The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 37, No. 1 - 35

Resident Assistant Training at Urban Institutions

and engages all who see it, raising the question, What messages are RAs sending their residents about the department or institution? Is it one that is consistent with the mission and values of the institution, a complement to the integrity of the department? Or are staff and residents alike often confused by a menagerie of incongruous interactions that neither support nor clarify the goals and purpose of residential life? The varied bulletin boards, both proverbial and literal, coloring the walls of residence halls across the country must be whole and entire, devoid of tattered butcher paper and ragged borders. They must be a fine showcase of the creativity, ingenuity, and values of the institution.

Therefore, housing professionals must be intentional about designing RA training that both (a) increases the competency levels of the student staff and (b) provides a framework for using new concepts to best engage and support residents. With these tools, resident assistants can then facilitate and nurture a healthy sense of community in the residence halls. In terms of increasing competency among resident assistants, it is important that they are educated about the unique identity of the campus they serve. As the face of campuses across the country continues to evolve, an integral part of understanding the campus culture is being aware of the influence that diversity has on the ways in which resident assistants support students. In Blimling’s The Resident Assistant (2003), this demographic shift in campuses is noted: Students of color rose by approximately 3.3 percent between 1998 and 1999, the last year for which data was available. College participation rates of African-American high school graduates ages 18 to 24 were at 39.4 percent in 2000. For Hispanic students, the college going rate was approximately 36.5 percent in 2000. (p. 273) With the enrollment of students of color continually rising, it becomes increasingly important to develop resident assistants who feel confident engaging residents from underrepresented groups. For this reason, resident assistants must first be provided substantive training on diversity issues that will equip them with the tools necessary to build authentic relationships with their residents, despite the complexities of their cultural experiences. Intentional training sessions that help students develop an appreciation for diversity and
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With the enrollment of students of color continually rising, it becomes increasingly important to develop resident assistants who feel confident engaging residents from underrepresented groups. For this reason, resident assistants must first be provided substantive training on diversity issues that will equip them with the tools necessary to build authentic relationships with their residents, despite the complexities of their cultural experiences.

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

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 37, No. 1