Fall 2022 RA Training Manual by farmingdalereslife

FARMINGDALE RACING TOWARDS RESULTS RESIDENTASSISTANTTRAININGMANUAL 2022-2023 RESIDENT ASSISTANT TRAINING MANUAL 2022-2023

FarmingdaleStateCollege RESIDENCELIFE

ResidentAssistantContract

CongratulationsonyourappointmenttotheResidentAssistant(RA)position!Pleasekeepinmindthatthisposition comes with a great deal of responsibility and you are considered one of the top Student Leaders. As a Resident Assistant,youareapartofateamthatmustworktogetheranddependononeanother. Listedbelowisyourcontract forthesemesterthatmust be signed each semester that you are employed with Residence Life.Please understand that your supervisor is here to help you be successful in your academic endeavors and the RA position. Use them asaresourceandcommunicatewiththemanyproblemsorchallengesyoumayhave. Welcometotheteam!

I, ___________________________________________, accept the appointment as a Resident Assistant (“RA”) with Residence Life for the ________________semester. By accepting this offer, I agree to meet all the terms andconditionsoftheResidentAssistantstaffdescription(attached)andthiscontractsetforthbelow.

1. ContractTerm:

This contract is for the Fall 2022 semester, from Thursday, August 25th at 9:00 AMthrough Sunday, December 18th at 5:00 PM. Employment as an RA is contingent upon the approval of the Director of ResidentialLife,orhisorherdesigneewiththerecommendationfromthesupervisingRD.

2. Compensation:

Youwillreceivethefollowingcompensation:

a. Singleroom(valuedat$4,814persemester)

3. ContractRenewal:

Contracts are not automatically renewed. Staff members seeking to return must participate in the re-hire processtoseekanothersemesterofemployment.Reappointmentiscontingentuponyourcontinuedabilityto meet all qualifications, successful completion of tasks, satisfactory performance evaluations by your supervisor,anddemonstratedgrowthintheposition.

a. Increased Academic Load (clinical rotations, internships etc.): Inorderto continue yoursuccessasa studentandanRA,youmustinformyoursupervisorofyourincreasedpendingworkload.Youwillwork with your supervisor to develop a plan of action for the upcoming semester with your increased responsibilities.

4. StaffDisciplinaryAction:

You maybe placed on disciplinary probation at any time during the contract period based on unsatisfactory performance of the duties and responsibilities. Yourdirect supervisor, in consultation with otherappropriate persons, determines the level of discipline required. Depending on the severityof the performance problem, youmaybeplacedonprobationorinsomeextremecircumstances, yourcontractmaybeterminatedwithout progressivediscipline.Youmayappealthedepartmentdecisiontoterminateyourcontractbycomplyingwith thefollowing:

a. All termination appeals must be directed within three (3) business days to the Director ofResidentialLife.

b. The appeal must be based on error of fact or new evidence and includethe reason for the appeal,andwhyyoubelievethedecisionshouldbechanged.

c. Appeal decisions will be decided within five (5) College business days after the appeal is submitted.

5. Resignation:

You mayterminate this agreement at anytime through a letter/email of resignation. You must discuss your resignation with your direct supervisor and notifythe department in writing. You must vacate yourresidential spacewithinareasonabletimeframe(nomorethan3days)asarrangedwithyoursupervisor.Please understand that youwillnowbefinanciallyresponsibleforhousing.

6. LeadRAResponsibilites:

The LRA is a senior-level Resident Assistant position with increased leadership and supervisory responsibilities.Thesestaffmemberswillberesponsiblefor:

Servingonaweeklyon-callrotationfornon-emergencyrelatedquestions

SittingondeskdutyalongsidetheRAon-calleveryThursday

EnsuringallRA’son-dutyarefollowingtheproperdutyprotocol

Serveasamentortotheirassignedmentee/mentees

o Hostinginformal1-on-1’sbi-weekly

Providingsupporttotheirdesignatedprogramminggroup

InformingResidentDirectorsofprotocolviolationsoranyinappropriatebehavior(s)thatinvolveany studentstaffmember(s)

AnyadditionaladministrativetasksthatmaybeneededwithintheResidenceLifeOffice

7. On-CallResponsibilities:

YoumustserveonadutyrotationwithfellowstaffmembersinadesignatedbuildingastheRAonduty.You must arrive to your designated area on time dressed in the Residence Life Duty uniform (Any staff shift or Farmingdale State College gear paired with jeans or khakis). Pajamas, sweatpants/sweat shorts, flip flops/slippersor “slides” arenotpermittedtobewornwhileondeskduty.

a. DutyResponsibilityDates:

a. There are 116 of the semester from Thursday, August 25th, 2022 until Sunday, December 18th,2022;everydaysomeonemustbeonduty.

DutyHours:

i. Monday – Friday

a. DutyshiftsMonday–Fridaylastfrom6PMuntil8AMthefollowingmorning.

b. All RAs are responsible to pick up the duty phone and keys at promptly at 6:00 PM MondaythroughFriday.ItisyourresponsibilitytocalltheLRAphonetoinformthem that your duty shift has begun. Failure to call the LRA may result in is disciplinary action.

c. RA’sdeskshiftbeginsat7:30PMandconcludesat11:30PM.

d. TheRAondutywillhaveacellphonetheyareresponsibleforansweringatalltimes whileonduty;undernocircumstanceshouldyounotanswerthephone.

e. During yourdutyhours, youwillrespondtostudentinquiries, lock-outs,offercrisis response,completeworkorders&workorderfollow-upforms,addressanyincident andengagewithresidentsenteringandexitingthebuilding.

f. Roundsareto beconductedthreetimesduringyourdutyshift:~7:30PM,9:30PM, and11:30PM.

g. When yourdesk shift concludes, you are responsible to remain present and sleep in yourassignedbedroomfortheeveninguntilyourdutyendsthenextmorning.

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ii. Saturday & Sunday:

a. DutyshiftsforSaturdayandSundayare24hours:8AM – 8AMthefollowingmorning.

b. AllRAsareresponsibletopickup thedutyphone andkeys atpromptlyat 8AMboth SaturdayandSundaymorning.ItisyourresponsibilitytocalltheLRAphonetoinform themthatyourdutyshifthasbegun.FailuretocalltheLRAmayresultinisdisciplinary action.

c. Yourfirstroundwillbeat11AM,threehoursafteryouhavepickedupthephoneand keys.Thisittoensurenostudentsareleftsleepinginthecommunalspacesandnothing wasleftdamagedovernight.

d. During your weekend shift, you are permitted to leave the building for meals; however, youmustgoto thedininghallbetween10:00AM – 12:00PM forBrunch and5:00PM – 7:00PMfordinnerbut, yourmealsmustbetakento-go.

e. RA’sdeskshiftbeginsat7:30PMandconcludesat11:30PM.

f. TheRAondutywillhaveacellphonetheyareresponsibleforansweringatalltimes whileonduty;undernocircumstanceshouldyounotanswerthephone.

g. During yourdutyhours, youwillrespondtostudentinquiries, lock-outs,offercrisis response,completeworkorders&workorderfollow-upforms,addressanyincident andengagewithresidentsenteringandexitingthebuilding.

h. Roundsareto beconductedthreetimesduringyourdutyshift:~7:30PM,9:30PM, and11:30PM.

i. When yourdesk shift concludes, you are responsible to remain present and sleep in yourassignedbedroomfortheeveninguntilyourdutyendsthenextmorning.

8. Break/VacationCoverage:

Ifyouareassignedtonightdutyduringcollegebreaks/vacationperiodsthedutyresponsibilitiesarethesame. Break/vacationperiodsaredefinedasanyperiodoftimethatthecollegeisofficiallyclosed.Youmayrequest to not work during these periods as long as there is another RA willing to switch with you. You should not makeanyplanswithoutfindingcoverageforthedays youarescheduledtowork.Youarerequiredtowork with your supervisor before any concrete plans are made. If you are on duty during the break/closure time, you will assist with front desk duties, including but not limited to: lock outs, any administrative tasks, disseminate return receipt letters and answering student inquiries. You will be compensated with a meal allowanceforeachdayyouareondutywhenthe dininghallisclosed.ResidenceLifewillmakeeveryeffort toissuemealallowancespriortoclosing,however,itmaybeissuedwhenthehallsreopen. Allstaffmembers (whetherassigneddutyresponsibilitiesornot)maybeexpectedtoremainlateduringcollegeclosingsand/or arrive early prior to the college openings. You will be required to be in the building to assist with opening andclosingproceduresasassignedbyyoursupervisor.Itismandatoryforallstafftoworkeveryopening and closing of the residence halls. This includes Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break and the start of each semester All openings and closings are not the same, some require a great deal of work and some require a quick visual check and ensuring that the room doors, windows and exterior doors are locked. Failuretodosowillbeconsideredabreachofthiscontractandwillresultindisciplinaryaction.

9. StudentStatus&Grades:

YoumustbeaFarmingdalestudentandatleastofsophomorestandingbythetimeofemployment.Youmust maintainthefollowingacademicandconductstandardsthroughout youremployment:

a. Maintainaminimumof2.5CumulativeGPA/ andSemesterGPA.

b. If youfailtomaintainthesestandards youwillbeplacedonacademicprobationforonesemesterif yourGPAisbetween2.4-2.49.Duringanyprobationaryperiod, youmustmeetwith yourResident Directortodevelopaplantoincrease yourGPA.Ifafteronesemester, youstilldonotmeettheabove

academicrequirements(whichisa2.5orhigher), youwillnotbeoffered anRApositionforthe upcomingsemester. Ifatanygiventime,yoursemesterGPAdropsbelowa2.4,youwillbereleased from yourpositionsothatyoumayredirectyourtimeandfocusto yourcoursework.

c. You maynot beon current disciplinaryprobation, and must bein good standingwith thecollege throughout yourtenureasanRA.

10. Training&Development:

a. Participation in all training and development opportunities is required. You are responsible for making arrangements with fall/spring/summer classes, summer jobs and vacation plans to participateinalltraininganddevelopmentactivities.Alldatesnotprovidedwillbegiventoyouat least two weeks in advance; please make arrangements accordingly. This includes, but is not limitedto:

a. MoveintoresidencehallsforFalltrainingonMonday,August15,2022by7PM.

b. ParticipateinFallTraining:Sunday,August14,2022throughWednesday,August24,2022.

c. FYRECheck-inisonAugust25,2022.FYREweekendactivitiesbeginonThursday,August 25,2022andReturnerStudentCheck-inis Saturday,August27,2022.

d. ParticipateinOpenHouse,Sunday,October23rd andSunday,November6,2022.

e. ResidenceLifeRA/SHARecruitmentDays

b. Attend other required trainings/meetings as scheduled, i.e. weekly staff meetings, bi-weekly1-on-1 meetings,in-services,etc.

c. If you are unable to attend training, and/or department development, you must notify your supervisorimmediatelysothattheymayworkwith you,ifit’satallpossible.Weunderstandthat thingshappenbeyondourcontrol,buttrainingisessentialinorderforyoutodoyourjobeffectively. We also have a legal obligation to accurately train each and every staff member. Failure to communicatethesematterswithyoursupervisor,couldresultinseriousdisciplinaryactions.

11. Alcohol/DrugProhibition:

Youmustrefrainfromtheuseofalcoholanddrugswhileon-dutyandatleast24-hoursbeforehand.Youmust adheretoFarmingdaleStateCollege’salcoholpolicyatalltimes.AllResidentAssistantsarerequiredtobeRed Watch Bandcertified.Pleaseunderstandthat youarea “StudentLeaderand aRoleModel” it’simperativethat thepeopleenforcingthepolicyarefollowingthepolicy.Remember,studentsseeyouasaleaderandrolemodel even when you’re not on duty. If you are found in violation of this policy, it will be grounds for immediate terminationfromtheResidentAssistantposition.

12. HousingAssignments:

AsanRA,youmustresideinyourassignedresidencehall room.Thisiswherestudentswillgotolocate youwhen youarenotonduty.

a. Residence Life will make final building and floor assignments accordingto experience, abilities and departmentneedsandobjectives.

b. There aretimesbeyond our control that RA’s may have to be relocated to anotherbuildingor area. Residence Life will meet with you to inform you of the situation and give you the appropriatetimeandresourcesinordertomove.

c. Yourroom,just astheotherstudentrooms are furnishedbyResidence Life.You arenotallowedto removefurniturefromotherroomstoaccommodateyourneeds. Ifyouareaddingadditionalfurniture to your room, please discuss with your RD to make sure it’s not too big and meets the NYS Fire regulations.

13. TimeCommitment:

YourresponsibilitiesasanRAdoesnoteasilytranslateintohoursworkedperdayorweek.

a. Asageneralguideline,youshouldanticipateaminimumof20hoursperweekofregularly

scheduled responsibilities (e.g., in-services, staff and floor meetings, on-duty responsibilities,andanyotheradditionalresponsibilities).

b. You will also be expected to assist in procedures for emergencies including natural disasters, medical, mentalhealthand facilityissues.

14. RATimeOff:

AsanRA,yourresidentswillbecomedependentonyoutoassistwithproblemswithintheresidenthallsaswell aswithsomeoftheirpersonalissuesandlooktoyouforadvice. Inordertofulfillthisrequirement, youmust bepresent,andsleepingintheassignedroomsatleastfournightsperweek,exceptduringbreaksandtime awayfromthecampus.

a. AsanRAyoushouldnotbeawayfromcampusmorethanfour consecutive nightspermonth(unless thehallsareclosed and youarenotscheduledtobeonduty). If youareplanninga vacationortime away from the campus for more than 4 nights at a time, please discuss this with your supervisor at least 72 hours in advance. Please understand that coverage for any of your duty hours is your responsibility.

b. Younolongerhavetoinform/requesttosleepoffcampusforone-offdays;onlyinformyourRDifitis morethanthefournightminimum.

c. Residence Life understands that emergencies happen and they are outside of our control. If an emergency should happen, you should contact your supervisor immediately. Your supervisor will stepinandmakearrangementsforsomeonetocoveryourshift. Youshouldmakesuretokeep your supervisorupdatedregardingyourpendingreturntocampus.

