UNF Student Staff Training Workbook

STUDENT STAFF TRAINING WORKBOOK 2021-2022 1

As a Student Staff, you play an essential role in building a strong community rooted in meaningful relationships, personal growth, and learning outside of the classroom. Our Residential Curriculum outlines the different strategies you will use in order thoughtfully support our students to the best of your abilities. The daily work you do will reflect our Educational Priority that living on campus at UNF is...

Where students can explore, grow, and connect to become their best self; both inside and outside the classroom.

This workbook provides advice, strategies, and opportunities for you to thoughtfully plan initiatives that showcase your ongoing investment in your community. This workbook will also help you better understand the needs of your community and students so that you are able to best respond to these needs. Throughout the year, refer to this workbook to remember best practices about inclusive programming, advertising, floor meetings, Osprey Chats, etc.

Each section of the workbook corresponds to a different strategy for the Residential Curriculum.

For example, when planning your First Floor Meetings, refer to section one for ideas and space to brainstorm how to welcome your residents. Before implementing social strategies, consult section three for concrete ideas that respond to changing student trends throughout the year.

Regularly refer to this workbook for ongoing support so that you are able to maximize your positive impact on the lives of your residents. Along with your Senior Staff and fellow Student Staff,, this is a valuable resource to help you extend compassion to your community. On behalf of your future residents, thank you in advance for the work you will do and the difference you will make.

Let's Make Magical Moments!

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OUR RESIDENTIAL CURRICULUM

Where students can explore, grow, and connect to become their best self; both inside and outside the classroom.

ACADEMIC & CAREER EXPLORATION

Students will develop personal awareness of their academic and career needs so that they become the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers by aligning their talents, interests, and vocational goals.

1. Explore their academic future and prepare for college.

2. Explore career opportunities and prepare for life after college.

3. Demonstrate competencies that broadly prepare college students for a successful post-graduation transition into the workplace.

ADULTING & LIFE SKILLS

Students will gain skills to support independent living, maintain and improve their health and wellbeing, and develop self-management strategies.

1. Gain skills necessary for independent living at college and after graduation.

2. Make choices that maintain and improve all dimensions of their health and wellbeing.

3. Determine, set, evaluate, and complete goals toward their own definition of success.

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Students will know how to identify and use resources on campus so to connect and be successful with the Osprey community.

1. Utilize appropriate resources.

2. Engage in activities that strengthen their connections.

3. Form connections within their community.

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

Students will establish, maintain and engage in healthy relationships that promote effective communication skills, connection with others, respect for differences, and navigating conflicts.

1. Build relationships that are meaningful to them.

2. Understand the difference between a healthy and unhealthy relationship.

3. Develop skills to maintain a healthy relationship.

Manage and resolve conflicts in healthy ways.

IDENTITY & DIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT

Students will seek to acknowledge diversity in all of its forms, advocate for student well-being, and educate others about themselves and the impacts of diversity within their community.

1. Acknowledge that human difference comes in many forms.

2. Recognize, appreciate, and celebrate differences through the experiences of others.

3. Advocate for their self and the needs of others.

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RESIDENTIAL CURRICULUM TIMELINE 2021-2022

AUGUST

Bulletin Boards 15 First Night Experience (FY/UC) 20 -22 RA Social/Spontaneous Strategies 31

OCTOBER

Bulletin Boards 1 Area-Wide #1 Complete 8 Osprey Chats #1 Complete 15 RA Social/Spontaneous Strategies 31

SEPTEMBER

1 Bulletin Boards 30 RA Social/Spontaneous Strategies

NOVEMBER

1 Bulletin Boards 30 RA Social/Spontaneous Strategies

DECEMBER

Closing Bulletin Boards 1 Osprey Chat #2 Complete 3 Finals Destress Fest 5 Area-Wide #2 Complete 10

FEBRUARY

Bulletin Boards 1 Osprey Chat #3 Complete 25 RA Social/Spontaneous Strategies 28

APRIL

Closing Bulletin Boards 1 Osprey Chat #4 Complete 8 Finals De-Stress Fest 17 RA Social/Spontaneous Strategies 29

