Talking Stick - November/December 2008 - (Page 47)

minimal expectations for their roles as advisors. The rise of student development theory and its increasing emphasis on students’ needs led colleges and universities to recognize the importance of more formalized residence life programs and more professional staffing. Full-time hall directors, area coordinators, and other levels of professional staff have since been added to many organizations. With more intentional lines of supervision, RAs have an additional support structure, but they are also held to higher standards and expectations, which can add stress to any job. • using instant messaging and texting for publicity and passive programming • planning “traveling events” – residents stay in their rooms connected to technology, and the RA roams between rooms giving advice (particularly effective when students are registering for courses and selecting room assignments) • exposing intersections in technology and other trends, e.g., diversity dialogues centered on the video game “Grand Theft Auto” or using the video game “Wii Fit” for stress relief RAs as Peer Counselors Now, more than ever before, RAs are called upon to manage the mental health crises of their peers, at least as first responders. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s online resource, HealthyMinds.org, “Many young people are coming to college with an existing diagnosis and treatment history. Some of those students might not have made it beyond high school in previous generations, but this means that more young people need access to comprehensive mental health care.” RAs as Information Technologists The pervasiveness of technology in the culture of Millennial students has affected the role of RAs in many ways. According to a 2007 Educause Center for Applied Research study of undergraduate students and information technology, students use information technology on average between 16 and 22 hours per week. Instant messaging and online public forums have changed the way students interact with each other. In the process of instant messaging, for example, residents can engage in a conversation with someone in the same room without ever seeing their face or uttering a single word. Given this dynamic, RAs must learn how to communicate effectively with their residents and how to develop a sense of community in an environment where faceto-face interaction is no longer necessary. Programming is no longer as simple as gathering in a lounge and watching a television program, which was acceptable in the ‘50s and ‘60s. With the evolution of technology, especially video gaming, RAs are now asked to be more aggressive and creative in connecting with residents and developing their community in technological ways: • establishing Facebook or MySpace groups for their communities • posting a schedule of upcoming programs and events on a Webbased calendar http://www.HealthyMinds.org http://www.laundryalert.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Talking Stick - November/December 2008

Talking Stick - November/December 2008 Contents Online Now Vision Just In Your ACUHO-I Transitions Res Life Facilities Business Special Focus Calendar Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places The Evolving Role of the Resident Advisor Conversations First Takes Reporting Out New Members Snapshot

Talking Stick - November/December 2008

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