15. LimitationsonOutsideEmployment&TimeCommitments:

Residence Life encourages participation in outside employment,organizations, committee work, student government,fraternitiesandsororities.However,pleaserememberthatyouareastudentfirstandmaintaining agoodacademicstandardisextremelyimportant.Youshouldworkwithyoursupervisorandmapoutaplanthat willenableyoutohandleallthecommitmentsyouhavemade. Ifyouareunderperforminginyourcoursework, the RA position, or poor life/work balance which is affecting your health, you will meet with your direct supervisortoevaluate yourscheduletohelp yougetbackontrack.

a.First year RA Staff must limit outside commitments to 15 hoursper week. As you becomemore experienced in the position and handling other commitments, your supervisor can approve you to workoverthe15hours.

b."Outside Commitment" includes but is not limited to part-time jobs, clinical rotations, internships,andotherleadershippositions.

16. PerformanceEvaluation:

You will be evaluated on your performance in the position. Evaluations are used as a tool so that you and yoursupervisorcanassessandtrackyourprogress.Thisevaluationisbasedonanumberoffactorsincluding, butnotlimitedto,self-assessment,residentfeedback,andsupervisorobservation.Evaluationsareconducted 2 times per academic semester, once mid-semester and another near closing. Recommendations for re-hire arebasedon yourevaluation.

17. AdministrativePaperwork:

You are responsible for completing administrative paperwork, such as, Key Cards, Health and Safety Reports, Room Inventory Forms, Incident Reports, etc. Most of the paperwork you complete are legal documentssoit’simperativethatthepaperworkiscompletedaccuratelyand withintherequiredtimeframe.

18. RAsasCollegeRepresentatives:

As an RA, you are seen as representatives of Residence Life and the College entirely. Please refrain from

speaking on behalf of the College or Residence Life to media or online mediums. You cannot use your positiontopromoteaparticularreligiouspositionorpartisanpoliticalviewpoint.Youare arolemodeland shouldexhibitbehaviorbecomingofaResidenceLifestaffmember.

19. RomanticorSexualRelationships:

Youshouldrefrain from establishingintimate/datingrelationshipswithany residentorstudentstaffmember livinginthesameresidencehallinwhichyouareworkingin.ResidenceLifeandtheCollegedoesnotinterfere withprivatechoicesregardingpersonalrelationships.However,a consensualromanticorsexualrelationship in which one party retains a direct supervisory or evaluative role over the other party has the potential to interferewiththegoalsandmissionofResidenceLife.Itisimperativethatyoumaintainaseparationbetween your RA role and your personal life, especially from the lives of residents. If a relationship develops, your directsupervisor mustbe informed. A planofaction will bedeveloped to reducethe conflict of interest and remove the direct supervisoryor evaluative relationship. This may require the staff member involved to relocatetoadifferentfloororbuilding.

20. SelectionProcessParticipation:

AsanRA,youarerequiredtoassistintheentireRASelectionprocess.Wearecurrentlyunsureifwewillbe conductingaSpringsearch.

21. ConfidentialInformation:

AsanRA, youwillencountersensitiveandconfidentialstudent informationthrough yourjobduties. This informationincludes,butisnotlimitedto,areassuchasinterpersonalrelationships,mentalhealthconcerns, and personal background, and policy infractions. You are required to consult with your direct supervisor andreportanyconcernstotheappropriateauthority.Itisourexpectationthatyouwillnotshareastudent’s privateorconfidentialinformationwithanyindividualsexceptforthesupervisorystaff.

22. Keys

Master keys are to be used only for lock-outs. Any other use of keys is an abuse of power. Use of keys for personalgainwillnotbetoleratedandwillresultinimmediatedismissal/terminationofRAposition.

23. CampusSecurityAuthorityResponsibilities:

RAs are identified as a Campus SecurityAuthority (“CSA”) underThe Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (“the CleryAct”).The law defines a CSA as“[a]nofficial ofaninstitutionwhohassignificantresponsibilityforstudentandcampusactivities,including,butnotlimited to,studenthousing,studentdiscipline,andcampusjudicialproceedings.”CSAsareresponsiblefor reporting crimesandviolations describedintheCleryActtoUniversityPolicewhenevertheybecomeawareof them. If appropriate, this information is then included in the University’s federallymandated annual security and firesafetyreport,which is distributed every year on or before October1. Theinformation also assists in the identificationofcrimeonand aroundcampus.

24. OtherPoliciesApply:

AsanRA,youareresponsibletoknow,understand,enforceandabidebyallpolicies,procedures,guidelines, and publications directed at residential and commuter students. This includes, but is not limited to, the Residence Life Handbook, the Student Code of Conduct, andthe Conditions to Residence Living.

25. InsuranceRecommendation:

FarmingdaleStateCollegeassumesnoliabilityforanylossordamagetoanypropertycontainedtherein. The College strongly advises all residents to obtain appropriate private property insurance to cover lost property andtoremoveallvaluableitemsfromtheirrooms priortoCollegerecesses.

I herebyacknowledge that I have received and read the position description, this contract agreement, and other materials provided by Residence Life. I am aware that failure to meet these obligations, expectations, and conditions stated in this contract, the position description, and any other materials provided byResidence Life maybe groundsfordisciplinaryactionuptoandincludingterminationoftheappointment.Ialsounderstandand accept the benefits and compensation being offered by Residence Life. No amendment to anyprovision of this agreementshallbeeffectiveunlessinwritingandsignedbytheDirectorortheirdesigneeandmyself.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Fullname(FirstandLastnameprinted) RAMNumber Signature Date ResidenceLifeUseOnly: AppointmentApproved:_____ Date____________ ________________________ ResidentHallDirectorSignature

FarmingdaleStateCollege RESIDENCELIFE

LeadResidentAssistantContract

Congratulations on your appointment to the Lead Resident Assistant (RA) position! Please keep in mind that this positioncomeswithanevengreaterdealofresponsibilitythanthetypicalRA. AsaLeadResidentAssistant, you arenotonlypartofateambuthelpdirectit!

I, ___________________________________________, accept the appointment as a Lead Resident Assistant (“LRA”)withResidenceLifeforthe________________semester. Byaccepting thisoffer,Iagreetomeetallthe termsandconditionsoftheResidentAssistantstaffdescriptionaswellasthefollowingadditionsbelow:

ContractTerm:

This contract is for the Fall 2022 semester, from Thursday, August 25th at 9:00 AM through Sunday, December 18th at 5:00 PM. Employment as an LRA is contingent upon the approval of the Director of ResidentialLife,orhisorherdesigneewiththerecommendationfromthesupervisingRD.

1. Compensation:

Youwillreceivethefollowingcompensation:

a. DoubleRoom(valuedat$5,250persemester)

2. ContractRenewal:

3. Resignation:

4. On-CallResponsibilities:

a. LRA’sareresponsibletoserveonaweeklyon-callrotation.

b. During your weeklydutyrotation, you areresponsible to sit atthedesk onThursday’s from 7:30 PM – 11:30PMwiththeRAonduty.

c. Everyotherdayoftheweek(includingThursday) that youareon-call, you areresponsible toanswer anynon-emergencyrelatedquestionaskedbyeitherastudentorResidentAssistantvia LRAphone.

5. StudentStatus&Grades:

YoumustbeaFarmingdalestudentandatleastjuniorstandingbythetimeofemployment.Youmustmaintain thefollowingacademicandconductstandardsthroughout youremployment:

a. Maintainaminimumof3.0CumulativeGPA/ and2.75SemesterGPA.

b. If you failtomaintainthesestandardsyoucanbeputonacademicprobationforonesemester.Ifafter onesemester youstilldonotmeettheaboveacademicrequirements you will not be offered an LRA position for that upcoming semester. This probationary status will only be allowed one time during yourtenureasanLRA.

c. You maynot beon current disciplinaryprobation, and must bein good standingwith thecollege throughout yourtenureasanLRA.

6. Training&Development:

a. Participation in all training and development opportunities is required. You are responsible for making arrangements with fall/spring/summer classes, summer jobs and vacation plans to participateinalltraininganddevelopmentactivities.Alldatesnotprovidedwillbegiventoyouat leasttwoweeksinadvance;pleaseplanaccordingly.Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedto:

i. MoveintoresidencehallsforFalltrainingonMonday,August15,2022by11AM.

ii. ParticipateinFallTraining:Sunday,August14,2022throughWednesday,August24,2022.

iii. Helpassistwithputtingtogetherandpresentingduringstafftrainings

iv. FYRECheck-inisonAugust25,2022.FYREweekendactivitiesbeginonThursday,August 25,2022andReturnerStudentCheck-inis Thursday,August27,2022.

v. ParticipateinOpenHouse,Sunday,October23rd andSunday,November6th,2022

vi. ResidenceLifeRA/SHARecruitmentDays

b. Attend other required trainings/meetings as scheduled, i.e. weekly staff meetings, bi-weekly1-on-1 meetings,in-services,etc.

7. TimeCommitment:

YourresponsibilitiesasanLRAdoesnoteasilytranslateintohoursworkedperdayorweek.

a. Asageneralguideline,youshouldanticipateaminimumof20hoursperweekofregularly scheduled responsibilities (e.g., in-services, staff and floor meetings, on-duty responsibilities, andanyotheradditionalresponsibilities) howeverasan LRAtheremaybe timesduringthedayyouwillbeneeded.

b. You will also be expected to assist in procedures for emergencies including natural disasters, medical, mentalhealthand facilityissues.

8. PerformanceEvaluation:

You will be evaluated on your performance in the position. Evaluations are used as a tool so that you and yoursupervisorcanassessandtrackyourprogress.Thisevaluationisbasedonanumberoffactorsincluding, butnotlimitedto,leadership,self-assessment,residentfeedback,andsupervisorobservation.Evaluationsare conducted2timesperacademic year.Recommendationsforre-hirearebasedonyourevaluation.

9. AdministrativePaperwork:

You are responsible for completing administrative work, such as, Key Cards, Health and Safety Reports, Room InventoryForms,IncidentReports,andotherpaperworkasassignedfromresidencelifestaff.

10. StaffMeetings:

AsanLRAyouarerequiredtoattendweeklystaffmeetingsthedayandtimearedeterminedbythestaff you’re on and the immediate supervisor. You may be expected to assist in the leading of the meetings. Not only are you responsible to attend said meetings, you should be conducting informal 1-on-1’s of yourownwithyourdesignatedmentee’saswellasyourprogramminggroup.

11. Selection&RecruitmentProcessParticipation:

AsanLRA,youarerequiredtoassistintheentireRASelectionprocessandbeexpectedtoplayagreaterrole thetypicalRA.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Fullname(FirstandLastnameprinted) RAMNumber

Signature Date

ResidenceLifeUseOnly: AppointmentApproved:_____ Date____________ ________________________ ResidentHallDirectorSignature

RESIDENTASSISTANTEXPECTATIONS

I. Attitude

1. Youareexpectedtoshowenthusiasm,motivation,andmakeyourselfapproachableto others while in your position as an RA. If you don’t have these characteristics or are notabletolearnthem,pleaseletmeknow.

2. Always keep a positiveattitude. Everyone has off days but, keep thatin checkand let me know if you arestrugglingwith upholdinga positivepresence,especiallywhile in staffmeetings,atjob-relatedfunctions,orduringofficehours.Attitudesarecontagious –isyoursworthcatching?

3. At all times you should exudeprofessionalism. Rememberto act responsiblyand best representyourpositionwhenyouareonandoffcampusaswellasontheinternet.This includesbutisnotlimitedtoattire,communicationskills(bothnon-verbalandverbal), andgeneralattitude.

II. HallAdministration

1. Manuals: Read manuals thoroughly and use them as a reference throughout the year. Wehaveprovidedyouwithhardcopiesofsaidmanual;wewillrevisititnowandthen.

2. Mail: Check and empty your mailbox at least once daily. You are responsible for distributing materials in your mailbox to your floor in a timely manner. I expect your mailboxtobeemptyattheendofeachday.

3. E-mail: We expect that when we send out an email you will read it thoroughly and respondaccordingly.Additionally,weexpectyouwillrespondtoemailsasquicklyas possible (nolaterthan24hours).Thebest practice istocheckyourFSC email atleast twiceaday.

4. Paperwork: All paperwork should be filled out neatly and correctly and turned in on time. We cannot meet our deadlines if you do not meet yours. This is extremely important. Incident Reports should be submitted immediately after an incident has concluded, and programming paperwork should be submittedthe day after your programhasconcluded.Otherpaperworkdeadlineswillbeassignedasneeded.

5. Building Maintenance: Report facilities issues when you are made aware of them. Emergencies must be reported to professional staff (either the RHD during business hoursortoPublicSafetyafterbusinesshours)immediately.

III. PolicyEnforcement

1. Policies: You are to follow and support all policies as established by the Office of Residential Life and Housing and Farmingdale State College. Failure to do so may result in termination of your status as anRA. If you need clarification on anypolicies or procedures, be sure to ask. As a staff member, you are not above the rules – you, too,needtofolloweverypolicytowhichallFarmingdalestudentsmustadhere.Please familiarize yourself with the Code of Conduct and Residence Hall Agreement as you needtoknowwhatyouareupholdingin yourposition.

2. Philosophy: There should be a general sense of community development in each one ofyourrolesasaResidentAssistant.Ingeneral,wedonotwantyouto look for issues: do not spy on doors or target rooms, but instead respond to scenarios in which your attentionisrequired.

3. Consistency: Always treat all residents fairly. This is the biggest key to effective discipline.Youwillloseyourcredibilityifyouaren’tconsistentwitheachresident.

4. Documentation: Document everything! This is our only proof that a situation has occurred. Do not wait to type out an incident or a strange situation. Use Maxient to submit Incident Reports right away, while facts are still fresh in your mind. Please proofread and include only the facts, not opinions. IRs should be submitted electronicallywithin6hoursofthedocumentationorby8amthenextday(immediately is preferred). Be sure to write all documentation in third person. We also recommend putting this information into a word processor first as sometimes the internet can malfunction. FYIs should be given the same treatment but submitted to your RD via email.

5. Communication: Always let us know of any problems or incidents within 24 hours. Useyourbestjudgment.Whenindoubt,contacttheRDonDuty.Pleasedonotassume webothwillbeaccessibleoutsideofbusinesshours.