ADDITIONAL STRATEGIES Health & Safety Inspections Roommate Agreements Roommate Mediations Room Changes Policy Enforcement

Floor Meetings Newsletters Flyers/Posters Area Council RHA

JANUARY

7 Bulletin Boards 21 Welcome Back Area-Wide 31 RA Social/Spontaneous Strategies

MARCH

1 Bulletin Boards 4 Area-Wide #3 Complete 31 RA Social/Spontaneous Strategies

#WHEREOSPREYSLIVE Where students can explore, grow, and connect to become their best self; both inside and outside the classroom.

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COMMON TRENDS & CONCERNS

Thoughtful individual resident check-ins, informal activities, and bulletin boards are a critical components of conveying care in your community and investing in the individual lives of your residents. In order to implement intentional community interactions, this page highlights common monthly trends that you will work to address, in addition to the information collected from your needs assessment.

first six weeks

The first six weeks of the fall semester set the tone for the academic year and lay the foundation for a strong, inclusive, respectful community. This is your opportunity to establish yourself as a caring leader, support, and resource.

During this time, it is essential that you are highly visible in your community. Use this time to participate in informal

FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS Adjusting to independence Overwhelmed by a large campus Homesickness Questions about campus and classes Forming unhealthy behavior patterns (Excessive sleeping in, heavy drinking, etc.)

Incongruence between perceptions and realities of college Finding a niche or social circle within the community Coping with large classes Wondering how they “fit in” Differences in backgrounds, identities, belief systems

gatherings with your residents and engage them in meaningful conversations. This investment in your community from the start will allow you to best promote personal growth and student learning. Throughout the year, refer to these different strategies to continue to strengthen your community.

Common challenges in August & September

r Stu Multi-Yea

dents

rk su m m e r w o m o fr e m o ships ular inc ating friend Loss of reg ti o g e n re e and hing and convenienc f o re a s Re-establis ip n d sh g which frie Determinin d to eaningful at is relate th n o ti a iz which are m n y/orga b or activit Finding a jo ls ajor career goa academic m n a g, etc. e g n a h c eal plannin m , g C h o o se / n ti e g d t Living- bu Independen ate(s) alues new roomm to g n ti opinions/v s s s ju re Ad p x e to confidence Developing

Homesickness—This is a common issue for new students.

Roommate conflicts—Conflicts might be caused by personality differences, lack of understanding, and unwillingness to compromise; or even the new experience of learning to live with someone.

Initial adjustment to academic environment—Feelings of inadequacy and inferiority may develop from differences in high school grades and initial college performance. Previous strategies may not be effective.

Exploration of values—Students are confronted with questions of conscience over conflict in areas of diversity, alcohol experimentation, morality, religion, and changing social expectations.

New social life adjustments—Students are adjusting to things like having the newfound freedom of not having to check with parents about what time to be in, making their own decisions on when to participate in social activities, and establishing themselves in a peer group.

Initial social rejections- Feeling of inadequacy when students are not immediately accepted in a peer group.

Campus familiarization—Not yet become familiar with campus classrooms, buildings, and meeting places.

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Financial adjustments—Adjusting to a somewhat tighter budget now that they are in college. Those supporting themselves have to adjust to budgeting money. Learning to responsibly use credit cards is also of concern.

Family problems—These may seem amplified because the student may be caught in the middle or relied on for the answer. Being far away makes students feel helpless in reaching a solution.

"Administrative red tape"—Students soon realize that it may be a long and frustrating process when trying to find an answer to what seems to be a simple question, or when trying to work something through the administrative process.

Common challenges in October Academics—Stress from midterms builds because of the great demand for studying and preparation. For some students, this may be their first exam of the semester. For many students, the midterm workload pressures are followed by feelings of failure and loss of self-esteem.

Roommate problems—These continue, but they are smaller in scope than in previous months.

