic week in class and need understanding in areas of your life, it is there for you.

2. I understand that some people are naturally shy to talk, while some are wild as to disobey the laws because the hall doesn’t feel like home for them. In the process of building a good community, how would I try to make everyone feel at home other than programming and putting up events?

The best tool to accomplish this goal is communication. If you have a conversation with someone and get to know who he or she is, where the people come from, etc, you will have an easier time knowing how to plug them into the community. It is a good topic to bring up and hopefully over the next couple weeks and your training with your staff in August you will get the tools necessary to start this process.

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