New and returning RAs share plans for semester

by Kristina Geerken staff writer

Promoting good times and safety, resident assistants are here for the students. Anyone who lives on campus has an RA that he or she can turn to.

Being an RA is a tough job. Not only do RAs have to follow a list of rules and demonstrate active leadership, but RAs are also expected to set examples, communicate issu,psto the students and act as a liaison between Resident Life and the students.

Setting an example of the "perfect" college student, RAs are hand-picked by the Office of Res- ident Life to assure quality care for the students.

More criteria that an RA must follow are that they must possess integrity, show dignity and be willing to give up much of their time for their residents.

RAs also act as regulators. They are responsible for communicating College policies and procedures to the students.

"When we are on duty, we basically check out the dorms, apartments and houses and make sure there is no damage or trouble," new RA Paula Amegbe said.

RAs must also help maintain peace and order in the living environment of the students.

Some RAs want to get the idea across that they are here to help the residents, not gang up against them.

"People get the impression that we are out to get them, but we are here to keep people safe, listen and provide programs," junior RA Alison Briant said. Experience has definitely helped some RAs. Briant, in her second year as an RA, feels that having more experience helps her dedicate more time to her residents.

''I knew what to expect. My residents this year are awesome, and having the experience of last year, I have been able to make more time to get to know them," Briant said.

New RAs want to meet new people and share experiences with their residents.

In House five, senior Tracy Defrancesco hangs out and does fun things with her residents.

"At House five, there is an 'open door policy' and some of my residents and I are forming an intramural volleyball team," Defrancesco said.

There are some perks involved with being an RA.

"Becoming an RA was a good way to learn about myself, meet and work with different people," senior Kristy Burton, a returning RA, said.