6. Follow-up: Seek out and check in with a resident later that dayor the next day after a referral or incident. It is important to build and maintain rapport with your residents. (Thisisnotanapology,butmoreofawaytobuildcommunity.)

7. Identification: It is crucial that you ask for ID from all persons when confronting a problem. Farmingdale students and their guests areresponsible fortheviolations they commit.WhenconfrontingastudentwhodoesnothaveaFarmingdaleID,recordtheir first and last name as well as their address from their license. If the person cannot presentphoto ID,contactUniversityPolice.

IV. Injury/CounselingConcerns

1. If thereis a time when you areconcerned about the emotional stabilityor behavior of aresident,includingfellowRAs,thisshouldbedocumentedviathe Student of Concern formandsubmittedtobothRD’s.Ifitisanemergencyafterbusinesshours,pleasecall theRDonDuty.

2. Never guarantee confidentialityto students. You can guarantee privacy, but you must tell residents that you may have to relay details of the conversation to the RD/RD on Duty,whomayhavetonotifyotherprofessionalsonaneed-to-knowbasis.

3. Ifaresidentsuffersaninjuryoncampusproperty,thisalsoneedstobedocumented.

V. Duty

1. Accessibility:BeavailabletoassistyourfellowRAsevenif youarenotonduty.

2. Frequency: The amount of duty nights you work over the course of a semester will vary.Wemustplanfor116daysthisFallsemester,soitwon’tbeexactlyeven,butwe aregoingtomakeitasequitableaspossible.

3. Hours:Dutybeginsat6PMandendsat8AMthefollowingmorningMondaythrough Friday. On weekends, dutystarts at 8 AM on Saturday and ends at 8 AM on Sunday,

andthenstartsat8AMonSundayandendsat8AMonMonday.Ifondutyduringthe weekend, you are required to remain on campus during the designated times. You are onlyallowed to go to the campus center for meals, but theymust be taken to go. You arenotallowedtoleavecampusunderanycircumstancewhileon-call.

4. Desk Responsibilities: You are responsible for sitting at the desk in either Orchard or AlumniHall(dependingwhichbuildingyouareon-callfor)from7:30PM–11:30PM during your duty shift on both weekdays and weekends. During this time, you will monitorwhoiscominginandoutofthebuilding,answering/respondingtoanystudent questions and remaining visible in some type of Residence Life apparel. The Lead Resident Assistant on-call for that week is also responsible for accompanying the ResidentAssistantatthedeskeveryThursday;otherthanthat,onlyonepersonwillbe sittingatthedeskeveryevening.

5. Duty changes: Duty changes should be scheduled as far in advance as possible and communicated to both RD’s via email. Please work with your fellow RAs to arrange equitable switches and CC each other on the email so we know you’re both aware of saidswitch.Dutychangescanbemadeforanyreason,butyoushouldnotneglectyour workresponsibilitiesforextracurricularpurposes.

6. Rounds: Roundsaretobeconductedthreetimespershiftuntil alittleafter11:30PM; oneat7:30 PM,one at9:30PM and another after 11:30PM.DONOTcomplete your third round until after 11:30 PM. Feel free to switch up the way you do this, both the time(does not haveto start at9:30 PM; couldbe9:42 PM) andthe direction in which youwalk.Roundsarenottobeskippedunlessexplicitpermissionisgiven.Youshould record any confrontations, noise, or lack thereof in the duty log after each round. Roundsincludeeachfloor,stairwell,andexteriordoors.Failuretodoroundsmayresult injobaction.FillouttheDutyLogthroughoutthenightandsubmititbythefollowing morning. For weekend duty, you must also conduct a round at 11 AM in the morning to ensure no students are left sleeping in the communal spaces and nothing was left damagedovernight.

7. Guests: Under no circumstance are you allowed to sign a guest in while you are on duty. In order to have a guest in thebuilding, you must be ableto accompanythem at all times; whichduring yourdutyshift,isnotpossible.

8. Alcohol: For those of you who are 21, you are not permitted to drink within 24 hours of being on duty. For everyone else, you are underage, so you will, of course, not be drinking alcohol. Our expectation is that those who are of-age are not noticeably comingbacktocampuswithalcoholinyoursystem.

9. Off-DutyTimes:YoumustnotifybothRD’swhenyouaretakingextendedtimeaway from campus (3+ days at a time). We do not mean to limit your time away; we are encouraging it, but please keep us and your fellow staff aware of your whereabouts. Please let us know when you will be away as soon as you know when you want to leave.

VI. Programming

1. Requirements: Plan and implement 6 programs per the wellness model diagram; each ResidentAssistantwillfacilitate6programspersemesterwhilemeetingalladditional requirements:e.g.-3programstobeheldontheweekdays,and3programstobeheld

on the weekend. One of these programs must also be with your co-resident assistant and another with one outside department other than Farmingdale’s Residence Life office.Programscanonlybeconductedduringresidencelifeprogramhours(7:00PM -11:00PM)unlessyouareworkingwithanoutsidedepartment.

2. AdditionalLRA/RA Requirements: The LRAalongsidetheir Resident Assistant team isresponsibletohost1cause-focusedProgram.

3. Program Proposals: Program proposal forms are to be completed in detail for every programviaemail.TheproposalmustbeapprovedbyyourassignedResidentDirector at least 1 month in advance to the program date. No program should duplicate itself. When planning your program, please check ourResidence Life Event calendar for availability.AllweekendprogramsshouldfallonaFriday,Saturday,orSunday.There shouldbenomorethan2programsperday,andyouarenotpermittedtohostaprogram while on duty. There should be no more than 1 program per wellness category on the samedayaswell.

4. ProgramEvaluations:Theevaluationofeachprogramisdueinatimelyfashion(within 48 hours of the program’s completion. Repeated failure to submit evaluations on time mayresultinlossofprogrammingcredit.

5. Advertising: Publicityis an important part of the success of anyprogram. Be creative and ask for help if you need it. Advertising should start aroundtwo weeks before the program. Please do not use large construction paper to simply make a sign – get creative! Again, ask for help! All program advertisements must be taken down bythe hosting Resident Assistant after the completion of your program. All program flyers that are placed in any building other than a residence life affiliated building must be stampedbytheResidenceLifeProgramCoordinatorbeforebeinghungup.

6. Creativity: Plan new and interesting programs. Do not be content with repeating the same ideas each semester. Plan your programs according to the interest and needs of yourHallandresidents.However,wedonotexpectyoutoreinventthewheel.Youare free to adapt programs online or seek ideas from residents and fellow RAs (and your RD!).

7. Community Development: Significant effort should be put forth to create a sense of communityonyourfloor.Alwaystrytogeteverymemberofyourfloorinvolved.This iswhereyourfloorsocialscanbehugelyhelpful–insteadofadvertisingtothebuilding, youmaywanttoonlytargetyourresidents.

8. Attendance: You should strive to get as many students involved in programming, but attendance is not the key focus. You must have at least 15 residents in total for your programtocount.

9. Budget: Anytime that you want to spend programming funds you must plan as far in advanceaspossible.Wewillapproveallbudgetrequestssolongastheyareappropriate and thoroughly completed. All purchasing requests must be submitted with your programproposalviaemail.Onlyitemsonyourapprovedpurchaselistwillbebought sopleasethinkaboutwhatyourprogramneeds.

RESIDENCELIFE

ConfidentialityAgreement

As a Resident Assistant (RA), I understand that I am an official staff member within the department of Residence Life at Farmingdale State College. As part of my employment with the College, I understand that I may be privy to sensitive and confidential information regarding individual students, staff members, and other colleagueswithinandbeyondtheimmediatedepartment.

Confidentialityvs.DutytoCare

As an RA, you may find yourself in a situation where a resident is relying on you for support and/or guidance. Whenitcomesto maintainingpersonalinformationaboutaresident you canandshouldprovideconfidentiality. Forexample,aresidentmaytell youaboutwantingtodateafellowresident,oraboutanembarrassingmoment.

However, when it comes to something that is against any of the College’s Policies, or in cases where it has the potentialtoharmanindividualyou cannotmaintainthestudent’sconfidentiality.

As a staff member, you are bound by the “duty to care” principle. If someone is considering or planning to causeharmtohimself/herselforanotherindividual, youhaveadutyandtheresponsibilitytonotifyasupervisor orotherdesignatedprofessional.

If at any time you are unsure if you should discuss this with someone, ask your supervisor. It is always appropriate to share information with your direct supervisor. They will be able to provide you with the appropriateinformationanddirectionthatisneeded.

RespectingConfidentialInformation:

Thefollowingoutlinesthebasicprofessionalstandardsregardinginterandintraofficeconfidentiality.

Iagreetoupholdthefollowingprofessionalstandards:



Maintain confidential, personal information on an individual student or staff member, such as, but not limitedtojudicialorhealthrelatedissues.



Maintain confidential information about a fellow staff member’s personal or professional business in casual conversations with friends. I understand that it may be necessary to talk through a concern, regardingafellowstaffmember,withmysupervisor(s).



Maintain confidential information about the College’s or the department’s business. Specifically, I will not release information listed in the above to fellow staff members, students, faculty members, or other campusadministrators.

Signature: ________________________________ Date: ________________________

ResidentAssistant

Signature:

ResidentDirector

Office of Residence Life Sinclair Hall 934-420-2010 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale, NY11735 www.farmingdale.edu

________________________________ Date: ________________________

FERPAFACTS

TheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA)isafederallawdesignedtoprotecttheprivacyofa student’seducationalrecords.ItappliestoschoolsreceivingfundsthroughaU.SDepartmentofEducation program.

Onceastudent entersacollege,informationfromhis/herstudent’srecordcannotbesharedwithothers, includingparents,unlesshe/shegiveswrittenpermissionfortheschooltodoso.Thisincludesregistration information,financialinformation,grades,disciplinaryrecords,anddirectoryinformation.However,thelaw doesallowaninstitutiontodiscloserecordswithoutconsenttootherUniversityOfficialsinsomespecialcases. Onesuchcasewouldbeahealthandsafetyemergency.

CONFIDENDIALITY

AsHigherEducationStaff,weareboundbytheFERPALaw.However,FERPAguidelinesarenotallthatwe follow.

AsStudent LifeStaff,werelyheavilyonourabilitytogainandkeepstudentstrust.Studentsmustfeel comfortableturningtousintimesofneed.Thisiswhyweaskourstaff,studentsandprofessionals,touphold thebondsofconfidentialityasitappliestoareas wedealwithonadailybasis.AsResidentAssistants,this includeshandlingincidents,havingknowledgeofdiscipline/healthrecordsandstudentinformation. However,therearecertaincircumstancesinwhichmaintainingconfidentialitycannotbepromised.Such circumstanceswouldincludeanythingthatphysical/emotional/sexualabuse,terrorism,etc.) Asperyourcontracts,anyRAfoundinviolationoftheConfidentialityclausewillberemovedfromtheir position.

Office of Residence Life Sinclair Hall 934-420-2010 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale, NY11735 www.farmingdale.edu

FISHBOWLEFFECT

Welcometolifeinthefishbowl!

Whatisthatyoumayask?Thefishbowlconceptisdefinedas:

Any place or situation open to observation by others; having limited privacy out in public

NowthatyouareaResidentAssistant(RA),youareconsideredarolemodelhereon Farmingdale’scampus.Thisrequiresyoutoconstantlybeawareofyouractionsasyourface becomesfamiliartootherdepartments,faculty&staff,andevenfacilities.Itisalsoevidentthat yourresidentsmaybeeasilyinfluencedbyyourbehaviors;withthisbeingsaid,itisthrough yourresponsiblebehaviorthatwillexert unspoken influence overyourresidentssothattheymay actinasimilarmanner.

Pleasekeepinmindthatwestillwouldlikeyoutoenjoyyourcollegeexperiencebut, youmade thedecisiontoapplyand havebeenchosento,technically,nowbeinthe limelight. Andalthough youmaynowhavetocarryyourselfdifferently, youarenowabletodisplaywhatbeingagreat residentstudentlookslike.Withthisbeingsaid,youhavetheabilitytoimpactthosewhom you interactwithonadailybasis,whetheritbethroughconversationorthemjustbeingawitnessto youractions.Itisimportantthatyouuphold Farmingdale’sStudentCodeofConductaswellas theResidentialLifeHandbook.

Lifeinthefishbowlisn’tallthatbadbut,youneedtoremembertotakecareofyourself.Aslong asyouareoncampusorhangingoutataFarmingdalehot-spot,youaregoingtobeinthe fishbowl24/7.Thisbeingsaid,itisimportanttomonitoryourstresslevel. Dosomeofyour homeworkinthelibraryoranotherfavoritequietspotoncampus.Maintainyoursupport network,andspendtimewithpeoplewhoknowyouasanindividualandnotjustasanRA.

PEERPRESSURE

Itistoughsometimesattemptingtobalancebeingastudentleaderwhilesimultaneouslytryingto makethemostoutofyourcollegeexperience.Itcanbecome easytofallintopeerpressurewhen youliveamongst yourpeerswhomaynotnecessarilybethebestinfluences.If youfindit becomingmoreandmoredifficulttoactappropriatelyinrelationtoyourleadershipposition,we wouldliketoprovideyouwithsomewaystosetyourselfbackontrack!

Here aresomeways youcanhelpcombatpeerpressure:



Haveconversations: Itisimportanttounderstandthedifferencesbetweenwhatisright andwrong,andtheconsequencesthatcomewithmakingwrongchoices.Have conversationswith yoursupervisorsandpeersif youbegintofinditdifficulttostandup topeerpressure. 

Settingboundaries: bound·ary| \ˈbaun-d(ə-)rē \ boundary: somethingthat indicates or fixes a limit or extent

Here arethefivedifferenttypes:

o Emotional.Thisreferstoaperson’sfeelings.Youmightnotfeelcomfortablesharing yourfeelingsaboutsomethingtoeveryonethatyoumayinteractwithandviceversa. Itisimportanttoacknowledgewhensomeonemayhavetheirguardupand tonotpry.

o Financial.Thisboundaryreferstoyourfinances.Forinstance,if youarean infrequentspenderandliketosaveyourmoney, youmightnotwanttoloanmoneyto afriendwhospendsfrivolously.

o Intellectual.Theseboundariesconcernyourthoughtsandbeliefs.Intellectual boundariesarenotrespectedwhensomeonedismissesanotherperson’sideasand opinions.

o Physical.Thisrefersto yourpersonalspace, yourprivacy,and yourbody.Ifyouare notcomfortablewithphysicaltouchorsharingsmallspaces,make yourboundaries knownsothatothersdonotassumeyourlevelofcomfortability.

o Sexual.Theseareyourexpectationsconcerningintimacy.Donotallowsomeoneelse tomakeyoufeelsmallinordertopleasethem–gowithyourgutinstinct.

