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Jeannie Hopper, Assistant Director, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Holly Stewart, Hall Director, Valdosta State University
SEAHO 2011: Let the Parade Begin!
The Ups and Downs of Community Development in Apartment-Style Living
Overview of Valdosta and UTK Unique Challenges Apt-Style Living
Poses for Community Building RA Training: How to Fulfill the Needs of
the Residents and the Department Programming Models Currently in Use at
Valdosta and UTK Questions and Advice for the Group
Presentation Outline
Overview: Valdosta State University
1 Apartment-Style Residence Hall Centennial Hall (520 residents, co-ed, upperclassmen and international
students) Composed of two buildings that form an enclosed courtyard Lacks a main lobby area and does not have 24 hour desk coverage Located immediately next to the Rec Center, but ½ mile from main campus
Approximate 1:68 RA to Resident Ratio Upperclassmen Only All VSU Rules and Regulations Apply New Community Development Model introduced in Fall 2010
Overview: UT, Knoxville
3 Apartment-Style Residence Halls Apartment Residence Hall (954 residents, co-ed, primarily
sophomores and international students) Laurel Hall (645 residents, all female, currently sorority women) Volunteer Hall (700 residents, co-ed, primarily juniors and seniors,
graduate students, law school students)
Approximate 1:60 RA to Resident Ratio Upperclassmen Only All UT Rules and Regulations Apply New Community Development Model introduced in Fall 2010
Residents want privacy Fewer resident interactions in the buildings Residents don’t “need” RAs Physical structure leads to more policy
violations RAs struggle with program attendance
The Challenges
Private bedrooms are extremely popular with students.
Resident Privacy
Why leave your apartment when your living room looks like this?
Fewer Resident Interactions
Residents are upperclassmen and no longer need a campus “tour guide.” They already know it all – right?
Residents don’t “need” RAs
With so much privacy and more distance from the hallway, the opportunities to successfully break policy skyrocket.
Policy Violations
Providing free food has always been the secret to RA success, but personal kitchens negate the appeal.
Lower Attendance at RA Programs
Confidence is key! More students in discipline settings Older students can be intimidating even in social settings
Creative programming Learn the value of passive and collaborative programming Implement new ideas like drive-by programs
Positive outlook and support from supervisors
RA Training: Finding a Balance
• Challenge traditional attitudes to create pride, motivation, and enthusiasm • Apt halls are no longer RA “retirement homes”
Creating RA Confidence!
• Train intentionally for the building type• Revamped Behind Closed Doors
Creating RA Confidence!
• Embrace needs-based, collaborative, and passive programming
Programming
• Sources of appreciation and recognition go a long way in keeping RAs motivated and trying, especially when things don’t go as planned
Support and Encourage the RAs
The Fainting Goat Gazette: Area Blog
Valdosta State University Community P.R.I.D.E Implemented August 2010
University of Tennessee, Knoxville Apt-Style RA Community Development Model Implemented August 2010
Programming Models
community P.R.I.D.E.
Areas of P.R.I.D.E. Personal Growth (1 Fall &
Spring) Recreation (3 Fall, 2 Spring) Involvement (2 Fall & Spring) Diversity (2 Fall & Spring) Education (3 Fall, 2 Spring)
Types of Programs Needs Based Individual Collaborative Passive Community
Building/Spontaneous
community P.R.I.D.E.
Apt-Style RA Community Devo Model
Six Community Development Objectives RAs will personally know, interact with, and support their
residents. RAs will actively link their residents to the floor and campus
community. RAs will promote and equip their residents to succeed
academically. RAs will develop the personal communication and social
development skills of their residents. RAs will encourage residents to explore & reflect on their values,
ethics, & our diverse global society. RAs will challenge their residents to engage in safe and healthy
lifestyles.
Apt-Style RA Community Devo Model
Methods of ImplementationElectronic Weekly Report Staff Committee – 1 program per committee per
monthSafe and Healthy LifestylesAcademicsDiversityLife Skills
Floor-Wide Social Events/Activities (1 per month, completed individually)
Questions?
Ideas or Suggestions for the Group?
THANK YOU!
Your Turn!