The job of resident assistant comes with much more than just a complimentary spacious room and a monthly stipend. Although these are obvious perks that come with the job, RAs have plenty of additional duties from dealing with serious issues like ill students and alcohol violations to being responsible for floor programming and decoration themes.
The competition for the best floor theme may not be fierce, but it can be difficult for an RA to choose a theme that is unique and interesting to all of its residents. Decorating residence hall floors in line with each theme as well as creating bulletin boards to give residents information about rules on campus, nearby restaurants and where to go if they need help are just some of many RA duties.
Joy Henry, a junior in the School of Communication and an RA in McDowell Hall, chose a Hollywood theme for her floor. After a "BE" theme last semester, residents were grateful for the change.
Some floor themes are more specific to the floor itself. Mark Seaman, a senior in the School of Public Affairs and an RA in Hughes, said he changes the theme based on what might be helpful to his residents.
"I based my decision on what I thought were the needs of my residents," he said. Seaman has had themes such as "Changing the World", an international service theme, and "On the Road of Life," which steered residents towards community service.
Christina Wright, a junior in SOC and an RA in Hughes Hall, has an "Island Getaway" theme for her floor after a less popular theme of "College Sports" last semester.
"I wanted a happy theme for the spring semester, and the beach will be on everybody's mind this spring," Wright said.
Other themes for floors this semester include "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?," "Ladies Night Out," "Private Investigation," "Robber Barons and Trust Busters," "Wizard of Oz" and a "Fairy Godmother" theme.
The paperwork RAs are required to fill out is time-consuming and can seem pointless, some said, but part of the job.
"The reports and paperwork that we have to fill out are probably not looked at by anyone, ever," Seaman said.
RAs see residents in all situations, and sometimes see more than they would prefer.
Joy Henry reported that one night she saw a less-than-sober resident walking around the halls naked.
"Let's just say I saw some body parts I was not prepared for!" Henry said.
Overall, RAs seem to be pleased with their job and said the perks outweigh anything negative.
"I have met students that I would not have," Henry said. "They have come to me with problems and they consider me their friend instead of an authority figure." According to Henry, the personal bonds she has made with her residents make up for the drawbacks of having to attend meetings and keep up with reports and paperwork.
Seaman agreed, saying he enjoys watching the freshmen transition into sophomores. He tries to help them make this change. "I love giving academic, social or other advice to my residents as someone who's been there," he said.
RAs must balance these personal relationships with enforcing the rules of the university.
"My residents hated me at first because I laid down the ground rules," said Christina Wright, an RA in Hughes. Wright took the time to get to know her residents and encourages respect and courtesy among the floor members.
Students who are interested in becoming an RA would go through an application process that includes a paper application, an interview and a group evaluation.
Once selected, the student would be assigned to a particular residence hall and floor. The application process takes place every spring semester.
