The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 37, No. 1 - 26

Katherine M. Garey • Rashad L. Givhan

order to ensure that students have a positive living and learning experience while attending college. Blimling (2003) describes resident assistants as paraprofessional staff members who support on-campus students in various capacities. These individuals play a crucial role in ensuring that the benefits and challenges of an urban campus are acknowledged and adequately addressed. Resident assistants (RAs) in a metropolitan setting attend to many of the same issues faced by their non-urban peers; however, living in a city adds another layer of complexity. In addition to enforcing policy and directing residents to resources, RAs on an urban campus need to pay special attention to student and institutional safety, student diversity and multiculturalism, and effective use of community resources. Urban campuses traditionally attract students who are older, racially diverse, or enrolled part-time (Elliott, 1994); and of these students, some may opt to live on campus. Therefore, the RA needs to support a variety of residents, including first-generation students and students who work while taking classes. They also need to take into consideration the role of the surrounding city. There is a multitude of community resources available, and it is vital to utilize what is offered. Although the challenges may initially seem difficult to surmount, an appropriate and effective resident assistant training can contribute to successful navigation of these issues. Training sessions implemented by hall coordinators are an opportunity to learn policies, teamwork, and other necessary skill sets. It is also an ideal time to address issues that are specific to an urban campus; those who execute the modules need to be aware of the institution and its unique
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characteristics. This paper provides results of an exploratory study of resident assistant training at selected urban campuses and implications for practice. Also provided are proposals for resident assistants and recommendations that

For students who come from homogenous neighborhoods and high schools, attending an urban institution with a racially and ethnically varied population may be a difficult adjustment. Likewise, students who are familiar with diverse surroundings may also find their college or university to be unlike their past environments.

hall coordinators need to examine prior to and during the execution of RA training. Finally, advice is offered to student staff members who are dealing with issues stemming from living on an urban campus.

IssUes ReLeVAnT TO THe URBAn cAMPUs
The educational impact of living on campus is well researched and widely documented. Although there are discussions surrounding the direct level of impact, students who live on campus generally experience higher levels of

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The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 37, No. 1

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