Alvernia Honors Resident Assistants

Alvernia University honors student leaders for successfully completing Resident Assistant (RA) training and serving as an RA into the 2023-2024 academic year while pursuing their undergraduate or graduate degrees.

"The purpose of RA training was to focus on the professional development within the RA role," said Logan Houptley, area coordinator. "Our goal was to equip the RAs with tools that they could use to further develop their critical thinking skills, increase their cultural humility, and increase their understanding of mental health supportive skills and services."

As an RA, the group of student leaders encourages student responsibility and accountability while working to provide a residential environment that enhances and extends beyond classroom learning. RAs are academically successful students who help build strong, healthy and engaging residential communities while upholding the core values of Alvernia University. As peers, RAs not only serve as a campus resource for residents, but also plan educational, cultural, and social programs and assist with roommate/suitemate conflicts.

"RA role has allowed me to build trusting connections with my residents as they depend on me to foster an inclusive, safe, and conforming community for them to live," said Sara Baker, a junior occupational therapy major & first-time RA. " I truly love my residents and the connections we've built. The RA role has also given me the opportunity to build connections with supervisors and professionals at Alvernia, who have all taught me valuable lessons and I know are supporting my growth and success in future endeavors.

All 37 incoming and returning RAs were interviewed and received training on topics such as building competence & practicing humility, conflict mediation, emergency response protocol, establishing & maintaining healthy boundaries, suicide prevention, mental health and more.

"RA training is essential to the foundation of the RA role," said Jaqueces Mathis '22, a three-time returning RA and master of social work graduate student. "These trainings equip RAs with the skills to handle diverse situations in the residence halls. Being a social work major, these trainings not only prepare me for the RA role but develop my skills for my profession. Without a doubt, I feel more comfortable because of RA training in both my profession and RA position."