Values exploration—Students continue to explore values, especially in the area of sexuality.

Dating/non-dating/friendship anxiety—Non-dating students feel a sense of loss of selfworth because so much value is placed upon dating. For some, the pressure to perform sexually increases, and consequently increases feelings of rejection, loneliness, and guilt.

Homesickness—This may still be experienced by a number of students.

Sadness—Sadness from not belonging to a group develops because of inadequate skills for finding a club or organization.

Financial issues—This sets in from lack of budgeting experience.

Homecoming “blues”—Students feel upset because of no date for social affairs, and lack of ability or opportunity to participate in activities.

Time conflicts—Academic and social commitments might vie for students’ time.

Class registration—Students need to start thinking about what classes they need to take in the spring semester as well as make an appointment with their advisors. This can cause a lot of anxiety.

New study skills—More time and greater workloads need to be incorporated into students’ schedules for studying.

Disillusionment with college—Student begins to realize that life at college is not as perfect as they were led to believe by parents, teachers, and counselors. Old problems seem to continue, and new ones are added.

Common challenges in November Mental Health—Increasing challenges coping with mental health- anxiety and depression. Triggers occur from an inability to cope with the pressures of academic and social expectations.

Academic pressure—Pressure begins to mount because of procrastination, complexity of academic work, and lack of ability. Pre-finals stress starts to emerge as preparation begins.

Time conflicts—Time management conflicts continue.

Depression and anxiety—Students feel that they “should” have adjusted to the college environment by now.

Financial anxiety—Students’ funds from parents and summer earnings begin to run out and loans and other bills are due.

Increased alcohol consumption—Since students see this as an easy, acceptable way to relieve stress, drinking becomes more prevalent.

Roommate problems—This is mostly due to the pressure of school. Tempers flare, and people are less tolerant of others.

Health issues—Deteriorating health starts to affect performance. Reasons include the changing weather and either lack of food quality as well as stress from classes.

Residence Hall issues—Living unit dissension causes uncomfortable feelings with residents, resulting from apathy, academic pressures, and need for vacation from school.

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MY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN I WILL INTRODUCE MYSELF TO MY RESIDENTS BY:

Tabling during Move-In Door Knocking

I'LLL ASSESS MY RESIDENTS NEEDS AND INSTERESTS BY:

Community Newsletter Other:

About Me Bulletin Board

Sending a survey

Group Chat

Door Knocking

Interactive Bulletin Boad Other:

Observation

THE NEEDS AND INTERESTS THAT I HOPE TO ASSESS ARE ARE: circle topics you'd like to assess or add your own.

major roommate dynamics

career interests goals this semester

interests

hobbies family life

friend groups communication preferences

TOPICS AND QUESTIONS I PLAN TO DISCUSS WITH MY RESIDENTS INCLUDE:

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Think about what you expect from your residents. If you expect little involvement and engagement that is exactly what you will get. If you are striving for an active community, explain that vision early on during your first floor meeting. Let them know what you have in store for them and they year you will have together.

EXPECTATIONS OF MY COMMUNITY: Make notes of what you expect from your residents and be ready to talk about them. Expectations can be fun just as much as they are formal!

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS OF ME: Some residents will need to sense that you are approachable and open to suggestions before investing deeply into the community. Help them develop trust and respect by explaining your role and asking them if they have any additional expectations of you. Describe how you might like to facilitate this conversations...

RITUALS & TRADITIONS: Rituals and traditions can help create, maintain, and invent patterns of habit and connection within your community. Think about what rituals and traditions you might want to include on your floor. Maybe you want to watch the bachelor together every week, or eat dinner together , maybe you have a hobby you'd like to share, or celebrate birthdays every month. Use the diagram to brainstorm below.

rituals & traditions

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REMEMBERING RESIDENTS' NAMES Dale Carnegie understood the importance of names, hence his sixth Secret of Success: Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language. Unfortunately, easily recalling names is a struggle for many. While it would be nice to automatically store a database of names and faces for later recall, most people will need to put in a little extra work – but it’s work that will pay off later. Use the suggestions and boxes below to begin remembering your residents names. Use StarRez to access their photos, use Door Decorations as a tool to help you memorize their room number, etc.

