Residence Life needs to let go of the live-on requirement for all professional staff in their department. I’ve been living on campus for a handful of years at a few universities as a professional in Residence Life. In the last few years, I’ve started to question the reasons for me to be required to live on campus. I know a lot of arguments for living on campus – quick response when on-call, availability to students, fostering community through interactions and presence. I would argue that none of these are strong arguments to support the need for a person to live on campus to perform the essentials of their job.
This blog series features different writers responding to the prompt, “What is one practice ResLife departments need to let go of?”
I go into the office every day for normal work hours. My office at every university I’ve worked at has been in a central location, close to student housing, but not far from other departments they may have meetings with. Students constantly stop in to chat, to ask for help, to complain, to cry. They know just where to find me and our whole department. We are not hidden, and our door is never closed. The office fosters community while also having space for more private conversations. When a student wanders in and needs to talk to someone, I am delighted, prepared, and have space for them.
On the other hand, when students stop me after office hours in the residence hall, that is not always the case. Sometimes I am able to help them or have a nice little chat. But other times, they are asking me questions I don’t know the answer to. Suddenly I have to switch to work mode, searching for their answer. Sometimes students are angry at me because I handled a conduct situation in a way they didn’t like. I find myself rushing to my apartment when I see them because I’m afraid of what may happen, especially when I’m not in my office with other professionals to back me up. One time I went on a walk and ended up getting emotional, crying even. As I approached my apartment, all sobs and snot running down my face, a student approached me and started asking about his housing assignment for the next year. I’ve also come back from a night out with friends a little tipsy, praying that the RAs at the front desk don’t stop to ask me about my night. Just because I live around my residents, does not mean I am constantly available or that I can foster better community because, just like anyone else, I also need a break from my work.
I’m sure some people reading this are wondering about my thoughts for on-call if Residence Life professionals aren’t living on campus. I think Residence Life professionals can still be on-call and not live near campus. Similar to how some directors are live-off or dean of students who are always on-call in some capacity but don’t live on. Sure, entry level Residence Life staff will receive more calls, but I don’t think Residence Life staff need to be present for as many of the calls as they tend to show up for. Campus safety is available 24/7 at universities. They are trained professionals who can be at a scene in minutes. Unlike me, they are awake during their overnight shift, ready for a call, and being paid for their time. I am not a mental health professional or the police. I can’t stop a fight or make a huge decision on someone’s mental well-being. I call other professionals to do those things. Most things Residence Life professionals are needed for after hours can be handled over the phone. I can coordinate emergency room switches, call guardians after a transport, talk to a resident over the phone even. When residents need more, they have the RA and campus safety. In extreme situations Residence Life professionals could travel to campus, much like how a dean or VP would come if they are absolutely needed. There would obviously be more details to figure out to ensure the residents are still being fully supported 24/7, but I think having the Residence Life professional staff show up for way less calls means healthier and happier staff ready to pour out support for their students.
Just like any other Student Affairs office, I think there’s something to be said about the importance of being at events after hours and being visible to students in different situations and events. It shows students that the staff are regular people and we are excited about the school community and supporting students in their various athletics, organizations, academics, and general involvements. I just don’t think Residence Life should be held to a different standard than other professionals. Residence Life professionals should be showing up for some of their residents’ events. But, Residence Life staff also don’t need to be omnipresent.
Let’s save the mental health of Residence Life staff by paying them a fair wage and letting them move off campus. Let them have boundaries and a life separate from work. Students will be better served by professionals who have their space away from them. Universities will benefit from having staff that don’t resent them for being forced to live in often outdated spaces where they have rules to follow relating to the allowance of guests, pets, partners, and more. We need to get rid of this old fashioned live-on model. Just because it’s been central to the way things have been done, doesn’t mean it needs to stick around.
