Programming Model INTRODUCTION The Department of Residential Life conducted a self-assessment of its programs and services. The self-assessment found that the Department needed to formulate and implement a systematic and comprehensive set of learning outcomes for our resident students. The Department’s role in supporting and expanding student learning is central to its mission; “Residential Life provides safe, healthy and INVITING residence halls and apartments; sustains living communities that support the INTELLECTUAL culture of the University at Albany; and recognizes the advantages and challenges of an INCLUSIVE and multicultural society.” DEPARTMENTAL LEARNING OUTCOMES By living in the Residence Halls, the student will… 1. ...demonstrate behaviors of mutual respect. 2. …positively contribute to their community. 3. …work to overcome challenges. 4. …display life skills. 5. …demonstrate behaviors that positively contribute to a sustainable environment. 6. …exhibit pride in the University at Albany. PROGRAMMING MODEL Recognizing the connection between learning in the classroom and learning out of the classroom, the Department understands that the nature of the residential environment should be interactive and integrated. Resident students should be provided with opportunities to reflect on their learning, and encouraged to begin forming an identity which make them valued contributors to the University and greater community. This programming model is designed to provide co-curricular learning, invoke respect for diversity, and influence personal growth. The model encompasses large-scale efforts that are learning outcomes-driven as well as smaller scale efforts such as creating meaningful interactions with individual students and passive programming. Regarding our large-scale programming, those responsible for the primary engagement of residents – the resident assistants and residence hall directors – must work together to build educational programs that are outcomes-driven. With learning outcomes in mind, programs are designed with the end goal in mind. Careful attention should be given in considering “what should a resident know or be able to do because of this program?” The planner of the program starts by selecting a program outcome (or what you want students to get out of the program) as well as designing a measurement tool to determine if the desired outcome was achieved. In this “backward design” approach, the activities planned will flow from the outcome and from the measurement tool. When designed from introduction forward, activities often meander and stumble upon learning. Without a stated goal or measurement device designed first, this is best described as “learning by accident”. REQUIREMENTS
Social Programming Intentional floor community programs should be mainly focused on building relationships with and among residents living on the respective floor. These types of programs are social in nature and should provide students with an opportunity to grow and develop socially, build confidence and selfidentity. These are intentional programs that promote positive community development and the creation of good personal relationships among floormates. There is some structure that must be put into planning a social program for your residents in order to ensure that they are being actively engaged and provided with an opportunity to grow and develop socially. Each Resident Assistant MUST complete 5 social programs in the Fall Semester and 4 social programs in the Spring Semester
SOCIAL PROGRAMS Programs per Semester
FALL SEMESTER AUGUST
SPRING SEMESTER JANUARY
One social program
One social program
SEPTEMBER
FEBRUARY One social program
OCTOBER
One social program
Two social programs
One social program
November
One social program
MARCH
APRIL
One social program
All program proposals must be submitted and approved by supervisor by outlined deadline (deadlines established by Central Office Assistant Director for Programming). A program evaluation form must be submitted within 48 hours after the program. Social Program Examples: Game Nights / Study Breaks & Stress Relievers / Floor Exchanges / Roommate Games, Athletic Events / School Pride Events / Floor Participation In Competitions / Karaoke, Program Board Events / Student Organization Information And Events / Student Activities Events / Large Campus Activities / Concerts, Off Campus Sporting Events / Movie nights/Team builder and Ice breakers / Craft Night / Game Night / Floor Appreciation / Ice Cream Party / Karaoke / Tie Dye /Dances /Photo Scavenger Hunt / Bingo /Sporting events / Talent shows /Video game tournaments / Cooking/Baking / Ping pong tournament / Door stop decoration / study breaks & stress relievers / roommate games / Flower Planting / etc. Additional resources: 2
