Coming Attractions

1
For the 2008-2009 School Year Programs I would
like to advertise more effieciently so that
programs have a better attendance rate. I need
to listen to my residents needs so that they can
take advantage of programs. I will create
programs that dont need an excessive amounts of
money. I need to make sure that I create
meaningful programs that are appealing to my
residents so the programs are well attended. I
also want to choice programs that highlight
skills that I have. I love to teach people how to
do things so next year I want to focus on
educational and instructional programs.
2
Community A Residence Hall is a place to call
your own a place where you feel the most
comfortable. As an RA, my goal is to make
everyone feel welcomed and safe in their
home-away-from-home. Being comfortable with
neighbors is also important. Another one of my
goals for the following year will be to help
freshman and upperclassman alike develop a
community attitude. When everyone feels that
their floor is a community then they will be more
willing to respect it and be aware of how their
actions affect the community. Encouraging open
doors will get people out of their own rooms and
getting to know people in their community. I
have noticed things on peoples walls and have
made small talk. This gets people to open up and
to share things about themselves. Knowing things
about my neighbors helps me be personable and
down to earth. I dont want to be viewed as a
harsh RA but rather friendly and helpful.
3
First Floor Scott North experienced some
unsanitary bathroom etiquette. My co-RA and
myself were frequently approached by residents
and the custodial staff concerning these issues.
We would briefly shut down the destroyed
bathroom, but me and my co needed to think of how
to prevent this. We first put up posters that
warned that if the behavior continued then the
whole floor would be charged. The behavior
stopped for a brief period and all seemed a
peace. Then unexpectedly, we experienced the
same occurrence. We were very frustrated
at the immaturity of the floor. There were
bulletin boards put up and signs that were hung
up to remind our residence of proper bathroom
etiquette. We had a hall meeting to discuss the
habits of our residents and it was rather awkward
because the residents that did attend were not
the ones that had caused the damage. We split up
the bathrooms into single sex bathrooms because
we had suspected that it was a male conducting
all the damage. This went over well with the
females of the floor but didnt fly so high with
the males. We had to show our professionalism
and our fairness and tell residents that these
actions were to prevent future damage. The
bathrooms stayed up to par until the end of the
semester.
4
During staff training we discussed community
standards. When we had our hall meeting we
discussed these standards and how we need to
think as a community in order to make the
bathroom stay in acceptable conditions. This
situation caused an uproar on our floor and it
was frustrating at first dealing with it. These
feelings were instigated because some member of
the floor did not want to be part of a community
and would treat the area with disrespect. In the
future, I think that community standards needs to
be set up right up front so situations like this
do not happen again. When everyone is on the
same page, there is less cause for destruction.
This situation was a good learning opportunity
and equipped me with the skills to handle similar
situations in the future.
5

• Floor trip to Gifford's
• This outing helped our freshmen bound together
  during Orientation Week.
• Floor Wiffleball
• This activity was an alternative for drinking on
  a Thursday night.
• Backwards Scavenger Hunt
• This game let residents be creative and to work
  together.
• Luau
• This event provided a winter get away and also
  dealt with the science of volcanoes.
• Funky Shoe Program
• This arts and craft project was a great outlet
  for residents to turn something old and boring to
  something hip and jazzy.
• Sledding Program
• This healthy activity got residents learning
  about winter activities.

6

• Tacky Sweater Program
• Emmy Night
• Brick Making Night
• Sidewalk Chalk Art
• Karaoke
• Mallett Brick Making Night
• Mallett Henna Tatoo Night
• Mallett Apples to Apples games

7

• In order to show my support of my fellow
  co-workers, I attend their programs. Everyone
  has different interests and they reflect that in
  the programs the put on. Attending programs also
  shows that I value the Residence Hall and the
  community its trying to build. It shows that I
  am active in the development of my residents of
  my floor and building.
• Ive also attended programs in other buildings.
  I like getting a feel of how other communities
  work and function. I am letting others on campus
  know that I am interested in Residence Life, even
  if Im at another Residence Hall by attending
  other programs.

8

• The group dynamic of Scott staff is very close.
  Everyone is always friendly with one another and
  everyone is very supportive. I feel very safe in
  the group to be a good leader and a positive
  supporter. I am always willing to take over a
  shift if it needs covering or to provide a hand
  for a program.
• As a new comer I was a little nervous on dealing
  with certain situations but my teammates are very
  approachable and are there when I need them.
  Ive learned from them to become the responsible
  RA I am today. I am confident to be a role model
  for the next batch of RAs. Having a close knit
  staff helps us to grow from each other to become
  leaders in other parts of our lives.

9

• Before coming to UMF, picking a major wasnt
  hard for me to do. I have always known that I
  wanted to be a teacher. The Elementary Education
  program here is extremely rigorous. I have
  learned so much through the education and first
  hand look at classrooms. I have met some great
  people along the way. I would like to pass on my
  knowledge to others who are interested in
  teaching one day.
• Teaching brings great rewards. Its amazing to
  watch somebody grasp a challenging concept and to
  challenge themselves to understand the world. As
  an RA of the Education floors in Purrington, I
  would want this wonder to extend out of the
  classroom and right into the Residence Halls. I
  would love to help guide and grow with the fellow
  residents of the building.
• One of my residents right now is in the
  Practicum program with me. When it comes time to
  working on a project or completing an assignment,
  were there to bounce ideas off each other. It
  also helps me to relate to her on a more
  personable level. It shows her that I am a
  fellow student and not just the RA.

10
A recent survey went out to some of my residents
to evaluate me as an RA. Here are some of the
comments
What do you think of me as an RA? Youre
awesome! Not overbearing like past Ras have been.
You truly let us have our independence but not
too much. You are a great, approachable, very
friendly person. Youre awesome. Such a great
person. What have I done to make your life
easier at UMF? The quick bathrooom has been
awesome. Great idea! We always feel welcome to
approach you with any concern or to just
talk. Youre always there when I have a
question, and youre one of the nicest Ras out
there. Been a friendly face in our unfriendly
hall and dealing well with crisis.
11
How have I proven to be a good leader on the
floor? You always say hi, you take care of
issues and you are fair. You are always very
responsible and handle each situation carefully
and efficiently. Always handles matters
promptly and in a very professional
manner. Give examples of any times I have been
a responsible, positive, or helpful RA. When the
bathrooms are crappy you close them to show
people that its not okay. Youve been ready
and willing to help with any need that
arises. During floor meetings, you always come
prepared and have a fun sense of humor during
meetings. During the phantom pooper.