Thinkaboutit:Sometimesitisbesttothinkaboutadecisionbeforemakingit.Createa boundarythatallowsyoutoprocess yourthoughtsandfeelings.Remember,youcan alwayschange yourmindatanothertime,buttheimportantthingistomakethatdecision yourself withoutinfluence. 

Evaluaterelationships:If yourrelationshipsorfriendshipsresultinquestioning yourself,threats,orinsults,thenitmightnotbehealthy.Youcanhaveconversationswith thosepeoplein yourlife,butconsiderwhatthebestoptionisforyou.



PERSONALPRIORITIES: TIMEMANAGEMENT

Theheartofeffectivetimemanagementisinweeklytimeorganization.However,youalso need a semester-long calendar to lay out all of your major obligations. Remember, if you don’t have clearly defined goals, scheduling will be difficult for you for two reasons. First, you won’t haveanyguidelinestouseforprioritizingyouractivities.Secondyouwillhavetroublemotivating yourself to complete the tasks in your schedule that are not immediately gratifying. You will for example, be tempted to go to a movie instead of studying calculus (which may be necessary for thelongtermgoalofbecominganengineer).

Twogeneralapproachestoweeklyschedulingcanworkwell.Thefirstisfairlysimpleand involves a daily list of things you want to accomplish that day. In order to use this method, you need to know what your activities and obligations are for several weeks. This will allow you to make a daily list and modify and prioritize with a clear understanding of your short term goals. This kind of approach appeals to people who don’t like too much structure and don’t want to be lockedintoanhourbyhourschedule.

The followingis an example of aatwo-dayperiod using thedailyusingthe dailylist type ofschedulewithasimpleA-B-Cprioritysystem.(A=HighestPriority,B=ModeratePriority,C= Lowest Priority.) This a schedule forMarcy, a student who works and attends Farmingdale State College:

Thursday(Homefromworkat6PM):

1. Reviewnotesforbiologyclass(A) 2. Workoutatthegym(B) 3. Studyformusichistoryclass(C) 4. Talkafterdinnerwithastudypartner(A) 5. Writealettertomybrother(C)

Friday(Homefromworkat3PM)

1. Domusichistoryassignment(A) 2. LibraryResearch(B) 3. Workoutatthegym(A) 4. Watchamoviewithmyroommate(A) 5. ReviewnotesforBiologytestnextweek(C)

Inthisschedule,youshouldbeabletodeterminesomeofMarcy’slongtermgoalsandalso seehowsheusesflexibilityinherschedule.Oneofhergoalsisobviouslytofinishherbachelor’s degree. From the way she prioritizes activities, it would appear that another goal is to be a good friendandleaderincommunity.Shealsoappearstobecommittedtoabalancedschedulebecause sheincludestimeforexercise,contactwithherbrother,andasoftballgame.

A written list is essential. The list should be somewhere available to you throughout the day. You may want to carrya notebook or card with the items on it. You will also find it helpful to post the list somewhere as a reminder. A more detailed kind of schedule will be necessaryfor peoplewhoneedmorestructurethantheflexiblelistmethodoffers.Themostcommonmethodis to use an hour-by-hour weekly schedule. This allows you to allocate time specifically and gives you a very clear guideline of what to do when. Although some people find this confining, others welcome the order and find it extremely helpful. The key, of course, is keeping to the schedule. Be realistic. It is important to allow for plenty of free time, recreation, etc. You must be able to keepyourgoalsandprioritiesinmindinordertomotivateyourselftofollowthisschedule.

Balance: The most common time management mistake that people make is not allowing for a balanced lifestyle. Remember that one's overall health and wellness require attention to six importantlifeareas.

Physical:exercise,nutrition,andsleep

Intellectual:cultural,aesthetic

Social:intimateandsocialrelationships

Career:schoolandcareergoaldirectedwork

Emotional:expressionoffeelings

Certainlyyoudon'thavetohaveadesignatedsetofactivitiesineachoftheseareas.However, if you notice one area that you don't attend to at all, you may be ignoring an important part of yourself.Forexample,ifyousetasidetimeforexercise,youwillimproveyouroverallfunctioning andalsobettermanageyourstress.Ifyoutaketimetofosteryourintellectualgrowth,youcangain new perspectives on life, experience some different kinds of pleasure, and perhaps be better able tofocusonyourgoals. 

Reviewyourlong-termandintermediategoalsoften.Keepalistwhereyouwillseeitoften.  Continually try to eliminate unnecessary tasks that are not related to your goals or to maintainingabalancedlifestyle. 

Takeadvantageofyournaturalcycles.Schedulethemostdifficultactivitieswhenyouare sharpest. 

Learntosay"NO"topeople,includingspouses,friends,children,andparents

Reward yourselfforeffectivetimemanagement

Solicit cooperation from those around you. Let your spouse, familymembers, roommate, andotherknowaboutyoureffortstomanagetime.

Donotsetyourselfuptofail.Berealisticandworktowardanindividualizedapproachthat makessensefor you. 

Recording things - the process of putting schedules, priorities, and plans, on paper - is helpfulinitself.



PROBLEMSOLVING

When handled efficiently, problems can teach us how to avoid future mistakes. To learn from problems, however, we have to be able to analyze and solve them. Instead of taking a disorganized shot-in-the-dark approach to problems, use this eight-step strategy to help you find thebestsolution.

1. Define your problem. Peopleoften think they've defineda problem when in fact they’ve only defined the symptom. To correctly identify your problem, look for possible causes. Howlonghaveyouhadtheproblem? Whatbroughtitto yourattention? Answerstothese questionswillhelpyouseethebiggerpicturemoreclearlyso youcandefineyouproblem moreaccurately.

2. Gather data. Now that you've correctly diagnosed your problem, start collecting informationtoleadyoutoasolution.Getseveralexpertopinionsontheproblem.Different perspectivesmayopen youreyestocausesorsolutionsyouhadn’tconsidered.

3. Setaproblem-solvinggoal.Tochooseandimplementaneffectivesolution,it’simportant to know what you want the solution to do. If the problem affects other people, you may want to share the goal with them so that theycan work to help resolve the problem along withyou.

4. Search for solutions. Once you've pinpointed what you want to accomplish, you can search for solutions to help you achieve your goal. Investigate what others have done in yoursituation.Brainstormtocomeupwithcreativesolutions,andsolicitinput.

5. Choose a solution. Your research should provide you with a variety of solutions to your problem.Beforeyoudecideononeofthem,considerthefactorsthatwillaffectitsresults. Whatwillyoursolutioncost? Istherealessexpensiveorlesstimeconsumingbutequally effective way to solve the problem? A chart that illustrates the pros and cons of each solutionmayhelp youchoosethebestone.

6. Implement your strategy. Develop a plan to implement your solution that outlines how each step will help. Stick with the plan and give it time to work. You may have to wait a fewweeksormonthstoseeresults.

7. Evaluatethe results. Evaluation lets you know to whatdegree yoursolution solved your problem. How do the results of your solution measure up to the goals you set? Did the strategyaffectmoreareasthanyouexpected?Ifyoucoulddoitoveragainwhatwouldyou change?Ifyoucoulddoitoveragainwhatwouldyouchange?Ifyouwritedownanyideas you have and what you learned from the experience, you’ll be better prepared to tackle similar problems in the future. Problems are often opportunities in disguise, so don't shy away from them. With the right strategy for solving them, you can conquer today's problemsandhelppreventtomorrow’s.

GOALSETTING

Characteristicsofreachablegoals:

Areachablegoalis realistic. 

Set goals that are realistic for you situation, your skills, talents, and interests. For weekly goals, don't choose something that is uncharacteristically demanding for you. You can always do more than your stated goal so you build in success by choosing something realistic.

Areachablegoalis believable and possible 

Youarethekeypersonhereso don'tseta goalin whichyoudon'tbelieve.Makesurethat youbelieve youcandoitandthatitispossibletodointhetime you'vesetaside.

Areachablegoalis measurable. 

Ifyourlongtermgoalis"tobesuccessful,youwillbemorelikelytoreachthatgoalifyou say it in concrete and specific terms. For instance, you might say that you want to be earning$40,000ayearbythetimeyouare28.Foraweeklygoal,movebeyondstatements like Iwant to do better in all myclasses. Instead, promise yourself that you will read two chaptersofhistorybySaturday.

Areachablegoalis flexible. 

Sometimes our plans change; sometimes we get sick. Be prepared to reassess and revise your goal if necessary. If you are too sick to study, you may have to revise your goal of readingtwochaptersofhistorybyextendingthetimetoMonday.

Areachablegoalis controllable. 

Make sure you are in charge of your goal., If friends suggest that the best way to pass a class is to studyold tests but you know you’re learning style demands chapter outlines to getthematerialdown,stickwithwhatworksforyou.You’reincontrol.

two, “Setting

Now,makealistofrewardsthatyoumightgiveyourselfformeetingyourweeklygoal.A movie? A TV show? Promise yourself that you will get the reward if you meet your goal. You must be willing to withhold the reward if you don't make it! There is no sense in saying that a moviewillbeyourrewardifyouknowyouaregoingtoseeitregardless.MaketherewardREAL!

Adapted from chapter Goals and Solving Problems," in The Confident Student by Carol Kanar

PEERCOUNSELINGMETHODS

AsanRA,youwillbehelpingstudentstounderstandanddealwiththeirproblems.Thestudent mayjustneed:  Someonetolistentothem  Theymayrequireinformation  Theymayneed youto assisttheminproblem-solving

Here areseveralpointstoremember:

1. Be a good listener- listen carefully in order to really hear what the student is saying. Be attentive. Make sure that the student knows you are listening.

2. Avoidcriticizingandjudging-toreallyhelpthestudent,beasacceptingasyoucan.

3. Doaslittletalkingaspossible-talkingaproblemthroughcanbeverytherapeuticforan individual.Donotasktoomanyquestions.Makeyourquestionsgeneralratherthan specific.

4. Generatealternatives- askthestudenttolistvariouspossiblesolutionstohis/her problem.Askhim/hertocommentonthepositiveandnegativeaspectsofeach alternative.

5. Letthemmaketheirowndecisions-theyareresponsiblefortheirownactions.Your roleisnottogiveadvice,ortotellthemwhattodo.Yourroleistohelpthemclarifytheir ownthoughts.

6. Beobjective-donotcomeveryemotionalorinvolvedintheproblem.

7. Workononeproblematatime- focusontherealproblem.Resolveoneproblembefore tacklinganother.

8. Donottakenotes-notetakingandtaperecordingcanbeintimidatingforthestudent.

9. Offertoseethestudentagain- itshowshim/herthatyoucareandwanttoknowhow his/herproblemwasresolved.

Perhapsthemostimportantpeercounselingtechniquethatyouhaveatyour disposalis yourself; you can make the difference. Itisupto youtoestablishapositive relationshipwiththestudentcharacterizedbyacceptance,sincerity,warmth,and understandingthat youwishtohelp,butdonotpressurehim/hertorelatehis/her problemstoyou.

Notallstudentswhocomeuptoyoumayneedproblem-solving,butthe followingmodelisausefulapproachforthosewhodo.

MODELFORPROBLEMSOLVING

1. Establishrapport 2. Getthestory,givefeedback 3. Identifytherealproblem 4. Exploretheproblem 5. Generatealternatives 6. Askthepersontochooseanalternative 7. Askthepersontokeepintouch

OPENENDEDQUESTIONS

1. Doyoumeanthat…? 2. Itsoundstomeasif youaresaying…? 3. Iwonderif…? 4. Coulditbethat…? 5. Could youtellmemore…? 6. I’mconfused…? 7. I’mnotsureifwegottowhat’sreallybotheringyou 8. Whatdoyouthinkabout…(alternatives)? 9. Whatdoyouplantodo? 10. Thatmayworkbutthereareotherwaysofdealingwithit. 11. Givemeanexample? 12. Whatwouldyouliketodo? 13. Whatareyoubummedoutabout? 14. Whatelsehappened? 15. Have youcometoanyconclusions? 16. Canyouseeanothersidetothis? 17. Whatdoyouthinkisstandingin yourway? 18. Whatareyouthinkingnow? 19.Tellmemoreaboutthat…? 20. Howdoyoufeelaboutthat 21.Idon’tunderstand…? 22. Whatdoesthatmeantoyou? 23. Howwouldyouhandlethat? 24. Isthereanythingelseyouwouldliketosay? 25.I’mheretolisten…?

PROBLEMAREAS

ThefollowingsectiondescribesvariousproblemswhichyoumayencounterasanRA. Theinitiallistisagroupofsymptomswhichgenerallyindicatethatsomethingmaybebothering astudentaswellassuggestionsfordealingwiththem.

SuperSocialButterfly

Clues:

Excessivesocializing-goestoallparties

Drinksalot-oftentoomuch

Comesinreallylatealot,weekdays andweekends

Talksaboutsociallifefrequently

Talksinthehall

Suggestions:

Checkitout-Talktotheperson;trytofindoutwhat’sgoingon.

Ifthesituationseemsserious,talkitoverwithyourRDandcomeupwitha plan.

Makehim/herawarethathe/shemaybegoingoverboard-talktohim/heronabadnight whenhe/shemaybemorereceptivetoslowingdownabit.

Letthemknowit'snotnecessarilythecoolthingtodo.

AcademicProblems

Clues:

Mid-termgrades

Skippingclasses

Doingpoorlyonexams

Doesnotseemtoeverstudyorisalwaysstudying

Upsetaboutwork

Hatesclasses,courses,professors

Suggestions:

Checkitout.Talktotheperson;trytofindoutwhat’sgoingon.Alwaystalktothe personalone.

