Talking Stick - March/April 2011 - 10

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Honoring RAs
At graduation ceremonies, many students signify honors for their academic achievements by wearing sashes or cords along with their caps and gowns. These adornments are outward symbols of their accomplishments, showcasing their dedication and efforts throughout their college careers. This privilege is also being accorded to resident assistants who excel in their dedication to working with students, and some colleges and universities have begun to celebrate this commitment with special cords and sashes for graduating RAs. RAs at Western Illinois University in Macomb have the opportunity to earn a special honor at their commencement ceremony. Based on their academic success, these students are eligible to receive resident assistant cords to wear at graduation, an honor set aside for RAs graduating with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Inspired by ideas from a group of staff members, the residence life department at the University of Delaware in Newark collaborated with the university bookstore to create a line of graduation sashes especially designed for resident assistants. The gold sashes, embroidered with the words “residence life,” are presented to RAs at the departmental banquet at the end of each year. They are made available to both current and past employees, and the adornments are free for individuals who have been in a position for three or more years. This practice has been part of the university’s commencement ceremony for the past several years. Emphasizing the importance of their role in enriching the university experience, Kathleen Kerr, director of residence life, notes the significance of this recognition: “It is really valuable and important and encourages a sense of pride.” —Bridget Cunningham

Pratt Wins Green Living Competition
The Living Lab project created by students at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NING New York, was selected as one of five GREE USES P CAM projects to be featured in the “Total Housing 01: Apartments” competition. Developed with a green design and a support for dense urban living, the residence hall room project was chosen from nearly 400 submissions to be displayed as part of an exhibition at the Storefront for Art and Architecture in Manhattan. The sustainable renovation design was part of an interdisciplinary studio course taught at the institute. The course, which focused on conservation and environmental health, involved students in planning a living lab in spring 2009. When developing the renovation project, students focused on preserving resources as well as addressing the lifestyle of students. The design promoted conservation by implementing a graywater toilet system, ENERGY STAR appliances, light- and heat-conducting window coverings, and energy efficient lighting. Renovations to closet, bathroom, and kitchen areas also helped better utilize space. The living lab resulted in a template for renovating and redefining a 1958 Pratt residence hall. “Being an institution that educates students on the principles of design and is located in a dense urban environment requires that Pratt take leadership in this area,” says Chris Kasik, director of residential life and housing. “The idea that this project has set a standard for the institution is something that has a long lasting impact.” Developed by Architizer, publishing house Actar, and the Storefront for Art and Architecture, the Total Housing competition is a series of competitions open to architects, designers, and students throughout the world. Along with the contest between apartments, later competitions will also include entries for single-family residences, multifamily residences, and social housing projects. —Bridget Cunningham

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Talking Stick - March/April 2011

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