TIPS TO REMEMBERING NAMES 1. Be sure to hear the name.

2. Ask how the name is spelled.

3. Make a remark about the name. For example, Oh, I just met someone else with the same name."

4. Use the name when referencing them during your conversation.

5. Use the name again to say good-bye.

NAME PRONOUNS ROOM #

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HOW INCLUSIVE AM I?

"Keep in mind that inclusion is an action, not a result.

This must be done with intention and sustained effort.

It is not automatic.

Just because your community is diverse does not mean it is inclusive... Inclusion is a thing you do, not something that just happens. Inclusive communities are ones where each person feels able and safe to participate fully."

CENTER Establish your group norms. In order to ensure group members feel safe, establish common agreements such as respect and confidentiality. Centering diversity in your initiatives doesn't just allow for all identities to be welcomed, it normalizes for all students that spaces should be accessible and inclusive as a rule.

It is the beginning of the academic year. You are planning your door decs, bulletin boards, initial programs, and even brainstorming conversation topics with your students.

HOW INCLUSIVE ARE YOUR INITIAL IDEAS?

My bulletin boards will include pictures of visibly diverse individuals

ADDRESS "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." -Desmond Tutu Addressing issues is more than just confrontation and correction; there is also a element of follow-up required to address issues effectively. Focus on behaviors rather than feelings or beliefs.

REASSESS Both formal and informal assessment can and should be used to get a sense of how your residents feel in your community. Sometimes, your efforts toward creating an inclusive environment will fall short, fail, or backfire.

My programs will not be at the same time or the same day of the week to cater to students with diverse employment or cocurricular responsibilities.

I will use various forms of advertisements, including word of mouth and flyers, to cater to different learning styles.

I will engage my residents in diverse conversations and not make assumptions about gender based preferences.

I will be proactive in creating multiple ways to engage in the community- that is inclusive of both physical ability and social comfort.

I will not make assumptions about the needs and interests of my community; rather I will get to know my residents to assess their wants and needs.

Reassessment is useless if you do nothing with what you learn from it. Identify what you need to Start, Stop, and Continue..

DIALOGUE Conversations that help us connect are essential building blocks for strong and inclusive communities. Dialogue requires learning to listen generously, asking questions of others and committing to understanding the perspectives of others, even if not agreeing.

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Things Inclusive Leaders Should Consider When Planning Initiatives Your initial programs, bulletin boards, and community engagement activities set the tone for the year. Identify concrete strategies you will utilize to ensure that these premier initiatives are inclusive. Then, refer back to this list throughout the year to ensure that your initiatives remain inclusive!

Have you considered the needs of students with disabilities?

Is the activity location accessible to students with mobility limitations?

Does your advertising make it clear that students who need accommodations can request them through you, your RLC, or SAS? If you are passing out handouts, are fonts large enough for students with seeing impairments to comfortably read?

If you are showing a movie, does it include subtitles?

If you are planning a program that is not fully inclusive of students with disabilities, how are you creating opportunities for students with disabilities to participate?

Have you considered religious backgrounds, rituals and traditions?

Do not take for granted that everyone who is born or raised in a particular country shares the majority traditions.

Be aware that cultural and religious holidays vary in significance and occur year round.

If you have food at your event, will students of diverse religions be restricted from eating it?

Muslim students may fast during Ramadan and/or may not eat pork Jewish students may keep Kosher and therefore may not mix meat and dairy, eat pork or eat shellfish, etc Will you have food at an event when students may be fasting due to religious commitments and beliefs?

Have you considered diverse racial/ethnic populations?

Do not make assumptions about your audience and make sure that you are taking multiple perspectives into consideration.

Will your event attract people of different races or ethnic groups?

Will your event culturally affirm or isolate people of diverse racial/ethnic groups?

