Openingsfor2025-2026
CentralCampus Aquinas2nd |Fr.TomMcElligott Mitty1st|ChristinaDeLeon Mitty2nd|AaronLee
DeLaSalle1st&2nd|LylaLauren
Canyon
AgenoA1st|PhilipGoodwin ClaeysSouth2nd|Br.CharlesHilken ClaeysNorth1st&2nd|Br.ThomasJones
MoreHall|CarolinaCelis
Townhouses
AgenoEast|SamanthaAlberto
AgenoWest|Br.ChrisBrady Syufy|BrianMiddleton Freitas|JaniceHarrer
FirstYears,Sophomores,Juniors,Seniors,GraduateStudents&Transfers
Why do you choose to serve as an RD?
I choose to serve as an RD to provide a safe learning environment for my residents to understand the Mission of Saint Mary’s College of California, its Lasallian, Catholic, and Liberal Arts approach to collegiate education Saint Mary’s College of California is unique among the liberal arts colleges in this area because it is a Lasallian, Catholic, and Liberal Arts institution The Lasallian aspect of the Mission, the understanding of the Brothers of the Christian Schools that education must insist on the sacred dignity of each person as a child of God, must manifest itself in the respect I have, and my RAs have for each resident That same respect for each person is the core of the teaching of the Catholic Church Properly taught, every college course in a Liberal Arts institution explores just how it is that each person is sacred
What are you looking for in an RA?
I am looking for RAs who will explore with me how to promote the Lasallian, Catholic, and Liberal Arts mission of the College I will expect RAs to develop programs that creatively engage residents to understand how unique Saint Mary’s College is, and how important it is for their present and future success
What would your previous RA(s) say about you?
"Father Tom is an incredible RD From the start, he welcomes both residents and resident advisors with a warm and genuine attitude He creates an environment where you always feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and challenges, knowing he’ll be there to support you every step of the way Father Tom emphasizes that his role is to support us as RAs in every aspect of what we do, and he truly has our backs no matter what I feel so fortunate to have him in my life, and applying to be his RA in Aquinas was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made If you approach this role with dedication, genuinely care for the well-being of our residents, and stay consistent in your efforts, you’ll thrive in Aquinas!"
Why do you choose to serve as an RD?
It was from a similar living-learning community that allowed me to thrive personally and academically as an undergraduate, particularly as an introverted transfer student entering my undergraduate alma mater both as an upperclassman and as someone completely new to the university I owe a lot to the RAs who cared so much about the well-being of their floormates I took on an RD position in order to support this sort of environment here at SMC, both through mentoring with the RA(s) and being able to model values that shape responsible and compassionate individuals
What are you looking for in an RA?
A responsible colleague. I will support you, push and encourage you to try out new things, and then celebrate (not scorn) the failures and applaud the successes. But this collaboration only really works if we can rely on each other. I am too old to be a babysitter
What would your previous RA(s) say about you?
That I have high expectations but am pretty easygoing. That I am in your corner and am not here to push my own agenda That I'll look after your own well-being, particularly if you are trying to do too much or are focusing on the wrong things (Also, having high expectations does not mean that you cannot make mistakes--we will both make plenty together!) AaronLee
Christina currently serves as one of the graduate assistants in the Office of Residential Experience and will be graduating at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year! She will be representing Mitty 1st floor. Central
Why do you choose to serve as an RD?
It is essential to provide students with a balanced college experience and to be attentive to the small signs and subtle behavior patterns that could lead to problems in their lives. Sometimes, students feel more at ease knowing that an adult is present with them, as they are still in the process of transitioning into adulthood, even if they may not realize it. Some students need reassurance during this time. Throughout their first year of college, students often face various family issues that they will eventually outgrow in the years to come
What are you looking for in an RA?
I am seeking a strong Resident Advisor (RA) who can firmly maintain boundaries with students and peers and ensure balance on the floors when present or not present. It is essential that RAs confidently enforce the rules of residential life, housing policies, and the guidelines set by the Office of Community Life Being an RA is a serious responsibility; you will need to face your peers and, at times, be stronger than them
From day one, it's crucial to establish respect and control among your peers, as they may test your boundaries I need an RA who is capable of standing firm in the authority assigned to them. It's important for RA to know that you shouldn't trade your free room and board and stipend, to please your peers, you over see.
What would your previous RA(s) say about you?
I was fair and flexible, reimbursing my Resident Advisors for their expenses in a timely manner I always made time to meet with them and allowed them to take the lead on their peer incidents. Whenever they faced issues and needed my assistance, I was always there to help. However, I cannot instill confidence in them to work with their peers; that confidence must come from the RAs themselves.
Sophomores,Juniors,Seniors,GraduateStudents&Transfers
Why do you choose to serve as an RD?
I love working with students on a different level. I often find that I learn more about my students when they live in the residence halls than I do in the classroom or out and about on campus. I enjoy the opportunity to impact students' lives by sharing a meal together, eating a cookie, or chatting about their highest highs and their lowest lows
What are you looking for in an RA?
I am looking for an RA that is serious about the role - one that I seldom have to remind about their roles and responsibilities of the job itself. I also look for someone who is honest, trustworthy, and dependable We will work hard together
What would your previous RA(s) say about you?
My previous RAs would say I'm pretty chill - for the most part I expect a lot out of my RA, and I expect them to be dedicated to the role and all of its responsibilities, not just the ones that are most convenient or work well for their schedule.
Sophomores,Juniors,Seniors,GraduateStudents&Transfers
residents
RAs RDs
Private RA bathroom
Lounges/Common Areas
In building laundry
Brother Charles is an expert on medieval manuscripts, history and the papacy. He’s published two books on monastic history and two essays on the ministry and rituals of the popes, and is currently in charge of the Cummins Institute for Catholic Thought, Culture and Action at Saint Mary’s.
