Resident Assistants Engage Over 1,000 Students Through 73 Campus Programs

In the Fall 2024 semester, Alvernia University Resident Assistants (RAs) successfully hosted 73 programs while balancing their academic pursuits, extracurricular commitments, and leadership responsibilities. These events reached 1,081 students, strengthening the campus community and providing meaningful engagement opportunities for residents.


"I am incredibly proud of the dedication and creativity our RAs have shown this semester," said Associate Director of Residence Life, Logan Houptley. "Their commitment to fostering community within our residence halls is evident in the number of students they have engaged. Each program is a reflection of their hard work and dedication for making our residence halls feel like home."


Programming efforts within Residence Life align with key student development outcomes, including a sense of belonging, health and wellness, cultural awareness, self-sufficiency, and academic success. Through intentional event planning, RAs play a vital role in providing a sense of belonging where students can learn and engage with one another in a positive way.


The RAs came back in January for Spring training, which featured a new conference-style model that allowed them to focus on personal growth and skill development.

"The choose-your-own conference-style sessions for this spring's RA training were very helpful," said Spencer Kneisley, and a first-year RA in Ehlerman Hall. "It gave us as RAs a chance to reflect and focus on what skill or knowledge we needed to be successful in our RA role this semester. I had the chance to attend the 'Re-Instilling the Values of the University' session, which helped us see the connections between the RA role and the core values of the University. It also showed how we can utilize those core values to guide us through our experiences as an RA."


Beyond programming, the impact of the RA role extends far beyond event planning-it's about mentorship, support, and developing connection.

"Being an RA has truly changed my life, helping me grow as a person while building meaningful relationships," said Francisco Sandoval, a second-year RA in Clare Hall. "The most rewarding part is guiding residents through their college journey and being a support system for them. It's an experience that has made a lasting impact on me."


"As student affairs professionals, we know that learning also happens beyond the academic setting," said Associate Director Logan Houptley. "The work our RAs do directly contributes to student engagement and success, and it is rewarding to see the enthusiasm from both our RAs and the students they serve."

To view these students click here: https://alvernia.meritpages.com/achievements/Resident-Assistants-Engage-Over-1-000-Students-Through-73-Campus-Programs/185502