http://residentassistant.com/programming/social/index.htm http://www.reslife.net/html/program_possibilities.html http://www.uni.edu/dor/housing/social-programs-ras http://www.pinterest.com : Search “RA Program ideas” Large-Scale Community Building Programming Large-scale area programs are programs that are tied to our Learning Outcomes and most often are educational in nature. These programs are coordinated by specific committee teams. These committees are a chance for RAs to work together in collaboration in order to plan and implement an event or activity for their living area. Learning outcomes using the CAMPUS acronym: C – Community Service: Students will be able to actively participate in and take ownership of their personal communities and larger communities. Students will develop a personal sense of responsibility, and help foster partnerships within their communities locally as well as globally. A – Academic: Students will be able to identify and access academic support resources that foster balanced lifestyle choices, community engagement, and academic success at the University at Albany. M – Mutual Respect: Students will be able to develop awareness of differences among people and ideas, and learn to clarify and articulate their own values. Students will actively engage and explore their personal identities as well as the identities and cultures of others. Additionally, students will be able to explore spiritual, emotional and physical well-being along with healthy lifestyle choices. P – Pride: Students will be able to strengthen their connections to the University at Albany by participating in campus traditions and events, inspiring them to become lifelong Great Danes. U – University Resources: Students will be able to better identify and utilize campus resources to reach their professional and personal goals. S –Sustainability: Students will be able to identify the relationship of the three principles of environmental sustainability- the economic, social, and environmental. Students will have a richer understanding of how sustainability is connected to various aspects of their daily lives and their environment. Committee Teams There are seven committee teams per living area. It is required for every RA to be a part of one committee in their living area. Committee teams are designed according to the CAMPUS model and are as follows: Community Service, Academic, Mutual Respect, Pride, University Resources, Sustainability, and University Involvement. Each committee will plan their event around the theme of the “CAMPUS” model. For example, the Sustainability committee might plan an “up-cycle” event where students can repurpose and learn how to reuse everyday items that typically get thrown away. RAs will complete a preference sheet and rank their interest for the committees. The Professional staff in consultation with the Program Director will then place RAs into designated committees. It is not guaranteed that an RA will receive their highest ranked committee. Each committee will put on one program per semester so that there are a total of six large scale programs per semester per living area. Each committee will have a professional staff member from their living area as their committee chairperson. 3
Each committee will meet a minimum of five times before their decided event date. These meeting dates and times are coordinated by the committee itself at their first committee meeting. In addition to the overall responsibility of planning a program each committee should identify: Media and Marketing- This position oversees and approves all advertisement efforts such as fliers, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, dorm-storming, MyInvolvement.org, etc. Outreach Coordinator-This position entails the contacting of different offices to collaborate and help out with the program, or to merely attend and be part of the program in some capacity and their roles. Facilitator-This position demands that the committee is meeting regularly and strategically working towards the program. This person is usually presenting to the attendees: introductions, overall presentation of the program and overseeing that the pieces are coming together. Attendance/Assessment Officer- This person would be in charge of swipers and assessment of the program at the event. In addition to; solidifying dates, times, and locations of the program and provide the post committee report/program evaluation to the chairperson. Budget Officer-This position tasks that the budgeting aspect is correct and sufficient. The person would be in charge of contacting businesses for pricing, overall purchasing, and receipt control. Additionally, each committee member is required to actively participate in every committee meeting. Each committee member will treat other committee members with respect and cooperation. All event paperwork is due 3 weeks before the event date. This paper work should be submitted to the committee chair, after they review the paper, they will give it to the Programming Director for further review. Budget Each committee is responsible for creating a budget and outline any financial needs of an event from materials, to reservation of space cost, food, etc. The Committee Chairperson in conjunction with the Program Director is responsible for approving desired funds. A committee is not guaranteed their full requested amount. Committees are encouraged to seek out products that are cost-efficient. Please speak with your committee supervisor if you need ideas on how to find cost-efficient items. Accountability (3 Strike Rule) If a committee is late for a deadline or does not perform up to expectations as outlined above, every members of the committee may receive a strike. Strike protocol is as follows: First strike: a verbal warning from the Committee Chairperson and notification to your Direct Supervisor. Second strike: an electronic warning via email from the Quad Coordinator, Program Director, Committee Chairperson and Direct supervisor. Third strike: a written documentation to be added to your file and re-visitation of your employment expectations, up to and not limited to termination. Attendance requirement Departmental research suggests that attendance at programs has positive benefits for out-ofclassroom learning. In point of fact, the average satisfaction rating with the residence halls and with out-of-classroom learning is significantly higher (as reported in residential ACHUO-I surveys) for students who attend staff programs versus those who do not. As such, it is imperative that staff members are promoting, advertising, and drawing students into their programs in order to positivel y affect students. In light of this, there is a mandatory 10-resident attendance requirement for each committee member 4