IfthesituationisserioustalktoyourRD.

Trytogetasenseoftheproblem,i.e.budgetingtime,courseload,notsurehowtostudy.

Suggestplacestostudy.

Referstudentstocounselingcenterand/ortutoringcenter

Helpstudentsschedulehis/hertimeforstudying

Suggestthatthestudentgethelpfromhis/herprofessor

Getsomeof yourupperclassmenfriendstotutoralittleorbecomeapeermentor

Trytogetthepersontotalkabouthowtheyarefeeling

Watchoutforanxietyandstressanexamtimes

Hermit-Recluse

Clues:

Staysinroom

VERYquiet

Goestomealsalone



Doesn’tknowmanypeopleinthehall

Doesnotparticipateinactivities

Goestobedearly

Suggestions

Checkitout-Talktotheperson;trytofindoutwhat’sgoingon.Alwaystalktothe personalone.

Ifthesituationseemsserious,talkitoverwithyourRDandcomeupwitha plan.

Makeaspecialefforttoinvolvetheperson-seekthemout.

Findouttheirinterests,suggestactivitiesforthemtoattend.

Eatmealswiththem.

Giveresponsibilityinthehall.

Invitethemalong(butdon’tpush).

Homesickness

Clues:

Unpacking,thenpacking

Notunpacking

Arrangingthingsinroomsoasnottobeeasilyseen

Sleepingalot

Writingalotofletters

Listeningtosoftmusicandreadingyearbooksalone

Goinghomealot

Lotsoftimealone

Cryingalot

Notgoingtoprogrammingevents

Suggestions:

Checkitout-talktotheperson,trytofindoutwhat’sgoingon.Alwaystalktotheperson alone.

Ifthesituationseemsserious,talkitoverwithyourRDanddecideonaplan.

Spendtimewiththem.

Listentotheirstoriesfromhome.

Thehallwillknow,sogetthemtohelpoutbyaskingher/himtogoplaces-let’sgo!

Trytofindoutinterestandgetaresourceperson(i.e.upperclassmen)todothingswith him/her.

Watchforrelapses.

Keephim/herbusy.Trytoencouragedoingthings withthehallorcampusgroups.

InferiorityandLackofSelfConfidence

Clues:

Putsselfdowninconversation

Alwaysworriedaboutsomething

Dependent-alwayshasproblems

Can’tgoanywherealone

Followsalongwiththepack

Veryquietorveryloud

Constantcomplainer



Won’tvolunteer,takeresponsibilityorinitiative

Academicaically-feelstheycan’thandleit-feelsdumbcomparitelvly

Suggestions

Checkitout-talktothepersontofindoutwhat’sgoingon.Alwaystalktotheperson alone.

Ifthesituationseemsserious,discussitwithyourRDandcomeupwithaplan.

Offerpraiseandencouragementforsuccessesandaccomplishments.

Seeifthere’sanywaytheycouldhelpsomebodyelse-encouragethemtodoso.

Helpthemmakeuseoftheirtalents.

Beespeciallysensitivetotheirneedswhensick-it’sreallyhardwhenthey’reawayfrom home(especially1st time).

Drugs,Etc.

Clues:

Sick

Lethargic

Staggers

Hyperactive

Depression

Excessivehilarity

Looksstonedalot

Hardpartier

Latenightmunchies

Financialdifficulties

Suggestions

Checkitout-talktothepersontofindoutwhat’sgoingon.Alwaystalktotheperson alone.

Ifthesituationseemsserious,talkitoverwithyourRDanddecideonaplan.

Seeifthereisanunderlyingproblem.

RefertotheHealthandWellnessCenter,ResidentDirector,orPsychologicalServicesif necessary.

HassleswithParents

Clues:

Argumentsonthephone

Parentscallingstudentinsteadofviceversa

Parentscheckinguponstudent

Cometovisitevenifstudentdoesn’treallywantthemto

Studenthasvastlydifferentvaluesfromparents

Talksaboutparentsalot

Doesn'twanttogohomeforvacation

Pressureacademically-scaredwhatparentsmightsay

Girlfriend/boyfriendhassles

Suggestions



Checkitout-talktothepersontofindoutwhat’sgoingon.Alwaystalktotheperson alone. 

Ifthesituationseemsserious,talkitoverwithyourRDanddecideonaplan.

Havestudenttalktoparents-responsibleindividual-oldenoughtobeindependent

AsanRA,donotgetindiscussionswithparents(overphone)aboutstudents

ALWAYSREMEMBER…

1. NEVERTAKE“GESTURES”ASAJOKE. 2. ALWAYSALERTYOURRDORTHERDONDUTY. 3. DONOTATTEMPTTOHANDLETHESITUATIONBYYOURSELF. 4. DONOTEVER(NO MATTERWHOITIS) COVERUPTHESITUATION. 5. NEVERLEAVETHESTUDENTALONEAFTERSUCHGESTURES 6. GETANOTHERPROFESSIONAL’SOPINIONANDHELP



HELPINGVERSUSRESCUING

Helpingisprovidingsomeonewiththetoolstosucceed.Rescuingisdoingitallforthem.

Rescuing doesn’t allow for them to grow, learn boundaries, or consequences for their actions.

Helpingmeanscomingalongsideandprovidingguidance–facilitatingamediation amongst yourresidents.Rescuinglookslikeofferingaroomswitchwithouthandlingthe conflictathand.

Helping means letting them challenge themselves so they can learn. It’s hard. If you continually rescue they will never learn to be independent and have the confidence or the courage to move forward.

Helping=teachingskills theycanusenexttime,Rescuing=takingthewholesituationon yourownshouldersinsteadofallowingthemtolearnandgrow.

Rescuing would be doing your Resident Assistant sons door tags before move-in. Helping would be supplying them with the materials to complete them on their own.

Helpingisassistingsomeonetodosomething forthemselves.Rescuingissavingsomeone fromtheconsequencesoftheiractionsorthe actionsofanother.

Helping: coming alongside another to give advice, support or resources during a difficult time. Rescuing: taking ownership of another’s problem and making it my mission to fix it/them.

Helpingempowers.Rescuingsaves.



ON-DUTYREQUIREMENTS

Hours:Dutybeginsat6PMandendsat8AMthefollowingmorningMondaythroughFriday. Onweekends,dutystartsat8AMonSaturdayandendsat8AMonSunday,andthenstartsat 8 AM on Sunday and ends at 8 AM on Monday. If you are on dutyduring the weekend, you are requiredto remain on campus during thedesignated times. You areonlyallowedto go to thecampuscenterformeals,buttheymustbetakentogo.Youarenotallowedtoleavecampus underanycircumstancewhileon-call.

DeskResponsibilities:YouareresponsibleforsittingatthedeskineitherOrchardorAlumni Hall (depending which building you are on-call for) from 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM during your dutyshiftonbothweekdaysandweekends.Duringthistime,youwillmonitorwhoiscoming inandoutofthebuilding,answering/respondingtoanystudentquestionsandremainingvisible in some type of Residence Life apparel. The Lead Resident Assistant on-call for that week is also responsible for accompanying the Resident Assistant at the desk every Thursday; other thanthat,onlyonepersonwillbesittingatthedeskeveryevening.

Duty changes: Duty changes should be scheduled as far in advance as possible and communicatedtobothRD’sviaemail.PleaseworkwithyourfellowRAstoarrangeequitable switches and CC each other on the email so we know you’re both aware of said switch. Duty changescanbemadeforanyreason,butyoushouldnotneglectyourworkresponsibilitiesfor extracurricularpurposes.

Rounds:Roundsareto beconductedthreetimes pershiftuntil alittleafter11:30PM; oneat 7:30 PM, one at 9:30 PM and another after 11:30 PM. DO NOT complete your third round until after11:30PM. Feelfreeto switchup the wayyou dothis,boththe time(does nothave tostartat9:30PM;couldbe9:42PM)andthedirectioninwhichyouwalk.Roundsarenotto be skipped unless explicit permission is given. You should record any confrontations, noise, or lack thereof in the duty log after each round. Rounds include each floor, stairwell, and exteriordoors.Failuretodoroundsmayresultinjobaction.FillouttheDutyLogthroughout thenightandsubmitit bythefollowingmorning. Forweekendduty, you mustalsoconducta roundat11AMinthemorningtoensurenostudentsareleftsleepinginthecommunalspaces andnothingwasleftdamagedovernight.

Alcohol:Forthoseofyouwhoare21,youarenotpermittedtodrinkwithin24hoursofbeing on duty. For everyoneelse, you areunderage, so you will, ofcourse,not be drinkingalcohol. Our expectation is that those who are of-age are not noticeably coming back to campus with alcoholinyoursystem.

Off-Duty Times: You must notifyboth RD’s when you are taking extended time away from campus (3+ days at a time). We do not mean to limit your time away; we are encouraging it, butpleasekeepus and yourfellowstaffawareof yourwhereabouts.Please letusknowwhen youwillbeawayassoonasyouknowwhenyouwanttoleave.

HOWTOPROPERLYREQUESTADUTYSWITCH:

October3,2022

Hello_______(ResidentDirector’s)

Iwouldliketoformallyrequestadutyswitchforthefollowingday: Tuesday,October 18,2022.AmayaiswillingtotakemyOctober18th dutydayand IwillbetakingherThursday, October27th dutydayin exchange.Ihavecc’edAmayainthisemailsothatsheisawareIput therequestinforthisswitch.

Toreiterate,Iwillnowbeonduty(ifapproved)Thursday,October27th andAmayawillbeon dutyTuesday,October18th .

Thanks, Sana

ROOMMATEEXPECTATIONS

1. Torespectoneanother’sprivacy

2. Tobekindandcivilwithnointenttoharm

3. Tobeabletocommunicatecomfortablywitheachotherbeforeaconflict mayarise

4. Tokeeptheirlivingspaceneatandclean

5. Tolockdoorsandmaintainpersonal/possessionsafety

6. Tomaintainacomfortableenvironmentforsleep&studypurposes

7. Tocheckwithoneanotherbeforehavinganyovernightguests

8. Totreatoneanother’sbelongingswithcareandaskbeforeborrowing personalitems

9. Tobewillingtomakecompromises

10.ToabidebyallResidenceLiferulesandregulations

Livingwithanewroommatecanbeanexcellent experience;but,asinanyrelationship,conflict isapossibility.Twoimportantthingseachroommatecandotoestablishrespectandapositive relationshipare:

1.Gettoknoweachother;and

2.Communicate!

Itisimportantforallresidentstounderstandthattheresidencehallroomis eachroommate’s “home.”Eachroommateshouldbecomfortablelivingintheroom.Ifoneorbothresidentsfeel thattheyarecommunicatingbutstillhavenotresolvedanyissues,theyaretocontacttheir respectiveResidentAssistant(RA).RAstaffaretrainedinmediationandconflictresolution. Mostoften,residentswillfindthatthereisasimplesolutionandsimplyatrained,neutralparty canhelproommatesresolveissues.

Aroomchangemayseemlikeaneasywayout,butwillnotsolvetheissueseachroommatemay faceinsharinglivingspace,thusresultinginrecurringproblemswithfutureroommates. Througheducationandencouragement,solutionstotheseconflictscanoftenbefoundandthe needforaroomchangeeliminated.However,if asincereefforthasbeenmadeandaresolution hasnotbeenobtained, aroomchangecouldbepossibleuponavailabilityandstaffapproval.

LIVINGAGREEMENTS

Livingagreementsaremadeup ofdecisionsthat your residents make upasexpectationsfor each other.ItisyourresponsibilityasaResidentAssistanttoensurethatallofyourresidentscomplete thelivingagreementwithgreatdetailandturnitintoyouuponcompletion;thisshouldbedoneat thebeginningofeachsemester.Thelivingagreementdoesnotjusthavetobewithyourroommate but,withwhomeveryouaresharingaspacewith.

ThePurposeforLivingAgreements:

Helps foster a community; it will make yourjob asa Resident Assistant a lot easierif the residentsfeelasiftheyareapartofacommunity 

Encourages residents to take initiative and responsibility for their actions/behaviors; this canhaveapositiveeffectonyourroleasadisciplinarian 

Allowsresidentstocometogetherandcompromise;eachresidentshouldhaveasayinhow theircommunalspace(s)function 

EstablishestheResidentAssistantaslessofaruleenforcerbutmoreofafacilitator



STEPSFORASUCCESSFULMEDIATION

PreMediation

Gatherinformationfromallpartiesinvolved.Before youstart, youshouldhaveanideaof whateachpersonthinkstheproblemisandpossiblybrainstormafewsolutions.Talkto them. 

Makesurebothpartiesare motivatedtoresolvetheissue.Cantheyagreeonatimeand place?Willtheyactuallyshowup? Orwouldoneratherjustagreetotheother'stermsin ordertoavoidaconflict? 

Determinethecurrent“balanceofpower”amongstallinvolvedtohelpdeterminewhat roleyou’llneedtoplayduringthemediation.Willonepersontalkovertheotherand you'llneedtoreignthemin? Willonepersonintimidatetheothersothey'lltalkless? 

Discussthesituationwith yoursupervisor.Gettipspriortomediating! 

Don’tmakeanypromisesregardingtheoutcomeofthemediation. 

Findaneutralspacetoconductthemediationwhereeveryonewillfeelempowered.A studyroom? Yourroom? TheRAOffice? 

Trytosetatimethatisconvenientforeveryone.Setadeadlinetoschedulethistimeso noonecanstallindefinitely.Ifapartydoesnotschedulebythedeadline,letthemknow thatyoumayhavetojustpickatimeanditis theirresponsibilitytocomplywithwhatis decided.Youwillstillactinaneutralroletohelpeveryonegetsomethingoutofit.

DuringMediation

Explainthatyourroleasmediatoristostarttopics,askquestions,summarizedecisions, andrefereeifneeded. 

Tellthemeveryoneinvolvedhasequalrightstobeheardandspeakfreely. Ifyouneedan objectthatthespeakingpersoncanholdtohelpmaintainaspeakingorder,youcan introduceone. 

Havebothstudentssetgoalsforthemediation.Ex:"Iwouldliketojustbeabletosleep." or"Iwanttobeabletohavemyfriendsover." 

