Let’s be real: sometimes being an RA feels like you’re basically there for when something goes wrong. You’re the one who gets called when there’s a lockout, when someone’s too loud at 2 A.M., and when someone’s clothes get “stolen” from the laundry machine. And while those pieces of your job description can definitely feel the most prominent, they’re absolutely not the whole picture. The truth is, whether you realize it or not, you’re one of the most important people in your residents’ lives during college. Here’s why.
Your Engagement = Their Success
If you lived on campus, think back to your own move-in day. Everything was new, overwhelming, and maybe even anxiety-inducing. Now think about the first person you interacted with who was tasked with helping you feel like you belonged. Odds are, it was someone working for Student Housing. That’s where you come in.
For so many residents, you’re the first person they will meet on campus who’s focused on creating community for them. You’re not grading their work, talking about the classes they need to take, or discussing how much they need to pay. You’re the one welcoming them and making them feel at home. You’re the one leveling with them, peer-to-peer, with relevant advice. So, that first impression is more impactful than you think. If you’re available and approachable from day zero, you build the foundation and your reputation for the comfort and connection your residents will have with you. How do we know this?
Decades of Higher Education research and theories tell us this. For one, Alexander Astin’s Involvement Theory tells us that the social engagement and integration of a student into their academic environment is directly correlated with their retention and graduation. Students do better in college when they’re involved. Period. So, when you are hosting hall programs or being there for them when times are tough, you’re doing more than just your job. You’re aiding in their success by connecting with them.
Going above and beyond that is instilling a sense of belonging in your residents. By remembering your residents’ names, faces, and a fact, you’re communicating with them that you hear them and that they have a valuable place in your community. When you invite them to meals in the dining hall or wave to them on campus, you’re telling them you see them, and that you want them to be a part of your campus home. So, the next time you’re wondering if the work you’re doing matters, remember that you’re the front line of engagement on campus. Your residents may not always say it, but the way you show up makes a huge difference to their success and consequently their lives. And that’s something worth taking seriously! Every week, I challenge you to ask yourself, “What’s one small thing I can do to make a resident feel more connected?”