Post-event
Each committee must submit a post-evaluation of their event to their committee supervisor. All committee members must be involved in creating this post-evaluation. Photos are welcomed as a part of the post-evaluation materials and should be emailed to the Programming Director. Large-scale program examples: C- Community Service (service initiatives such as Campus Clean up or Holiday Heroes, Breast Cancer Awareness, Raffle Night, Blood Drives, Races/Walks for a cause, etc) A- Academic (anything done with Academic outreach or academic departments/offices) M- Mutual Respect (Diversity programs such as NCBI, can be with CHARGE, Intercultural office of student engagement, Pride Alliance, Women’s resource Center, Can I kiss you?, Healthy living/Wellness Programs, etc) P- Pride (ex- Danes After Dark, Spirit Fridays, to Athletic games such as home coming or Siena game or Alumni Association events, Banner/T-Shirt making, etc) U- University Resources (anything connected to an office on campus ex-Project Shape, Career Services, Study Abroad, Campus Recreation, Middle Earth) S- Sustainability (ex- Energy Savings campaign, give and go, recycling programs, how to make paper) Passive Programming Passive Programs are an important component of Resident Assistant programming and community development. Passive programs in the form of bulletin boards can be utilized to educate all residents; not just those who attend active programming. They can serve as another opportunity to provide additional information on the educational theme for the month within the respective building. Passive Programming Requirements: 1) Each RA is required to change the topic on their floor bulletin board once a month a. (4 times each semester). 2) Monthly bulletin boards must be completed by the first (1 st) of each month 3) Monthly bulletin board must be done with a theme/topic in mind for the month (i.e. Academic, Wellness, Diversity, Life Skills, Leadership, Monthly themes, etc.) 4) Bulletin Board ideas https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9fGsgvWPPIpTVNqMkJpY1FOQ1U/edit?usp=sharing Bulletin boards should: 1) Have a title. 2) Be creative, neat and organized. 3) Be visually appealing. 4) Remain well-maintained. 5) Have a specific purpose that contributes to educational development of your respective building/Hall. 6) Have the possibility of facilitating interaction among your community. Targeted Programming In order to present programs that meet the needs students at the various stages of their campus experience, Residential Life staff can program with a “focus” on the needs of students based on their academic year. First Year Residential Experience: Adjusting to living away from “home”, relating to family, home life, jobs, and friends while transitioning to being on one’s own. 5
Balancing social and academic demands and pressures. Possible Struggles: Homesickness/detachment from family or significant others issues; depression; anxiety; inappropriate study/academic skills; lack of connection/social life/friends; loneliness; uncertainty about major and purpose in college; using unhealthy coping behaviors such as binge drinking, unprotected sex, promiscuity; roommate conflicts/relationship issues; isolation Developing and discovering one's likes, interests, and preferences apart from past labels or definitions of self-given by others. The Sophomore Experience: Achieving competence in social and by means of academic life environment Establishing personal autonomy Developing a sense of identity and purpose Confirming a sense of career direction Making important choices as an individual vs. group Exploring values Study Abroad opportunities Possible Struggles: anxiety/stress; doubting own abilities; uncertainty over choice of college and career; clashing of values with those different from self; detachment from family of origin; relationship and social struggles related to one’s place in the social structure; academic struggles; using unhealthy coping behaviors. Note: End of first semester of sophomore year is a critical time related to belonging and persistence. Junior Experience: Choosing a career path (more focus on personal and academic life and job opportunities) Increased commitment to intimate relationships, including friendships and a better sense of interdependence Better sense of values clarification. Increased self-confidence in purpose, role, beliefs, etc. Preparing for graduation - the real world and autonomy Making plans for personal and career life beyond college Deciding on job or graduate school Deciding on the future of intimate relationships Saying goodbye to meaningful relationships Possible Struggles: concerns with “right” career path; relationship issues; struggles with feelings of anxiety; depression and confusion; decision making difficulties; using unhealthy coping behaviors. Senior Experience: Preparing for graduation – “the real world” and autonomy Making plans for personal and career life beyond college Deciding on “job” or graduate school Deciding on the future of intimate relationships Saying good-bye to meaningful relationships Possible Struggles: Anxiety about graduation- having “a plan” or Clear path; decreased motivation; decision-making difficulties; feelings of panic, discouragement, confusion, and/or sadness; disconnecting prematurely from meaningful relationships. International Experience 6
