Transcript Coming Attractions - University of Maine System

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 resident’s needs so that they can take advantage of
programs. I will create programs that don’t 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.
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 homeaway-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
people’s 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 don’t want to be viewed as a harsh RA but rather friendly and
helpful.
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 didn’t 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.
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.
•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.
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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
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 it’s trying to
build. It shows that I am active in the development of my
residents of my floor and building.
I’ve 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 I’m at another Residence Hall by attending other
programs.
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. I’ve 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.
Before coming to UMF, picking a major wasn’t 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. It’s 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, we’re 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.
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?
“You’re 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.”
“You’re 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.”
“You’re always there when I have a question, and you’re one
of the nicest Ras out there.”
“Been a friendly face in our unfriendly hall [and] dealing well
with crisis.”
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 it’s not okay.”
“You’ve 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].”