ABSTRACT
The college years can be some of the most vibrant and transformative in an individual’s life, but they are also fraught with uncertainty. The resident advisor or assistant (RA) not only confronts these decisions for him or herself but must also help his or her residents navigate the world of important decisions which the undergraduate experience presents. Lessons Learned is the definitive volume for training RAs to become comfortable with their roles as student leaders. Over four dozen common RA mistakes are discussed, chapter-by-chapter, in the form of individual letters written by experienced RAs to new staff members. Each chapter includes thought-provoking discussion questions, a list of internet and media resources, and additional tips related to each situation.
Now in its second edition, this updated volume provides a new overview of student developmental theory and covers a host of new topics, including evolving thought on 21st century predicaments such as social media, texting and the Internet. This is an important text for beginning and experienced RAs, as well as for the university staff who train these crucial pillars of the university community.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
chapter |5 pages
Applying Student Development Theory to the RA Role
part |30 pages
Building Community
chapter |4 pages
Being Away Too Much During the First Week of School
chapter |3 pages
Waiting Until the Second Month of the Year to Do Programming
chapter |4 pages
Not Staying on Top of Facilities Issues
chapter |4 pages
Doing the Work for Your Hall Council
chapter |4 pages
Seeing Conflict as Harmful to Community
chapter |5 pages
Jumping Into Service Without Learning
chapter |4 pages
Cults on Campus
part |24 pages
Building an Inclusive Community
chapter |4 pages
Assuming “They” Don't Want to Be Included
chapter |5 pages
Trying to Help, Making Things Worse
chapter |5 pages
Ignoring Racist Comments
chapter |4 pages
A Case of Religious Discrimination
chapter |4 pages
The Facebook Nightmare
part |33 pages
Resident Support
chapter |3 pages
Ignoring Homesick Helen
chapter |4 pages
Forgetting to Support a Superstar
chapter |4 pages
Serving Until It Hurts
chapter |4 pages
Not Reaching Out to a Lonely Resident
chapter |4 pages
Telling a Parent He Can Call You
chapter |4 pages
Texting Residents When You Should Talk Face-to-Face
chapter |4 pages
Keeping Your Relationships With Residents in Balance
chapter |4 pages
The Role of an Alternate RA
part |30 pages
Policy Enforcement
chapter |4 pages
“If I Can't See It, It Isn't There”
chapter |4 pages
Enjoying Policy Enforcement Too Much
chapter |3 pages
Enforcing Policy Selectively
chapter |5 pages
Being Passive About Noise That Interferes With Others
chapter |4 pages
Ignoring Escalating Domestic Violence
chapter |4 pages
Ignoring a Serious Drinking Problem
chapter |4 pages
Thinking a Resident Is Drunk When She Is Really High
part |28 pages
Helping Students With Psychological Difficulties
chapter |4 pages
Misinterpreting a Student With Asperger's Syndrome
chapter |4 pages
Sharing Prescription Drugs
chapter |4 pages
Keeping Promises
chapter |4 pages
Assuming a Resident Is “Just a Little Thin”
chapter |4 pages
Ignoring a Suicidal Comment
chapter |3 pages
Confusing Cutting Behavior
chapter |3 pages
Surviving a Panic Attack
part |37 pages
Things That Can Seriously Compromise Your Role
chapter |4 pages
Stifling Freedom of Speech in Your Community
chapter |6 pages
A Conflict Between Co-RAs
chapter |3 pages
Being Careless
chapter |4 pages
Deciding What to Do Based on What Everyone Else Does
chapter |4 pages
Dating a Resident
chapter |3 pages
Dating Another RA
chapter |4 pages
Drinking Alcohol With Underage Residents
chapter |4 pages
Dealing With a Slacking Staff Member
chapter |3 pages
Dealing With Parents
part |22 pages
Safety and Security