Why do you choose to serve as an RD?
Having the privilege of being a resident director for fourteen years has allowed me to share the college experience with several generations of students, supporting their academic, social, spiritual and athletic development as SMC Gaels I consider this commitment a priority in my life
What are you looking for in an RA?
The RA that will find the experience at Claeys North most fulfilling is one who chooses to be part of a supportive and active duty team with another RA and an RD Availability to residents, anticipating resident needs, willingness to try new programming activities that bring residents together, and an empathetic approach that understands and responds to the pressures of being a student are qualities that will make the experience beneficial for an RA in Claeys North.
What would your previous RA(s) say about you?
I believe the 28 RAs I’ve worked with in the past would say that I hold myself accountable to the same expectations I have of them I am available and actively present to the two RAs who currently hold the position in Claeys North each day they are on duty I require transparency in their dealings with residents and support their decisions, especially in situations that don’t require an unambiguous response. I encourage RAs to make the most of their own college experience and remind them when they overextend themselves with commitments that interfere with that experience.
My name is Carolina Celis, I am the Housing Operations Manager and Resident Director for Becket and More hall I became a Resident Director because, as a first generation college student, I experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating higher education without a clear roadmap
Throughout my college journey, I received invaluable support from mentors, staff, and faculty who helped me overcome obstacles and succeed. Inspired by the guidance I received, I wanted to offer the same kind of support to other students, especially those who may be facing similar struggles. Becoming a Resident Director allows me to create a safe and inclusive space for students, where I can provide the resources, advice, and encouragement they need to thrive.
Supporting my Resident Advisors is also a key part of my role, as I want to empower them to succeed in their responsibilities and help them grow as leaders. It’s an opportunity to give back and make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, just as others did for me.
Why do you choose to serve as an RD?
I love being immersed in the community of students of which I serve. Being a Resident Director has allowed me to connect with students who I wouldn't have any connection with during my day job I love and have stayed at SMC for the community and want to give back by creating and maintaining a sense of community.
What are you looking for in an RA?
I am looking for a RA who loves building community through various approaches, who stays curious and is not afraid of not knowing everything and keeps asking questions.
What would your previous RA(s) say about you?
My previous RAs would say that I'm a supportive RD (whatever that means and looks like for them, individually) who is engaged and also allows for the RA to be the main face of the hall.
Why do you choose to serve as an RD?
As a Brother, I made a decision early in my life to work with young people who were in their formative stages of life. While most of my educational working days were at the high school level, I have found that living on a collegiate campus allows me to continue to interact and support, on a daily basis, young men and women who are still ready to learn and at the same time, preparing to begin their careers The work of an RD is a mix of rich conversations, providing support for my RA, having opportunities to gather with residents and seeing that they are provided with a safe and caring living environment
What are you looking for in an RA?
A student who possesses a strong desire to help others by providing hall leadership, has a realistic self-knowledge of his/her strengths, enjoys being with others who may be different from his or her self and has developed some time management skills Most important, a willingness to collaborate and ask for help, when needed.
What would your previous RA(s) say about you?
That I allow my RA to do his/her job That I am available to provide support and counsel when requested. That I ask my RA to make personal contact with me each evening that they are on duty That I care about my RA, as a student, as much as I do care for each resident. That my door is open for listening and conversation.
Why do you choose to serve as an RD?
My life is centered around St Mary’s College I am committed and invested in the community, as a coach within the athletic department and a Resident Director at Freitas Hall Being a RD allows me to combine my passion for supporting student development, and creating a positive living environment. I have the opportunity to be part of a residential community, mentoring and guiding students. It is a privilege and honor to serve, and a higher calling to help lead and be an example for those around me.I hope to be a positive influence among students spiritually, socially, academically and recreationally (I still have a lot of “kid” in me!)
What are you looking for in an RA?
I look forward to partnering with my Resident Advisor creating a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable seeking guidance and support. I would like my resident advisor to be approachable, empathetic, and a good communicator The RA should be organized, proactive, and able to effectively address conflicts or challenges that may arise within the dorm Together we will create a sense of inclusivity and respect that will play a key role in a positive and accepting community Strong leadership skills, and the ability to balance professionalism and peer relationships will foster a positive college dorm experience for everyone.
What would your previous RA(s) say about you?
outgoing, conscientious, reliable, and responsible I strive to be approachable and supportive while infusing a positive and inclusive environment
Why do you choose to serve as an RD?
I serve as an RD to better understand the student experience. A lot of day job in Campus Housing is operational and administrative work, so it's a nice change of pace to engage with students where they live and have different types of interactions than I do in my role as Director of Campus Housing Living on campus I think keeps me young haha but in all seriousness, I think it helps me better relate to students and make sure I'm not too removed from what the current actual student experience is like
What are you looking for in an RA?
I'm looking for someone who has a genuine interest in helping others, whether that's by connecting students to resources, putting on programs and getting them engaged, or just being a sounding board for students to talk to I think there are a lot of things we can train RAs on like protocols, how to write a report, etc , but I'm looking for some more intrinsic and innate things like empathy, passion, and a strong work ethic
What would your previous RA(s) say about you?
I think my previous RAs would say I'm pretty relaxed, a bit scatter brained from time to time due to my day job in Campus Housing, but very approachable and available for my RA and our residents I've lived on college campuses in a professional role for 10+ years, ranging from supervising 1-12 RAs, and I think all would say I'm a pretty communicative and flexible supervisor.