Letthemtalkitoutandstepinonlywherenecessarytokeeptheconversationontrackor ensureeveryoneisequallyheard. Calloutanypersonalattacks madeand immediatelydeemthemunacceptable. 

Whentheyshareconcerns,encouragethattheysticktospecificsinsteadof generalizationsorblanketremarks.Ex:"Lastweekwhenyoudidthis..."vs"You're alwayssoannoying." 

Betaskorientedandsticktothetopicsyoupropose.Takenotes-thisallowsyouto referencebacktowhat’ssaidandensurethatallissueshavebeencovered.Don’tbe afraidtotable atopicandcomebacktoitifconversationstalls. 

Summarizeandclarifywhatyou’veheardwhensomethingrevealingissaidorabig decisionismade.

Askquestionstohelpguidebothpartiestowardtheresolutionyou’rehearing:

o Whatdoyouthinkwillhappenif youdon'ttryto solvethisissue?



o Isthereanythingelsethat youwouldliketoadd?

o Isthereanythingyouwanttheotherpersontoknow?

o Howdidhearingthatmakeyoufeel?

o Howdoyoufeelhearingthatwhatyousaidmakestheotherpersonfeelthatway?

o Whatwouldyouliketoseehappennow?

o Whatdoyouthinkyoucandotosolvethisissue?

o Whatcouldyoudonexttimetoavoidthisissue? 

Whenbothpartiesfinallyunderstandeachother'sconcernsandwheretheyarecoming from,getdowntoitandtalkaboutsolutions...

o Keepitneutral-donottakesides. Trytomakesureeithereachpersongets theircoreissueresolvedortheyarebothhappyto swayonewayortheother.

o Don'tallowany'breakperiod'beforethesolutiontakesplace.Iftheydecidethey aregoingtodosomething,itstartsassoonasthemeetingends.

o Establishanewlivingagreementassolutionsarebeingagreeduponsothatyou alwayshavesomethingtoreferenceifanotherconflictweretoarise.

o Letthemknowthatyouwon'tallowonesideto"win"asmediationsshouldbe mutually beneficial.

PostMediation



Followupwithallpartiesinvolvedoverthenextcoupleofdays.Arethesolutionsstill working?

Talktoyoursupervisoraboutthemediationprocess.Makesureyoudidn'tmissanything andthatyoucanalsoventabouthowitwent. 



Ifconflictremains,askyoursupervisorforthenextstep.

Don’tbediscouragedifthemediationisn’tabletoresolveeveryissueright away!Sometimesittakesmultiplemediationsessionstocometoanagreed uponoutcome.Youmaysolveoneproblemthistimebuthavetostompouta fewothers.Solvingevenoneissueduringamediationisasuccess!Also, sometimessolutionsmayworkforawhilebeforebecominganissueagain duetofailingtoaddressamoreunderliningissue.It’sokayif youhaveto revisitthesituationagaininthefuture,justsharewithallpartiesinvolved thatyoudon'tthinkyougottothecoreissueandshouldmediateagain.

TheImportanceof“I-Statements”

Whatisa“You-statement”?



“You-statements”arephrasesthatbeginwiththepronoun“you”andimplythatthe listenerisresponsiblefor something.Theyshow noownershipofemotions, butrather blameandaccuse.Thistypeofstatementismorelikelytomakeothersfeeldefensive andresentful,andtheywillbelesslikelytowanttomakepeace.

Whatisan“I-Statement”?



An“I-statement”,forcesustotakeresponsibilityforwhatwearethinkingandfeeling and prevents us fromblamingothers.Whenusing“I-statements,”wecanstillbe assertive,butfindalesshostile,morecompassionatewaytocommunicate Toneof voice–vocalinflection,volumeandpitch–isanimportantpieceofcommunication puzzlethatweoftenforgetabout.“I-feelstatements”helppreventmiscommunication thatcanhappenwhenonepersontakesanaccusatorytoneofvoice.

DO’SANDDON’TSOFAMEDIATION

DO

Dohaveallpartiesseatedatthesame level 

Doallowallpartiestohaveanequal amountoftimewhenspeaking

Doguideeveryoneinvolvedtowards theirownagreeduponsolution(s)

Doremainneutraltheentiretime

Doensurethatallpartiesinvolvedare activelylisteningtooneanother

DONOT

Donothaveonepersonstandingover another

Donotallowsomeonetospeakover anotherperson

Donotadvertentlygivetheparties involvedasolution

Donotpicksidesofwho youmay thinkisrightandwhoiswrong

Donotignorewhomevermaybe currentlyspeaking



RESIDENTIALLIVING AGREEMENT

Building: Room:

Please take time to discuss each of the following subjects that are common causes for roommate disputes. Discuss what each person wants and how to come to an agreement that will be acceptable to all of you, including solutions. On the second page is a space for you to define any other potential problems and your agreement on them. When you are done, sign it, then turn both sheets in to your RA. The questions below serve as guides to get you started, but are not exhaustive.

NOISE

When is noise permissible? Hair dryers, music, talking, etc.?

STUDYING

Music or no music? Lights? Can I have study groups in my room? Will anything change with exams?

Define what you mean by “noise”

GUESTS

When can people of different genders be in the room? How long can guests be over? How far in advance do I need to tell my roommate?

CLEANLINESS

Is there a difference between being neat or tidy and being clean?

SHARINGPROPERTY

Define what you mean by “clean”

What can be shared? Under what circumstances? Do any differences exist between sharing clothes, food, computers, electronics, etc.?

PERSONAL SPACE

When would you like to be alone in the room? What does privacy look like? What are your thoughts on physical intimacy in room?

How will you address concerns when they arise? How do you handle conflict?

COMMONSPACE COMMONSPACE OTHER

OTHER

We agree to these rules in order to live comfortably with each other. We agree that we may at any time revisit this agreement to adjust it as needed. My signature below confirms that I have discussed and confirmed this agreement with my roommate(s).

Resident One

Resident Two

Resident Three

Resident Four

Resident Five

Resident Six

COMMUNICATION

Date RA

PROGRAMMINGFALL‘22

FarmingdaleStateColleges’ProgrammingBreakDown

THEWELLNESSMODEL

AsaResidentAssistant,oneofyourmainresponsibilitiesistobringasenseofcommunitytothe residencehallofOrchardHall,AlumniHall,andDeweyHall.Todothis,youareallresponsibletoplan andexecuteprogramseachmonthduringyouracademicyearusingTheOfficeofResidence LifeWellnessModel.

Theeightdimensionsofthewellnessmodelare: emotional,environmental,financial,intellectual, occupational,physical,social,andspiritual.Wewillbeaddingthedimensionof Diversitywithour model.

COMMUNITYPROGRAMMINGDETAILS

Eachresidentassistantwillberesponsibleforplanningandexecuting 2programspermonthuntil eachRAhascompletedtherequirementof 6programspersemesterequalingatotalof12forthe academicyear.TheseprogramswillfollowtheOfficeofResidenceLife’sProgrammodel.Your programcanbeapassiveoractiveprogram,butyoucanonlydooneofeach,everymonth.Example: YourfirstprogramforAprilisanegghunt,whichisactive.So,yoursecondprogramforthemonthcan beaninformationtableonHeartDiseaseAwarenessonyourfloor.

TherewillnotbeprogramminginAugust&DecemberorJanuary&Mayoftheacademicschoolyear. Let'stalkabouttherequirementsforeachprogram:

Programmingrequirements: 

EachprogrammustfollowtheWellnessModel.

TherecanonlybeTWOprogramsscheduledforthesameday.

Onlythreewellnessmodelcategoriescanbeonthesameweek.

Atleast2outofyour6programsmustbeheldinyourownbuilding

Oneofyourmonthlyprogramsmustbeonaweekend(Friday,Saturday,orSunday)

Oneofyourprogramshastobeacollaborationwithyourco-ra.

Eachprogrammustbeturnedinamonthbeforethedateoftheprogramforapproval.

Allprogramsmustbeadvertisedatleasttwoweeksinadvance.

Programminghoursarebetween7:00pm-11:00pmunlessyouarecollaboratingwithanother department.

Supplieslistmustbeturnedinwiththeexactamount,listofitems,andqtyonemonthbeforethe dateofyourprograms.

Youmusthaveatleast10studentsattendyourprogramtocount.

Sign-upsheetsmustbefilledoutandreturnedtoyourResidentDirectorthefollowingbusiness day.

youcanonlyusetheofficialresidencelifesign-upsheets.

Eachprogrammusthaveanevaluationformcompletedbythenextbusinessday

Passiveprogramsmustbeaminimumof3days,amaxof6days.

Examplesofgreatwellnessprogramming:

Spiritual

“DIYHenna”(ActiveProgram)

Do a henna party with your residents. Teaching them about the culture of henna and why it's used in the Indian community.

“Whatdoesyourbirthchartsayaboutyou?”(ActiveProgram)

Teach students how to read their birth charts, their zodiac signs, and the stars

“Imeditatetoo...Playlistposterlisteningparty”(PassiveProgram)

Create a poster that allows students to share their songs, take that list and create a passive listening party.



“COVSCOBasketballTournament”(ActiveProgram)

Challenge your co’s hall to a basketball torment. The winner’s side of the hall wins FSC swag bags

“FiresafetyBonfire”(ActiveProgram)

Partner with the Fire Marshal to create a fire safety/awareness bonfire with smores and treats.

“StudySessionwithBlank”(PassiveProgram)

Set up a study session on the 4th floor and give your residents a quiet space to focus and study.

Emotional

“DIYStressJars”(ActiveProgram)

Partner with the campus mental health department to create a program where students learn about how to deal with anxiety in college. Glitter jars are a good way to help students refocus when they are feeling overwhelmed.

“VisionBoardProgram”(ActiveProgram)

Create your dream vision board and set your goals now!

“Takewhatyouneedflyers”(PassiveProgram)

Taking what you need flyers is a great way to have students interact throughout the halls. See websites like Pinterest for flier ideas and topics.

Occupational

“So,thisisyourfuture?”(ActiveProgram)

A round table discussion on the ins and outs of being an RN and steps to take to enter the FSC program. Partneringwiththenursingclubandthenursingdepartment.

Gethiredforthefirsttime.Resumewriting”(ActiveProgram)

Working with the NEXUS center gives students the opportunity to fix and create great resumes. Location: 4th floor of Orchard hall

“Takewhatyouneedforyourdreams”(PassiveProgram)

Setting up an informational table on the 1st floor of Orchard Hall. This table has pamphlets giving advice for interviewing, flyers for upcoming job fairs, and the hours to our NEXUS center.

Intellectual

“RedWatchBandTraining”(ActiveProgram)

You can host a red watch band training for housing students. This program will not only get new students involved, but they will also earn their red watch band sticker.

“Howtotieatie!”(ActiveProgram)

Partner with male or female professors to teach students who cannot tie and teach them.

Social 



“



“TakeaBook,LeaveaBook”(PassiveProgram)

Set up a bookshelf on your floor where students can take a book and leave a book. This program allows students to read different books and share their favorite books.

Environmental

“DIYTerrarium”(ActiveProgram)

Have students create a DIY terrarium.

“PaintaPot”(ActiveProgram)

Paint flower pots and plant seeds with residents.

“FSCBeautyprogram”(CollaborationProgram)

Work with the Horticulture club and create a time where students can come and help weed, plant, and learn about the FSC horticulture program.

Financial

“BudgetParty”(ActiveProgram)

You can host a party where you teach students how to budget their money and create budget plans/ cute budget binders.

“FAFSAMonopolyGame”(ActiveProgram)

Partner with FSA to host a Monopoly game night.

Physical

“CharityBasketballTournament”(ActiveProgram)

You can host a basketball game that allows students to create teams and go against each other for a prize, but to watch or enter to play the game they must donate a can goods.

“WorkoutatNoldAthletics!”(ActiveProgram)

Partner with Nold athletics to do a group workout. “



****

CAUSE-FOCUSPROGRAMMINGGROUNDRULES

EachLeadResidentAssistantisrequiredtoleadateamofresidentassistantsintheplanningand executionofonecausefocusprogram. LeadResidentAssistantwillselectamonthoutoftheacademic calendartoholdtheirteam’scause-focusedprogram.Thisprogrammustfocusonatopicofimportance, eachprogrammustbringawarenesstoanycauseorissuethatisfacingtheworldtoday.LeadResident Assistantsmustturnin afocusedsummaryfortheirprogram,aprogramproposal,alistofitems needed,aflier,andalistofeachgroupmember’s responsibilitiesamonthbeforetheircause-based program.Pleaseseethenextpageforthedocumentbreakdown.

CauseFocusProgramsareprogramsthatfocusonacauseoratopictoservethecommunityof Farmingdale.Wedoservebasedprogrammingto shinelightoneimportantissuesandtoteach othersthepowerofgivingandawareness.Theseprogramscanbearoundtablediscussion, awarenessevent,oreveninvitingaguestspeakeronacertaintopic.

Programmingrequirements:

EachprogrammustfollowtheWellnessModel.

Yourteam'scause-basedprogrammustbeheldonaweekday.

EachRAontheteammusthaveaclearunderstandingofthecauseselected

Eachprogrammustbeturnedinamonthbeforethedateoftheprogramforapproval.

Allprogramsmustbeadvertisedatleasttwoweeksinadvance.

Programminghoursarebetween7:00pm-11:00pmunlessyouarecollaboratingwithanother department.

Supplieslistmustbeturnedinwiththeexactamount,listofitems,andqtyonemonthbeforethe dateofyourprograms.

Afocusedsummarymustbeturnedinwiththeprogramproposal

Responsibilitiesofeveryoneonyourteammustbesubmittedwiththeprogramproposal

Allmembersofyourteamhavetoattendyourcause-focusprogram.

Sign-upsheetsmustbefilledoutandreturnedtoyourResidentDirectorthefollowingbusiness day

Youcanonlyusetheofficialresidencelifesign-upsheets.