Adjusting to living away from “home”, relating to family, home life, jobs, and friends while transitioning to being on one’s own. Balancing social and academic demands and pressures. Possible Struggles: Homesickness/detachment from family or significant others issues; cultural barriers/understanding of American society, language barriers, understanding of Student Code of Conduct, different views on drinking age, different cultural celebrations, feeling “lost” in this area or in Albany, anxiety over public transportation, feeling out of place, differing clothing fads, lack of knowledge regarding University resources, undesirable food or uncommon food, anxiety over student employment, panic over breaks/having no place to stay during breaks, feelings of disconnect from student population, feelings of loneliness, fear of not being understood, fear of not being able to keep up with classroom expectations or workload; lack of connection/social life/friends; loneliness; depression; anxiety; roommate conflicts/relationship issues; isolation. Transfer Experience Adjusting to a new campus and campus culture. Relating to new peer group or breaking into established peer group. Balancing social and academic demands and pressures. Choosing a career path (more focus on personal and academic life and job opportunities). Preparing for graduation - the real world and autonomy Making plans for personal and career life beyond college Deciding on job or graduate school Deciding on the future of intimate relationships Saying goodbye to meaningful relationships Possible Struggles: Differences in Student Code of Conduct than from previous institution, institution cultural differences, anxiety about living on campus, lack of connection with student population, hesitation over student involvement or campus involvement, homesickness, roommate conflicts/relationship issues, fear over career path or academic path, anxiety over transfer credits, bad health habits or wellness, lack of knowledge about University resources or internship opportunities, intimidation cause by size of school/ course work/ professor style, anxiety over public transportation, lack of pride for this university, financial anxiety, homesickness/detachment from family or significant others issues; depression; anxiety; inappropriate study/academic skills; lack of connection/social life/friends; loneliness; uncertainty about major and purpose in college; isolation
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES In addition to the programs that were just described, there are some programs that may need to be done on your floors regardless of whether or not your residents requested it. As a Resident Assistant, it is imperative that you are involved in the life of your floors and that you are aware of the individual as well as the group issues/concerns. Some of these issues tend to be very personal and controversial and can range from drug/alcohol addiction, racial tension, an eating disorder etc. In the event that you suspect that any of these issues is affecting life on your floor but cannot identify an individual issue, this will be one of the times when a program dealing with that particular topic will be in order and should be addressed in a general way.
REQUESTING FUNDS Price Chopper or Wal-mart Gift Cards: 7
Staff member (SM) checks “Gift Card” box on the program proposal and indicates Price Chopper and/or Wal-Mart cards. Amount of money requested per vendor is indicated on the program proposal. Resident Director approves the amount of money to spend and submits paperwork to Central Office GA for processing. SM is issued gift cards with a specified amount of money on them. Receipts and gift cards with money left are noted on the envelope then submitted to the your Director.
Movie Tickets: Staff member (SM) checks “Movie Tickets” box on the program proposal and indicates number of tickets needed. Directors approves the number of movie tickets and submits paperwork to Central Office GA for processing. SM is issued movie tickets and submits the names of students who were issued the tickets. Reimbursement/ Check Request: Staff member (SM) checks “Reimbursement” or “Check Request” box on the program proposal and includes their Social Security Number. **NOTE: If purchasing items at a store other than Price Chopper or Wal-Mart, you must request a check cut in your name, NOT the Vendor. Amount of money spent or being requested is indicated on the program proposal. SM must complete a payee certification when submitting the appropriate paperwork. Resident Director approves the amount of money spent or to spend and submits paperwork to Central Office GA for processing. SM is issued a check from UAS. Receipts are submitted to Resident Director and Central Office GA. RECEIPTS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITHIN 2 DAYS of program or money requested must be returned. Check cut for a vendor: **Speak with your respective Resident Director for instructions. THINGS TO CONSIDER Receipts/ Evaluation:
After your program, be sure to submit the measurement tools you created to measure your Program Outcomes within 48 hours to your RD. Receipts, change, and gift cards with remaining balances must be submitted within 48 hours of the program. Failure to return receipts may result in your need to make restitution to UAS.
