Talking Stick - November/December 2008 - (Page 48)

The evolving Role of The ResidenT AdvisoR In previous decades, RAs were responsible only for referring students to counselors or other sources of help; now they require intensive training in preventing suicide or recognizing signs of depression, cutting, or alcohol abuse. Most colleges and universities acknowledge that RAs are not, and should not be, actual counselors and should not act alone to deal with these situations; however, they are the considered the first response and front line in cases of emergency. time commitments, since RAs need to collaborate with others in the program. Furthermore, some institutions, especially in the Northeast, have begun incorporating gender-neutral housing in their living options, which raises gender issues that the RA must address. “Men and women living together … this is new for RAs and creates new challenges,” Blimling says. With the ever-changing demographics in the student population, RAs must also address the needs of multicultural and GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender) students. While this creates opportunities for increased learning RAs as Communicators and Community Builders Changes in residential facilities over the decades have also had an impact on the RA’s role, as noted by Dr. Gregory Blimling, vice president for student affairs at the New Brunswick campus of Rutgers in New Jersey. As colleges and universities move away from traditional residence halls to suite- or apartmentstyle residences, RAs have encountered more difficulties in connecting with residents. The recent trend toward incorporating living-learning components into residence halls also complicates the RA’s job, because this requires more specialized training as well as additional Community advisors training at iowa state’s 4-h campgrounds. thE RA ExpERiEncE 1970s – 1980s Chuck Werring Kansas State University Joanie Schmidt Central Michigan University Carolyn “Waz” Miller East Carolina University PrOGrAMMING MODEL No model. Programming was social in nature. Similar to Chickering’s Wellness Wheel but not formal. Chickering’s Wellness Wheel rOLES AND rESPONSIBILITIES The general roles and responsibilities consisted of being the disciplinarian to keep behavior in check and to facilitate social programming. I had to do programs, have floor meetings, clean up after water fights, and generally keep peace. Build community; program to help residents get to know one another and learn new information/skills; be on duty/confront and document situations. Talking Stick ioWA STATe uNiVerSiTy

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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