The Next Chapter: A Comparative Review of the Evolving Resident Assistant Role at the University of Oregon
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Date
2024
Authors
Fulton, Amiya
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
The Resident Assistant (RA) role is unlike any other student position in the university setting. It is complicated, nuanced, and increasingly complex as the needs and expectations of residents and RAs rapidly change in a post-pandemic era of residence life. The role itself has been forced to evolve to address these changing needs. This thesis project is a comparative review of the Resident Assistant position at the University of Oregon (UO) and a further investigation into the role, its challenges, and its potential for improvement. This research explores how different institutions across the nation are implementing the RA role and how successfully these various interpretations of the role could be executed at the UO.
This project aims to address a gap in the existing literature surrounding the Resident Assistant role in the higher education and student affairs discipline. Specifically, this research will provide an institution-specific examination of the RA experience at the University of Oregon. In a broader context, this research offers insights into how the RA role and its responsibilities are interpreted across different institutions. The literature review will show that most existing literature on the role focuses on the RA’s impact on residents. In contrast, less research is dedicated to the role’s framework and interpretation. By reviewing the existing
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literature, identifying current challenges and potential solutions, assessing the UO’s current curriculum, reviewing other institutions’ curricula, and collecting interview feedback, the research aims to provide evidence-based and institution-specific recommendations to the University Housing Department for improving the RA program.
In summary, this research aims to deepen our understanding of the RA role at the University of Oregon. By addressing critical issues such as high turnover rates, the impact of unionization, and the unique challenges posed in the post-pandemic landscape, we hope to provide actionable recommendations to the UO Residence Life Department. Ultimately, our goal is to contribute to a reality where the RA role is thoughtfully optimized to meet the evolving needs of residents and foster a positive residential community.
Description
105 pages
Keywords
Student Leadership, Resident Assistants, University Housing, Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration