Allen Collins

TNE Writer
The RA and Resident Relationship

The resident assistant and resident relationship at NSU is one viewed and handled from various
levels of authority, experience and perception.
I think it depends on the floor, on first southeast I have great relationship with my residents,
said JaCorie Maxwell, residence hall association president and southeast Leoser RA. We can
talk about anything, any problems that arise and Im quick to take care of it.
Situations similar to this one seem to be ideal for everyone. For Maxwell, his southeast Leoser
residents and the entire south wing of Leoser, there is full cooperation, open discussion and
expedient results.
Here in south, we are a team. Pretty much the same way one RA would handle a situation, the
others would too, said Maxwell.

In the event of an incident between a resident and RA, if the resident feels the matter was not
handled correctly, they may file a complaint. If the matter reaches a level of seriousness, it will
be taken care of if a resident takes the proper measures.
There are complaint forms at every desk across campus, so they are more than welcome to fill
those out, said Maxwell. Our superiors do take those seriously. That would be a great way for
them to have an idea of how the RAs are doing in that particular hall.
As for RAs and residents in the high rises, Logan, Ross and Hastings things go slightly different.
Residents in who live in the high rises tend to be older and some have private rooms. The way
they operate can be expected to be different than that of a freshman living in the Leoser complex.
There is no set in stone way to deal with certain situations, said Bradley Herrmann, resident
hall assoication vice president and Hastings RA. Its more of your judgment call. Sometimes
its something you cant handle so you have to call one of your bosses.
Although residents do have the option of filing a complaint, not all are aware of that opportunity.
In some instances, the resident may have been aware but chose not to take that course of action
and instead relayed a message verbally to an authority figure.
Ive heard of a few problems thatve happened, said Herrmann. We have them fill out a
complaint form or well have them talk to a hall manager, which is in charge of all of the high
rises. The RA and resident relationship could be better, and improvements need to be made on
both sides.
There are examples of residents who have lived in both Leoser and the high rises who have seen
successful RA and residents interactions.
I have seen and heard arguments that have had to be controlled by them, said Jayne Gause,
Kellyville junior. They seem to handle it while respecting the two students and treating each the
same. I feel as if they are doing good and learning while things accrue.
Establishing a report and a standard of decency between both parties could lead to few problems
and smoother operating if complications do arise.
I know of some RAs in the past that didnt even know their residents names, said Herrmann.
Being more personable, saying hi to your residents when they pass by the desk, or getting to
know something about them.
Herrmann said becoming involved on campus and attending resident hall programs and being
opinionated in hall meetings is a way to get to comfortable with your RAs.
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Published 9/8/14