Eachprogrammusthaveanevaluationformcompletedbythenextbusinessday

Aug



LeadResidentAssistantCause-BasedProgramDocumentBreakdown Examplesofmonth-basedcauses: MONTH MONTHLYTHEMES WEEKTHEMES

BlackBusinessMonth

AUGUST

4th–NationalChocolateChipCookieDay

9th–InternationalDayoftheWorld’sIndigenous Peoples

12th–InternationalYouthDay

SEPTEMBER ChildhoodCancer AwarenessMonth

NationalHispanic HeritageMonth

Aug17th–NationalNonprofitDay

Aug19th–WorldHumanitarianDay

Weekof5-11:NationalSuicidePreventionWeek

Sept3rd–NationalFoodBankDay

Sept4th–NationalWildlifeDay

Sept5th–InternationalDayofCharity

Sept10th–WorldSuicidePreventionDay

Sept15th–InternationalDayofDemocracy

Sept21st–InternationalDayofPeace

Sept29th–NationalCoffeeDay

OCTOBER BreastCancer AwarenessMonth

FilipinoAmericanHistoryMonth

LGBTHistoryMonth

NationalBullying PreventionMonth

NationalDisability EmploymentAwareness Month

Weekof3-9:MentalIllnessAwarenessWeek

Oct1st–WorldSmileDay

Oct4th–WorldAnimalDay&WorldHabitatDay

Oct5th–WorldTeacherDay

Oct6th–WorldCerebralPalsyDay

Oct10th–WorldMentalHealthDay

Oct11th–InternationalDayoftheGirl&National ComingOutDay

Oct16th–WorldFoodDay

Oct17th–InternationalDayfortheEradicationofPoverty

Oct25th–NationalArtDay

NOVEMBER Movember MilitaryFamilyMonth

Nov8th–NationalSTEM/STEAMDay

Nov11th–VeteransDay&NationalSundaeDay

Nov13th–WorldKindnessDay

Nov14th–WorldDiabetesDay

DECEMBER

FEBRUARY AmericanHeartMonth BlackHistoryMonth

Nov15th–NationalRecyclingDay

Nov25th–InternationalDayfortheEliminationof ViolenceAgainstWomen

Nov27th–SmallBusinessSaturday

Nov30th–GivingTuesday

Weekof1-8:Children’sMentalHealthWeek

Weekof23-1:NationalEatingDisordersAwarenessWeek

Feb4th–WorldCancerDay

Feb5th–NationalBubbleGumDay

Feb17th–RandomActsofKindnessDay

Feb20th–WorldDayofSocialJustice

Feb28th–RareDiseaseDay

MARCH Women’sHistory Month

Mar3rd–WorldWildlifeDay

Mar4th–WorldBrailleDay

Mar8th–InternationalWomen’sDay

Mar11th–WorldKidneyDay

Mar21st–InternationalDayfortheEliminationofRacial Discrimination&WorldDownSyndromeDay

Mar22nd–WorldWaterDay

Mar31st–NationalCrayonDay

APRIL AutismAwareness Month

NationalChildAbuse PreventionMonth

MilitaryChildMonth

Weekof3-11:NationalRoboticsWeek

Weekof5-11:NationalPublicHealthWeek

April1st–AprilFool’sDay

April2nd–WorldAutismAwarenessDay

April7th–WorldHealthDay

NationalMinority HealthMonth

NationalPoetryMonth NationalVolunteer Month

SexualAssault AwarenessMonth

MAY ALSAwarenessMonth

BrainTumorAwareness Month

JewishAmerican HeritageMonth

MentalHealth AwarenessMonth NationalFosterCare Month

April11th–GoodDeedsDay April15th–WorldArtDay

April22nd–EarthDay

April23rd–DayofSilence&WorldBookDay

Weekof2-8:BrainTumorActionWeek

Weekof6-10:NationalNursesWeek

May3rd–WorldPressFreedomDay

May4th–NationalTeacherAppreciationDay

May10th–WorldLupusDay

May17th–InternationalDayAgainstHomophobia, Transphobia,andBiphobia

May21st–EndangeredSpeciesDay&WorldMeditation Day

May31st–MemorialDay

FOURSTEPSTOASUCCESSFULWELLNESSPROGRAM

Step 1: Brainstorming and Details

Brainstorming

Whenbrainstormingasuccessfulprogram,itisimportanttothinkaboutthecommunitythatyouwillbe serving.Basingyourprogrammingontheinterestofyourcommunitywillgiveyouamoresuccessful turnout.

Findingideasfortheprogramyouwanttoexecutedoesnothavetobeachallengingtasktodo.Thereis noneedtoeverreinventthewheel,goingonwebsiteslikePinterest,Tumblr,andotherRAfocuswebsites willgiveyougreatexplanationsofprogramsothershavedone.Feelfreetouseyourco-RAsandyour programdirectorforhelpwhenitcomestobrainstormingareallygoodprogram.

Wellness Model and our Calendar

Ifyouhavefoundaprogramthatyoufeelyouwanttodo,it'simportanttomakesureitfallsintooneof ourprogrammingcategories. Remember if it is hard for you to explain why it should be in a certain category it might not be the best program for that particular category.

Everyprogramthatisapprovedwillbeaddedtotheresidencelifecalendar. Eachcolorwillrepresenta differentcategoryofourwellnessmodel.Itisyourresponsibilitytomakesureyouarenotcopyingor havingasimilarprogramasyourco-workers.

Step 2: Details & Gathering Resources

Choosing a Date and Location

Whenyoufeellikeyouhavefoundyoursetprogramsforthemonth,itistimetofigureoutthebestdayof themonthandtimeforyourprograms.Rememberingthatyourprogramsmustfallonaweekendor weekdaywillhelpyoufigureoutthedateoftheprogram.

ItisimportanttolookattheFSCschoolcalendar,FSCsports,andtheapprovedResidenceLifeCalendar. Knowingtheeventsthatwillbeheldaroundorevenonthedaysyouwanttoholdyoureventwillhelp youfinalizeyourdetails.

FOREXAMPLE:

Ramchellaishappening,wouldnotbetheidea.Weknowthisbecausewhileallofourstudentswillnot beatRamchellaalargenumberwillbe.So,holdinganeventthedaybeforemightgiveyouabetter chanceofhigherattendancebecauseeveryonewillbestayingforthehugeeventthenextday.

ThelocationofyourprogramisanotherHUGEfactorwhenitcomestoyourprogram.Thesecond-floor loungeisagreatprogramareaforstudents,butitisnottheonlyareawhereyoucanhostasuccessful program.TheOrchardHallKitchens,thelobbyofOrchardhall,thelawn,POPsdining,theAlumni lounge,andeventhelibrarycouldbegreatareastohaveasuccessfulprogram.Whilewedorequire residentassistantstohostfourofsixoftheirprogramswithintheirownhalls.Havingaprograminthese otherareasofFSCisstillpossible.Becreative!

Timing

Findingoutwhattimewouldbebest foryourresidentswillensure attentiontoyourevents.Thetiming ofyourprogramisveryimportant. Rememberthatprogrammingcan onlybeconductedduringthehours of7pm-11pmifyouarenot workingwithanoutside organization.

Askyourresidentswhattimeswork forthemwhenitcomesto programming.Youwillbesurprised howwellyourturnoutwillbeifyou involvethosearoundyouinthe planningofyourevent.

Havingallthisinformationready andansweredwillmakefillingout thefirstandsecondpageofyour ProgramDetailFormeasierand faster.

(Pageoneshownbeside)

The Extra

Onceyouareabletofigureoutthe date,time,andlocationofyourprogram,putallofthisinformationintotheresidentLifeProgramDetail Form;youhavelookedatthecalendartomakesureyouarenotcopyinganotherapprovedprogramand youhavemadesureyourprogramfallsinthewellnessmodel.Youcannowbreakdownyourprogram andthinkofthesmallthingsthatyouwillneedforyourprogram,andgotostepnumber2.

Pt II: Gathering Resources

Inordertohaveagoodprogramitisimportantthatyoureallythinkaboutwhatinformationyouwillneed tomakesurethegoalofyourprogramisaccomplished.

Eachprogramshouldhaveagoalinmindthatwillgrowandbenefitthecommunitythatyouwantto serve.Eveniftheprogram’smaingoalistobuildsocialinteractionwithstudentsonthesamefloorby doingaparty.

Havingdiscussions,roundtables,andpassive/activeprogramsontopicsthatcanbeeye-openingisvery encouragedbytheOfficeofResidenceLife.

Whenyouaredoingprogramsontopicslikerace,sexuality,gender,mentalhealth,andreligiontonamea fewtheOfficeofResidenceLifewillnotapproveyourprogramunlessyouhaveprofessionalresourcesor aspeakeronthisparticularsubjectthatcanhelpyoufacilitatetheprogramand/ordiscussion.

Forexample,reachingouttothecampus’healthandwellnessdepartmenttohelpcreateabingo/Kahoot gameonSafesexawarenessisalwaysbetterthanwingingitonyourownandnotbeingabletoanswer anyquestionsfromresidentswhomanyhavesubjectfocusquestions.

Whileitisokaytolearnwithyourresidentswhenitcomestonewtopicsandexperiences.

It'sagoodideatopracticebeforehandifit'syourfirsttimemakingacraft.Especiallyifyouareteaching othershowtocompletetheactualcraft.

UsingYouTubeDIYvideosisagoodwaytotakethepressureoffofbeinganexpertofthecraftyouare tryingtoteach,butmakesureyouarewatchingthevideobeforehandtomakesureyouknowwhatneeds tobepurchased.

Purchasing Items

Whenyouhavegatheredthenecessaryinformationbaseresources.Itisnowtimetogatherthephysical materialsneededtomakesureyoucanactuallydoyourprogram.Thinkingabouteverydetailwillhelp younotonlybepreparedbutshowthatyourprogramreallymatterstoyou.Residentstendtoattendmore programswhentheyknowthoughtandeffortwasbeingputintoit.

Whenthinkingofmaterialstorequest,thinkoftableclothes,food,numberoftablesneeded,etc.and createamateriallist.

Lookinourresourceroomandsupplyclosettomakesuretheitemsonyourlistarenotitemswealready haveinhouse.DoublecheckwithourProgramCoordinatorandResourceRoomModeratorstomakesure theseitemsaren’tbeingorderedalreadyfromsomeoneelsepurchasinglist.

Afterconfirmingyouritemsaren’tbeingorderedoralreadywithintheresourcesroom.Youcannowfill outthepurchasingpagesonourprogramdetailform(PDF).

ItisimportanttorememberthatwehavetwodifferentsetsofpurchasinglistonourPDF.Ifyouare orderinganytypeofsuppliesthathasnothingtodowithfood,youmustfilloutthesuppliespurchasing chart.(Shownabove.)

Thepurchasingchartaboveis onlyusedforthepurchasingof thefollowingitems:Coloring books,beads,string,glue, paint,paintbrushes,glitter, cardstockpaper,rubberbands, markers,etc.

Nofoodwillbeapprovedif placedonthislist.

Eachitemmusthavea link/name,thequantityofthe item,thelocationoftheitem, andtheamountforeachitem. Pleasetotalthecompletelist withouttaxapplied.

Ifyouareusingawebsitewith shippingcostpleaseputthe costofshippingasitsown separateitem.

ThesecondchartonourPDFisourfoodfocuspurchasingchart.(Picturedbelow).

Thischartisonlyfor foodrelateditems. Thisincludesandis notlimitedtobaking sheets,cups,bowls, actualfood,cupcake liners,plastic silverware,sprinkles, vinegar,bakingsoda, foodcoloring,tinfoil, etc.

Allitemsonthislist aresubjecttochange ifthereisacheaper option.Aramarkhas therighttogiveall FSCdepartmentsthe firstquoteonallfood relateditems.If you wouldliketohave yourfoodcateredby anoutsidevendoryoumustalsoincludeAramark’spriceforthefooditemsyouwanttoorder.

AnyfooditemthatdoesnotincludeanothervendorotherthanAramark,Aramarkwillbethedefault vendorusedforallfooditems/menus.

PleasenotethattheQTYforyourfoodrelateditemsmustmatchthenumberofstudentsyoubelievewill attendyourevent.(Youmusthaveatleast15residentsatyoureventforyoureventtocountbasedonour programpolicy.)

Allpricesarebasedonthenumberofstudentsthatyoubelievewillattendtheeventyouwillbehosting.

Thetotalofyourfoodandbeveragepurchaseformisthenumberofstudentsxtheamountoffoodper personcost.

EXAMPLE:

IfyouwouldliketohostadessertandchilleventandneeddessertbarsfromAramark.Aramarkis charging$2.89perpersonforthisitem.,andyouwant25studentstobeabletoenjoyadessertbaratyour eventandthatisallthefoodyouwanttoorder.

Youwouldtakethenumberstudentsyouwanttoattend(25)andmultiplethenumberofstudentsyou wanttoattendbytheamountofthebar($2.89)

25x2.89=$72.25isthetotalofthisitem.

Youwouldput$2.89onthefarthestrowonyourpurchasingchartand$72.25asyourtotalonthebottom rowofyourchartlabeledtotal.

Ifyouhadmoreitemsyouwoulddothisequationforeachitemandtotalalloftheanswerstogetherfor onelargeprice.

Ifyouritemsarefoodrelatedbutarenotthingsthatyou'reactuallyconsumingi.e.silverware,cups, plates,etc.Pleaseenterhowmanyofthatitemyouwillneedforyoureventandthesinglepriceofeachof thoseitems.

EXAMPLE:

Ineed25platesformydessertbarsandchilleventandIfounda25-countpackofplatesatWalmart onlinefor$2.56.Justput$2.56inthefarthestcolumnandaddtoyourtotalonthebottomrow.

Anyremainingfoodmustbedisposedofbythenextday,bytheresidentassistant(s)hostingtheevent.No foodcanbeleftinsidetheResourceroomkitchenaftertheprogramhasconcluded.

Step 3: Advertising, Promotion and Evaluations

Advertising

Aftercompletingthedetailsforyourevent,selectingthelocation,time,gatheringresources,andfiguring outwhatyouwouldliketorequesttopurchaseforyourevent.Itisimportanttocreateyourflier!

Eachprogrammusthaveaflierthatcorrespondstotheeventyouwillbehosting.Allfliersmusthavethe followinginformation.

Nameoftheevent,Time,Date,Location,andRAnamethatwillbehostingtheevent.

Theseitemsarenon-negotiable.Ifyourflierdoesnothavethefollowinginformation,youreventwillnot beapproved.

Besideisanexampleofanapprovedflierfromthepast.

Asyoucansee,thisflierhasthenameoftheevent,the date,whoishostingtheevent,andthelocation.

Itisalsoagreatideatothemeyourfliertotheeventyou willbehosting.Themorecreativethebetter!

Givingashortsentenceonwhatyoureventwillhaveorbe aboutwillgiveyourresidentsanideaofwhattheywillbe doingbeforeattendingtheevent.

ExtrathingslikeQRCodeswillcatchtheattentionofyour audienceandallowthemtotakepartintheeventinavery uniqueway.

Allfliersmustbepostedatleasttwoweeksbeforethedate ofyourevent.Anylast-minuteadvertisingmustbe approvedbyyourResidentDirector.Allfilersmustbe takendownthesamenightasyourprogram,asthisisapartoftheclean-upprocessforyourevent.

AllfliersmustbesubmittedatthetimeofyourPDF.BelowshowswhereonthePDFyourfliercanbe posted.

Afteruploadingyourflier,doublecheckingeverypageofyourPDF,youcannowemailyourPDFto yourassignedResidentDirector. Yourdirectorwillgetbacktoyouassoonastheycanwiththestatusof yourevent.Ifyouareapprovedyouwillreceiveanemailstatingthatyouhavebeenaddedtothe ResidenceLifeProgramcalendar.

Ifyouhavenotbeenapprovedforyoursubmittedprogram,youwillreceiveanemailexplainingwhyand whatimprovementsneedtobemadetogetapproval.

Afteryouhavebeenapprovedyoucannowpromoteyoureventandprint

Promotion

Itisimportanttoknowthatpromotionandadvertisingarenotthesamething!Postingyoureventoneach floorisadvertisingyourevent.Youarepostinghopingstudentsstopandreadyourflier.

Creatingfunanduniquewaystopromoteyoureventthroughsocialmedia,RAMCentral,TikTok,VBB, andmoreisdoingpromotion.Thinkingoutsidetheboxwhenitcomestogettingtheattentionofyour residentsisveryimportantespeciallyifyouwantalargeamountofpeopleatyourprogram.

IfyouwouldliketohaveyoureventuploadedtotheResidenceLifesocialmediaplatforms,andVBB contactyourResidentDirectors,YourSocialMediaSpecialistsandRAMCentralAmbassadorforhelp doingso.

Itisimportantthatyoutakedocumentationofeveryeventthatyouconductfortheacademicsemester. Havingvideoandpicturesofyourresidencehavingfunatyoureventswillgiveyousomethingtolook backtoandgiveoursocialmediaspecialistsomethingtopostafteryourpromotion.

PleaseprepareadetailedexplanationofyourprogramforthesocialmediaandRAMCentralstaff ambassadorstousewhenpostingyourevent. 

Allpromotionrequestsmustbesubmitted2weeksinadvancetotheSocialmediaandRAM CentralStaffambassadors.

Step 4: Sign-up sheet & Evaluation

Allprogramsmusthaveasign-upsheet.Eachstudentthatattendsyourprogrammustsignintoyour program.Youmusthaveatleast15residentsattendandsignedinforyourprogramtoqualify.Any programwithlessthan15studentswillnotcounttowardsyour6programsforthesemester.

Anyresidentassistantwithouttherequirednumberofprogramsbytheendoftheacademictermwillbe subjecttodisciplinaryaction.

AllsignupsheetsmustbeturnedinthenextbusinessdaytotheProgramDirector.Allsign-sheetmustbe ontheofficialResidenceLifesign-insheets.Anysign-upsheetonanotherpaperwillnotbeaccepted.

Evaluations

EachResidentAssistantmusthaveanevaluationforeachprogramtheyexecute.AllevaluationQRCodes arelocatedintheresourceroom.AftereachprogramyoumustreturntheQRCodesignbacktothe resourceroomforthenextprogram.



UNDERSTANDINGANDSERVINGYOURCOMMUNITY

Inhopestolearnhowto “build”acommunity, youmightaswellputdown yourhammerand nails,stopandrealizethat youliveinanumberofcommunitiesthatformedwithoutany“one” persondoingit.Letmesaythatagain…communitieswillbecreatedifyoudosomethingornot.

Itisanontologicalpartofournatureashumanbeingstogrouptogetheranddevelopshared meaning.ThisknowledgeisprettycommonasWebster(dictionary)says,acommunityisa groupofindividualsthatsharesomethingincommonorisabodyofpeoplelivinginthesame space.

Wallah!Onmove-indayyourfloorcommunityis built.Therefore,ratherthan“building community” yourjobshouldbetoserveasanactivecatalystinmaintainingthecommunityasa positive,healthy,welcomingplacetolive.Yes,giveyourfloorcommunityaworkoutroutine thatwillmakeitahealthierplacetolive.Forgetbuildingit…thinkaboutshapingit!

TheinfamousFieldofDreamsquote,“If youbuildittheywillcome”isaccurate,andyourhall isbuiltandtheyarecoming!Withthem,theyarebringingperceptionsofresidencehallliving, whichtheyhavepickedupfrommediaandmovieportrayals,andfromtheinfluenceoftheir friendsandfamily.

Theseperceptionsaredifficulttochangeonalargescale,whichindicateswhytheword“dorm” isstilllargelyapartofoursociety’slexicon.Reshapingacommunityismuchmoredifficultthan shapingoneasitforms,whichyou’lldiscoverifyouhavemorethanahandfulofreturning residents.Thus, yourjobistobeginshapingthecommunitywiththemastheymovein!

◦Get

◦ Initiate

◦Provide

◦Establish

2. Foster

◦Respect

◦Encourage

◦Be

3. Spend

◦Role

◦Offer

Takeadvantageofthefirst3or4weeks

toknoweveryone’snames

conversationsandinteractionswithresidents

experiencesforresidentstogettoknoweachother

expectationsandcommunitystandards

respect

others’space,opinions,andpersonalities

residentstohaverespectforthebuildingandtheproperty

inclusiveinyouractionsandlanguage

adequatetimewithyourcommunity

modeldesiredbehaviors,norms,andvalues

assistancetohelpwhenyoucan

◦Challengeunacceptablecharacteristics,whichtakeawayfrom yourfloorcommunityasbeing healthy,positive,andwelcoming.(Ex.race-basedjokes,excessivelyloudmusic,messesinthe bathroom,etc.)

◦Rewardandrecognizegoodstewardsofyourcommunity!

4. Encourageresidentstotakeresponsibilityforthecommunity

◦Remainconsistentwithyourcommunityinteractions(nofavorites)

◦Encourageresidentstobecomeactivecatalystsinthecommunity

◦Provideopportunitiesforresidentstogivebacktothecommunityorothercommunitiesthey arepartofthroughvolunteerprojects,orcommunityservice

Thereisnosetprescribedsuccessfulmethodtoshapeafloorcommunitytobepositive,and welcoming.However,therearenumerousmeanstoreachthisend.

Takeadvantageofreturningstaffmembersandprofessionalstafftohelp youinshapingyour floorcommunity.Rememberwhen youaretryingtoshapeup yourbodybyworkingoutittakes agreatdealofdeterminationanddedication.Shapingupacommunitytakesforththesame dedicationandeffortandinsixweeksyoushouldbeginseeingresults.

(Articlefromhttps://reslife.net/ra/shaping-a-community/,Writtenby ScottPeska,Resident Director,Universityof IllinoisUrbana-Champaign)

WaystoPhysicallyShapeYourCommunity

1. MonthlyBoards

Eachmontheachresidentassistantwillberequiredtocompleteathemedboard.Thisisthe opportunitytogive yourresidentsinformationinthemostcreativewaypossible.ThefirstRA Staffmeetingofeverymonthyouwillreceivealistofmonthlythemes,pickatheme,research someideas,andcomplete yourboardbytheendofthemonth(theduedatesareonthedate remindersheet).Boardscanbe100%informational,creative,funny,oranythinginbetweenas longastheyfitathemeandtheyareneveroffensivetoanyonein yourhall.Thisbringsasense ofhometoyourhall.Havingacreativeboardthatdrawstheattentionofthestudentsallows studentstostopandgatherwithinhehalls.Whendoingboardsthatfocusonyourresidentsasa wholeitallowsthemtoknowthatyoucareandthinkofthemeevenif youarenotalways around.

2. DoorDecs

Doordecsarenametagsthatresidentassistantsmakeforeachandeveryresidentthatare assignedtofortheacademicyear.Thesenametagsareplacedonthestudent’sbedroomdoor (NotSuitedoor)Whilecreatingdoordecsisarequirementofyourpositionasaresident assistant,it’safunandcreativewaytobuildourcommunity.Usuallydoordecshavethe studentsfirstnameprintedonthedoordecsomewhere,thestudent’sroomnumber,andthedoor followssometypeofthemethatyoupickpersonally. If youwouldliketoleaveyourdoordecs blankthatisfine,butencourage yourresidencestoputtheirpreferrednameonthem,oraskthem theirpreferredname,typethemupandgobackandplacethemonthedoordeclaterthatweek! Donecorrectlythisissomething yourresidentwillkeepthroughouttheyears.

3. Creategenuineconnectionswithyourresidents

Goingtothedininghallwithyourresidentsthefirstweek,sittingin yourloungeandtalkingto yourresidents,knockingondoorswithboard gamesoraskingin yourhalls groupchattowatcha moviearethebestwaystoshowyourresidentsthatyoudon'tjustwanttospendtimewiththem whenitrequiresasigninsheet,butthatyouactuallywanttoinvestintheirwellbeingasnot onlystudentsbutpeople.HavingagenuineresidentandRArelationshipwhereyouknowmore thansurfacelevelknowledgeabout yourresidentswillleaveroomforrespectandunderstanding downtheroad.So,doing“aboutme”sheetsaskingfortheirname.Birthday, andfavorite color goesalongway.Givingstudentssomethingsmalllikeablowpop,apackofgumoreventheir favoritechipsgoesalongway.

4. Behonestaboutwhoyouare,treateveryonethesame,andtelleveryonewhatyour jobentails.

Creatingarelationshipwhereyouallowyourstudentstoknowthatyouwillalwaysdo yourjob nomatterwhat,but youcanbesomeonethattheycanhaveappropriatefunwithisthebestkind ofrelationshiptohavewithyourresidents.LettingthemknowthatitisNOTyourjobtoruin theircollegeexperienceanditbrings youNOjoytowritetoanyone,butitisyourjobtomake

sureallstudentsaresafeandhavingthebestexperience. Lettingyourresidentsknowthatno matterhowclosetheyaretoyou, youwillalwaysdoyourjobfromthestartwillletthemtake ownershipofthepunishmenttheywillreceivefornotfollowinghousingpolicy.Thisdoesnot justapplytoresidentsbutalsofriends.

Ialwayssay…

“Ilovesomepartsofmyjob…Ihatesomeparts ofmyjob...EspeciallywhenItellmystudents whattonotdotomakemedotheunfunpartofmyjob…WhileIlovehangingoutwithmy residentsandlovehavingfunwithmyresidents...Themoment youmakemedomyjob… andI havetowriteyouup…orreport you…Knowthat IwilldomyjobeverytimeandIdoitvery well…nomatterwho youare…andhowclose youaretome...Wewillstillbecoolonmyend because Iknoweveryone messesup…butdonotbemadorupsetwithme...WhenIhavetodo myjobif youmakeme…”

Thislittle“speech”hassavedmefromfeelingguiltyfordoingwhatIsigneduptodoasa residentassistantmanytimes.Studentsknowingthatnomatterwho youarethatyourjobcomes firstwillletthemknowthatyourespectyourpositionandtherolethatyouhavedecidedtotake oninResidenceLife.

Fall 2022 RA Training Manual

TableofContents

FarmingdaleStateCollege RESIDENCELIFE

ResidentAssistantContract

1. ContractTerm:

2. Compensation:

3. ContractRenewal:

4. StaffDisciplinaryAction:

5. Resignation:

6. LeadRAResponsibilites:

7. On-CallResponsibilities:

a. DutyResponsibilityDates:

DutyHours:

ii. Saturday & Sunday:

8. Break/VacationCoverage:

9. StudentStatus&Grades:

10. Training&Development:

11. Alcohol/DrugProhibition:

12. HousingAssignments:

13. TimeCommitment:

14. RATimeOff:

15. LimitationsonOutsideEmployment&TimeCommitments:

16. PerformanceEvaluation:

17. AdministrativePaperwork:

18. RAsasCollegeRepresentatives:

19. RomanticorSexualRelationships:

20. SelectionProcessParticipation:

21. ConfidentialInformation:

22. Keys

23. CampusSecurityAuthorityResponsibilities:

24. OtherPoliciesApply:

25. InsuranceRecommendation:

FarmingdaleStateCollege RESIDENCELIFE

LeadResidentAssistantContract

2. ContractRenewal:

3. Resignation:

4. On-CallResponsibilities:

5. StudentStatus&Grades:

6. Training&Development:

7. TimeCommitment:

8. PerformanceEvaluation:

9. AdministrativePaperwork:

10. StaffMeetings:

11. Selection&RecruitmentProcessParticipation:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

RESIDENTASSISTANTEXPECTATIONS

I. Attitude

II. HallAdministration

III. PolicyEnforcement

IV. Injury/CounselingConcerns

V. Duty

VI. Programming

RESIDENCELIFE

ConfidentialityAgreement

Confidentialityvs.DutytoCare

FERPAFACTS

CONFIDENDIALITY

FISHBOWLEFFECT

Welcometolifeinthefishbowl!

PEERPRESSURE

PERSONALPRIORITIES: TIMEMANAGEMENT

Friday(Homefromworkat3PM)

PROBLEMSOLVING

GOALSETTING

Characteristicsofreachablegoals:

PEERCOUNSELINGMETHODS

MODELFORPROBLEMSOLVING

OPENENDEDQUESTIONS

PROBLEMAREAS

SuperSocialButterfly

AcademicProblems

Homesickness

InferiorityandLackofSelfConfidence

Drugs,Etc.

Suggestions

HassleswithParents

Suggestions

HELPINGVERSUSRESCUING

ON-DUTYREQUIREMENTS

HOWTOPROPERLYREQUESTADUTYSWITCH: