In a residential student’s freshman, sophomore or junior year, he or she has the opportunity to apply for the position of Resident Assistant (RA).
An RA is someone who is in charge of a floor in a dormitory and acts as a mentor to the student community in which he or she lives in. This provides valuable experience to both students and the RA.
Their duties include planning programs, supervising closing periods for break and acting as peer mediator. “I was encouraged by my sister, who attends another institution, to apply for the position here at Monmouth,” said Nick Rossi, the head RA in Elmwood Hall. “It has also given me the chance to learn a lot about myself in the process as well.”
Dan Roman, also an RA in Elmwood, wanted to apply as a means of giving back to his former RA who was a major help during his freshman transition last year. “I became real close with my RA and I wanted to do something that would allow me to give back to people who were a big help to me,” said Roman. “I want others to know that they can be successful and are strongly encouraged to give back to the community.”
One of the major responsibilities of an RA is to plan both educational and social programs for their residents.
For freshman, these represent the S.H.A.D.O.W. program (Service, “Hawk Pride”, Academics, Diversity, Occupation and Wellness) and can include a range of activities from pizza parties, going to basketball games or helping out charities by creating special holiday cards. A highlight is when food (particularly cookies) is offered as it attracts an abundant number of people to participate. With some exceptions, such as making Japanese Origami, programs must have at least ten participants to be considered official and all are encouraged to attend.
Building security is another important factor as RAs are assigned duty nights as coordinated with the rest of their building staff.
Prior to the start of each semester, all RAs go through an extensive training process that involves workshops such as conflict resolution and how to handle residents who are disruptive. There are also fun events built in such as a trip to Sandy Hook Beach for a day by the sea. This process lasts for two weeks in the fall semester and five days in the spring semester. T his position is also great on a resume for anyone, but particularly those who want to become school teachers.
“People who have been an RA are better prepared for the unpredictabilities life throws at us,” said Mark Holfender, Director of Residence Life. “The training is long, but students end up having fun and learning a lot about themselves”.
Applications go out February 4, 2013 and are due on the 15. Interest meetings will be held again at the end of January and must be attended prior to applying.