Does your advertisement indicate, whether in picture or words, that this event will be appreciated by people of diverse races or ethnic groups?

Have you considered the diverse sexual orientations of students?

Does your advertising and dialogue before and at the initiative assume that all participants are heterosexual?

At a Valentine’s Day Dance, have you said that same sex couples will be welcome and have you created a safe environment where they do feel welcome?

Does a dating initiative exclude LGBT individuals?

If you watch movies with your residents, do you show diverse romantic comedies, that feature LGBT relationships?

Have you considered the economic circumstances faced by some students?

Even programs that cost a small amount of money, such as $5 or $10, can be a big deal for students to spend.

Does it cost money to attend or participate in most of your initiatives?

If your event does cost money, how will you create a safe space for students to seek financial assistance?

Ways I Will Create Inclusive InitiativeS...

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READY, SET, STRATEGIZE! As outlined in the Residential Curriculum, you will plan and implement one strategy or initiative per month to create social opportunities for residents. This page features information to help you plan and implement the various components of a curricular strategy with care. From intentional programming ideas to effective, creative advertising strategies, use this section to lay the foundation for a successful program. For more structure and context regarding the specifics of this requirement in the curriculum, consult with your A/RLC. SELECT YOUR CURRICULAR GOAL Which curricular goal will be the focus of this strategy or initiative?

Academic & Career Exploration

Adulting & Life Skills

Campus & Community Connections

Healthy Relationships

Identity & Diversity Development

DEFINE YOUR OBJECTIVES

What do you want residents to take away from this strategy or initiative? What should they learn, know, or do differently as a result of participating?

STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO ...

LEARNING VERB

STRATEGY TASK

CONTENT

CONDITIONS

EXAMPLE: Students will be able to practice communication strategies that will strengthen their roommate relationship through mediated dialogue and completion of the roommate agreement form.

4 P'S OF PROGRAMMING PROCESS

PLAN

Assess the needs and interests of your community Define your objectives Involve others in the creation Organize your ideas

Submit Strategy Proposal on eRezLife Plan out who will help, roles and responsibilities, activities, advertising, equipment, and resources.

PUBLICIZE

Publicity is a KEY element in the success of a program.

Don’t forget the importance of a positive attitude and word of mouth.

Out of sight, really is out of mind. Make your strategy visible. Banners, flyers, social media, calendar invites, etc.

PREPARE

In the days leading up to your strategy you should: finalize and print materials audit and prepare requested supplies remind residents communicate with guest speakers delegate amongst peers

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STRATEGY PROPOSAL Write down one potential activity idea:

Idea Formation

One method used to design a program or provide ideas is brainstorming. When you brainstorm an idea all criticism is ruled out, free balling is encouraged, and large QUANTITY of ideas is the goal. Below brainstorm ideas that you could incorporate into your potential activity.

For example, if your idea was a barbeque brainstorm ideas of what games, sports, music, etc. can be present during the event. Remember, when brainstorming, no idea is a bad idea- censor later!

Now is the time to look at the money, human power, supplies, and time involved in the ideas you brainstormed. Are there any schedule conflicts? Return to the list of ideas. Based on logistics, cross out any of the ideas that no longer seem feasible. Put a star next to all the ideas that still look good.

DRAFT A PLAN Take each of the items you starred in the section above. Decide one idea at a time, what needs to be done and who will complete the task. This is a perfect time to think about the residential curriculum model. Take into consideration how developed your community is and the skills and knowledge your residents want or need. Can you bring them into the planning and preparation? Use the boxes below to make some notes.

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Don't simply ask for volunteers. Ask residents, by name, if they will take part of the responsibility. (Isn't it a good thing you've memorized their names?1?) Maybe someone can help you create a banner, or setup or take down the event, maybe someone is social media savvy and wants to get the word out to the floor, if you involve your residents now and give them an opportunity to take ownership of the community they will only continue to the that involvement grow.

Take into consideration when the best time of day to hold the activity. Did you gather information of your residents schedules? Have you observed their patterns coming and going?