Reserving a location:
ON THE QUAD: Fill out a Special Function form. Make sure it is approved before proceeding. OFF THE QUAD: Fill out a Reservation Form through Student Involvement and Leadership. There you can secure space in the Campus Center and Academic Buildings. OFF CAMPUS: Be sure everything is in writing. Consult you RD before signing any contracts or agreeing to a dollar amount. 8
If you need special equipment, ask if the facility comes with it, the cost, and how you can request it.
Facilitators:
ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES: We have a wealth of knowledgeable and qualified staff at the university. Use them as a resource. Example of these resources includes the Counseling Center, Career Development Center, Student Involvement and Leadership, Student Association, and UPD, just to name a few. A listing of “faculty experts” can be found on the University’s web site at http://www.albany.edu/news/expert_category_1123.shtml. OFF-CAMPUS SPEAKERS: Check with your RD to see if there is funding for an off-campus speaker.
Outside Vendors:
You will need to get an invoice in writing from the outside vendor in order for payment to be processed. Be sure to submit this paperwork well in advance in order to ensure that the vendor will be paid at the time the service is provided. Do not sign ANYTHING when working with off campus vendors, speakers, or DJs. You are not an authorized University Representative and may not enter into any contracts on the University’s behalf.
Food/ Refreshments:
The University’s contract with UAS/ Sodexo requires that we purchase food from them when programming in the Campus Center or Academic Podium. If your program will be held in one of these areas, check with your RD before proceeding with refreshments. List of Vendors in the Capital Region that will take an Invoice:
Pizza Places: Domino’s Pizza 1554 Central Ave Albany, NY 12205 518-452-4681 DC’s Pizza 1182 Western Ave Albany, NY 12203 518-482-1392 New York Pizza 328 Central Ave Albany, NY 12206 518-465-0101 Paesan’s Pizza 289 Ontario Street Albany NY 12203 518-435-0312 Wings: Wings over Albany 1704 Western Ave Albany, NY 12203 518-862-9464 Indian/Pakistani Cuisine: 9
Latham Biryini 638 Loudon Road Latham, NY 12110 518-782-1510 Catering: Chartwell’s CC137 1400 Washington Ave Albany, NY 12222 518-442-5490
Boston Market (Must be a catering order, ask for a “house” account) 1235 Western Ave Albany, NY 12203 518-446-9101
Moe’s Southwestern Grill (catering orders for groups of 30+ only) 1704 Western Ave Albany, NY 12203 Ask for Mike: 518-852-9122
Creating/ Duplicating Flyers: You must submit a copy of the flyer you will be using to advertise your program. Make sure to submit the flyer with enough time so that it can be created, reproduced and posted. Your RD must approve the content before it is posted. After the flyer is approved by your RD, check with your Director to determine how your quad handles copy requests for flyers. Advertising Ideas:
Make sure your flyers are visible on bulletin boards. Put flyers on each of your resident’s suite doors. Hang flyers in bathroom stalls. Invite them personally (word of mouth/phone calls). Send them an e -invite. Utilize online networking sites (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, etc.). Table on the Quads and in the Campus Center.
Reminders: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7)
A Program evaluation MUST be submitted after the program in order to receive credit. Remember to use the Tax ID form when purchasing items for programs. All receipts must be turned in within 48hrs after the program. Please promote programs accordingly by advertising RAs may exceed the number of required events per semester. RAs may host off-campus social, educational, or service events in the area. Do not schedule events while you are on duty or desk sitting.
Adapted from: College of Mount Saint Vincent Resident Assistant Programming Model
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