The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 43, No. 3 - 39
THE EVOLUTION OF THE RESIDENT ASSISTANT position
and its history are important to understanding its
increasing complexities. In this article we examine how
court cases and federal legislation, along with changes in
popular culture, have altered and shaped the role of the
resident assistant. Our premise is that this role, originally
relatively straightforward, has evolved into a multifaceted
set of responsibilities that are increasingly complicated
by court decisions and federal and state legislation. This
has corresponding effects on residence life and housing
programs in the training and supervision of staff at all levels.
Contributing to
the end of in loco
parentis was the
federal government
ruling in the 26th
Amendment
changing the age
of majority to
18 . . . Student
life, particularly
The job description and role of the resident assistant (RA) have
evolved as American and global societies have changed and as
higher education has advanced. How did we get to this point, where
RAs serve in multiple, complicated roles as they support college
student learning? In the following pages, we trace the origins of the
RA role and its evolution over time. We argue that the role of the
RA, originally uncomplicated, has become a complex leadership
position increasingly impacted by court decisions, legal mandates,
and societal influences.
in campus
ORIGINS OF THE RA POSITION
to evolve; the
Cowley (1934) noted that university housing became a concern in
the Middle Ages, when thousands of students came to Bologna,
Paris, and Oxford to study. These students were young, some were
poor, and the need for a housing plan was critical. As a result,
universities established hostels: independently organized group
housing, not affiliated with the universities (Cowley, 1934). As the
use of non-institutional housing spread from France to Oxford, it
shifted somewhat as student behavior off campus became problematic. The university asserted its authority and assumed responsibility
for student housing; hostels became part of the greater university
community and were then called residential colleges (Cowley, 1934).
In this model, faculty lived in residence with students to continue the
housemother
housing, changed
dramatically. . . .
Consequently, the
role of residential
staff needed
role ended, and
professional and
paraprofessional
residence hall
educators emerged.
V O L U M E 4 2 , NO. 3 * 2 0 1 6
39
The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 43, No. 3
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 43, No. 3
Contents
The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 43, No. 3 - Intro
The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 43, No. 3 - Cover1
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