Jeannie Hopper, Assistant Director, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleHolly Stewart, Hall Director, Valdosta State University

SEAHO 2011: Let the Parade Begin!

The Ups and Downs of Community Development in Apartment-Style Living

Overview of Valdosta and UTK Unique Challenges Apt-Style Living Poses

for Community Building RA Training: How to Fulfill the Needs of the

Residents and the Department Programming Models Currently in Use at

Valdosta and UTK Questions and Advice for the Group

Presentation Outline

Overview: Valdosta State University

1 Apartment-Style Residence Hall Centennial Hall (520 residents, co-ed, upperclassmen and international

students) Composed of two buildings that form an enclosed courtyard Lacks a main lobby area and does not have 24 hour desk coverage Located immediately next to the Rec Center, but ½ mile from main campus

Approximate 1:68 RA to Resident Ratio Upperclassmen Only All VSU Rules and Regulations Apply New Community Development Model introduced in Fall 2010

Overview: UT, Knoxville 3 Apartment-Style Residence Halls

Apartment Residence Hall (954 residents, co-ed, primarily sophomores and international students)

Laurel Hall (645 residents, all female, currently sorority women) Volunteer Hall (700 residents, co-ed, primarily juniors and seniors,

graduate students, law school students) Approximate 1:60 RA to Resident Ratio Upperclassmen Only All UT Rules and Regulations Apply New Community Development Model introduced in Fall 2010

Residents want privacy Fewer resident interactions in the buildings Residents don’t “need” RAs Physical structure leads to more policy

violations RAs struggle with program attendance

The Challenges

Private bedrooms are extremely popular with students.

Resident Privacy

Why leave your apartment when your living room looks like this?

Fewer Resident Interactions

Residents are upperclassmen and no longer need a campus “tour guide.” They already know it all – right?

Residents don’t “need” RAs

With so much privacy and more distance from the hallway, the opportunities to successfully break policy skyrocket.

Policy Violations

Providing free food has always been the secret to RA success, but personal kitchens negate the appeal.

Lower Attendance at RA Programs

Confidence is key! More students in discipline settings Older students can be intimidating even in social settings

Creative programming Learn the value of passive and collaborative programming Implement new ideas like drive-by programs

Positive outlook and support from supervisors

RA Training: Finding a Balance

• Challenge traditional attitudes to create pride, motivation, and enthusiasm • Apt halls are no longer RA “retirement homes”

Creating RA Confidence!

• Train intentionally for the building type• Revamped Behind Closed Doors

Creating RA Confidence!

• Embrace needs-based, collaborative, and passive programming

Programming

• Sources of appreciation and recognition go a long way in keeping RAs motivated and trying, especially when things don’t go as planned

Support and Encourage the RAs

The Fainting Goat Gazette: Area Blog

Valdosta State University Community P.R.I.D.E Implemented August 2010

University of Tennessee, Knoxville Apt-Style RA Community Development Model Implemented August 2010

Programming Models

community P.R.I.D.E. Areas of P.R.I.D.E.

Personal Growth (1 Fall & Spring)

Recreation (3 Fall, 2 Spring) Involvement (2 Fall & Spring) Diversity (2 Fall & Spring) Education (3 Fall, 2 Spring)

Types of Programs Needs Based Individual Collaborative Passive Community

Building/Spontaneous

community P.R.I.D.E.

Apt-Style RA Community Devo Model

Six Community Development Objectives RAs will personally know, interact with, and support their

residents. RAs will actively link their residents to the floor and campus

community. RAs will promote and equip their residents to succeed

academically. RAs will develop the personal communication and social

development skills of their residents. RAs will encourage residents to explore & reflect on their values,

ethics, & our diverse global society. RAs will challenge their residents to engage in safe and healthy

lifestyles.

Apt-Style RA Community Devo Model

Methods of ImplementationElectronic Weekly Report Staff Committee – 1 program per committee per

monthSafe and Healthy LifestylesAcademicsDiversityLife Skills

Floor-Wide Social Events/Activities (1 per month, completed individually)

Questions?

Ideas or Suggestions for the Group?

THANK YOU!

Your Turn!