RA Training Newsletter 2025

We are so thrilled to welcome you or welcome you back to RA Training! Being an RA in Candy Land takes a sprinkle of creativity, a dash of energy, and a whole lot of heart. You are the lollipops and gumdrops that make our community so colorful and vibrant. Residents will look to you to sprinkle magic into their everyday lives and make their experience as sweet as possible. This year, we’ll provide you with the tools to help your residents experience the joy of connection and fun.

Just like King Kandy, Queen Frostine, and the rest of Candy Land’s colorful characters, you bring your unique flavor to our team.

Together, we’ll cross Peppermint Forest, navigate through the Gumdrop Pass, and create memories as delicious as a scoop of ice cream that will last forever.

Here’s what we hope you’ll focus on this year: • Dream Big: Imagine what you want this experience to be for you and your residents.

• Create Connections: Build sweet and meaningful relationships through exciting and fun interactions.

• Find Your Sweet Spot: Remember, you’re never alone—you’ve got a team of support here at UMD! Think of this newsletter as your Candy Land map, guiding you through your arrival to the community. Keep your calendar full of gumdrop reminders, use this guide to prepare for the journey (including what candy essentials to pack), and take note of training sessions and staff expectations.

The path ahead may have some licorice twists, but with teamwork, a sprinkle of determination, and a touch of imagination, you’ll lead your residents through an adventure as sweet as can be. Now grab your candy cane, step into Candy Land, and get ready to make this the sweetest year yet!

Training is the gumdrop bridge to supporting our campus residents and it’s an essential part of your journey!

Approach training with an open mind and a positive attitude, and you’ll soak up all the sweet knowledge and skills needed to thrive as an RA. Remember, your enthusiasm and full cooperation are the key ingredients for a successful start.

From January 21 to January 26, RAs are expected to be available for all the sessions and some evening and/or weekend events. More information regarding date/time requirements will be provided closer to training.

Mid-Year Hires Only: On January 15 and January 16, new RAs are expected to be available for all 9 a.m.–5 p.m. virtual sessions and complete the required annual training modules on ELMS. We want you to be at your best during training sessions as you learn how to provide support and memorable experiences to our campus community. Please begin preparing yourself for the long days of training!

Wednesday January 15

Thursday January 16

Saturday January 18

Mid-Year Virtual Training

Mid-Year Virtual Training

RA Move In (First Day)

Monday January 20

Tuesday January 21

Wednesday January 22

RA Move In (Last Day)

RA In-Person Training

RA In-Person Training

Thursday January 23

Friday January 23

RA In-Person Training

RA In-Person Training

NOTE: This schedule is subject to change and does not include specific community responsibilities. You are responsible for checking with your supervisor, and/or the provided Google Calendar for any updates made throughout training.

RAs can move in beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2025 through Monday, January 20, 2025. Please inform your Resident Director of when you plan to move in so they can prepare for your arrival! Mid-Year RAs must check in at the following locations: Assigned Community:

Check-in Residence Hall:

Cambridge, Denton, Heritage & Oakland and Ellicott

La Plata Hall Service Desk

South Hill, Leonardtown, and North Hill

Prince Frederick Hall Service Desk

South Campus Commons

South Campus Commons Building 1 Service Desk

All RAs must move into their assigned residence hall no later than Monday, January 20, 2025, to ensure they are prepared for the in-person training starting promptly at 8 AM on Tuesday, January 21.

Beginning Tuesday, January 21, RAs will be provided three meals per day. Prior to the start of training, you are responsible for your meals.

Visit DOTS at transportation.umd.edu to view winter parking regulations and confirm parking passes are active.

Take some time for yourself and enjoy a workout after a day of training. See all the Winter Hours at recwell.umd.edu/facilities/facilities.

You are expected to attend every training session unless communicated otherwise by your supervisor.

Remember: five minutes early is on time; being on time is late. This includes In-Hall time and other required sessions.

No use of cellphones/laptops during presentations unless stated otherwise by the presenter. If you require electronic devices to take notes, check in with your supervisor. This includes headphones, earbuds and other similar items. The Resident Assistant position is a job, so treat it like one. When you are in training sessions, you are at work.

Taking Hall Preparation seriously is a large part of RA training. During this time we prepare for students to come back, feel welcomed, and be proud to be part of your community. RAs are expected to use the times they are given for hall preparation effectively and meet all deadlines given to them by their supervisor. Door decorations, writing welcome letters, or thinking up bulletin board ideas early leads to full nights of sleep during training and a positive training experience. Check out the following websites for ideas: • pinterest.com (search UMDReslife) • reslife.net • tiktok.com/discover/ra-bulletin-board-ideas-welcome

Five minutes early is on time, times given are for when sessions start, not for when you show up.

Some of this information will be new, and some will be a refresher.

Please be engaged throughout all content, whether it’s new information or a refresh.

If you have an unforeseen emergency, let your RD know immediately. Unclear about instructions or expectations? Speak with your RD or peers.

If you need space, a break, help, or someone to talk to, please reach out! We can’t help if we don’t know.

Although campus will be quiet when you arrive back on campus, please remember you are representing our university at all times.

The RA position is a job, training is part of that job.

• Communicate with any internships and/or jobs about your required attendance at RA training.

• Submit any requests for excused absences to your Community Director and Resident Director

by January 10.

• Be prepared to cover your own meals prior to the start of training.

• Arrive on campus and be ready for in-person training by January 20.

• Inform your Resident Director of your arrival plans.

• Review the training schedule daily to ensure you know where to go and when.

• Avoid distracting others during training or sessions.

• Act professionally. RAs are held accountable for their behavior during training just as they are during the semester.

If you have any questions about Spring 2025 RA Training, please reach out to your direct RD or email us at drl-ratraining@umd.edu.