Think about the most visible and accessible areas of the community. Lounges, picnic tables, benches, gathering spaces have the maximum ability to attract residents. Don't be afraid to experiment with different locations.

DRAFT OF PROGRAM: THE WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY AND HOW.

When you feel confident about your plan, submit your strategy proposal on eRezLife for A/RLC Approval. Got approval on eRezLife? Move on to the next step.

IMPLEMENTATION This step speaks for itself. Get your plan in motion and begin finalizing tasks you need to complete or delegate out.

Keep a list of the things you need to accomplish and stay organized and manage your time closely. Don't forget to account for setup, clean up, have a weather backup plan, and reserve all spaces, equiptment, and shopping requests.

EVALUATION Evaluation should be done regardless of how formal or informal your program is. Gather feedback from your residents on what was done well and what can be changed in the future. This feedback can help you be more successful in the future. Feedback from residents can be verbal or written. Then, don't forget to return to eRezlife to close out and return your strategy proposal with your attendance list.

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BULLETIN BOARDS BEST PRACTICES

Bulletin boards can share information, be a passive program, and can be purely fun and social in nature. Here are some suggestions for bulletin boards that draw eyes year-round: Make it interactive. Use things students can touch, move, and write on.

Use different materials. In addition to using construction paper and printouts, think about using yarn, newspaper, foil, and cardboard.

Use large, easy to read font. Your bulletin board should be easy to read from a few feet away.

Cover topics and themes your residents have expressed an interest in or focus on curricular goals.

Fill the blank spaces while thinking about presentation and a clean arrangement of photos and information. While cramming your board with information may be too overwhelming for the eye, adding interesting photos can make your bulletin board more appealing and attractive.

Utilize the pre-made Bulletin Board Library on the Student Staff Microsoft Team or contact other offices and departments for potential materials.

ANNOUNCEMENT!

Monthly Bulletin Board Contest

This year we are launching a monthly bulletin board contest sponsored by the Educational Initiative & Assessment Committee. One bulletin board will be recognized for each of the residential curriculum goals each month in addition to one overall winner. To be considered for the contest you must complete the following: Submit a bulletin board proposal on eRezLife prior to the 1st of the month.

Be nominated by your A/RLC. The board must qualify based on the contest rubric below.

ENGAGEMENT RUBRIC

DESCRIPTION

EXEMPLARY CRITERIA

STUDENT LEARNING

Board contains researched information that connects back to the learning goals and purpose. The content is clear, accurate and interesting to the student population.

Content is clear, researched and detailed Content meets supervisors expectations of quality Content is connected to a learning goal Citations and resources are provided

VISUAL APPEAL

Board is visually appealing and eye catching. Board is organized and information is laid out in a well thought-out manner.

Board is cleanly and neatly arranged Board is free of rips and tears Text is clearly visible and easy to read Information is presented in an organized manner

CREATIVITY

board presents the content and learning goals in a unique, original, and creative way.

Design is creative and eye catching Theme is presented clearly Theme is relevant to the learning goals

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use the Bulletin Board Library!

The Student Staff Microsoft Teams files houses the Bulletin Board Library! Which includes pre-research and pre-created content for bulletin boards. Using these provided boards is optional, but can also serve as a great place to start when looking for ideas or when you need some inspiration. These boards have all of the content and resources, you provide the aesthetic and decoration.

Before You Start, Ponder This!

Do you find yourself thinking, “No one is going to read this anyways, so why bother putting time into it?”

Let’s reframe bulletin boards: Think of it as a billboardSend one powerful message about a topic that meets the needs of your community!

Reflective Question: Do PowerPoint slides as bulletin boards convey care for and investment in your community?

In regards to words, remember that less is more!

Would you read this and see value in it?

STOP! Before using reslife.net and residentassistant.com…

Make sure that the material actually meets the needs of your community.

Think: How are you going to adapt the information to make it more engaging and readable?

DESIGN YOUR AUGUST BULLETIN BOARD HERE...

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MY NOTES...

MY DOODLES...

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