Pictured above: Residence assistants got into the school spirit during a special training just before move-in. The training focused on fostering a healthy community in the halls. | Photos by Laura Kilpatrick 

By Laura Kilpatrick 
Coordinator for Residence Education
Maple Hill West

Several University of Arkansas students participated in Resident Assistant Training on Friday, Aug. 3 at various locations on campus. About 180 students participated in these day-long workshops. The training gives them the tools to create a healthy and inclusive community in the residence halls.

During these sessions, resident assistants, or RAs, learned how to help students grow academically and foster personal and professional development. RAs live in the halls where they work and serve as student mentors and helpers. Typically, they assist residents with move-in, plan hall events and maintain a safe and orderly hall. The training began on August 1st and continued until August 8th. 

New RAs and seasoned RAs alike were present at the training, which occurs twice a year. Matt Vu was one of the pivotal planners for this year’s training. Matt is the coordinator for Residence Education at Maple Hill East.

“This is the first time the new RAs are experiencing this. They are becoming a part of the Residence Education community. We want them to be able to create a fun and memorable experience for the residents,” said Matt.

One of the highlights of the event was the spirit parade, where each hall’s staff performed an impromptu dance or skit. The students leaped across the Greek Theatre lawn, dancing or singing to catchy tunes while the full-time University Housing staff watched.

The full-time staff encouraged the newest group of RAs to consider their impact on their halls’ residential students.

“What you do matters,” Takama Statton-Brooks told the RAs. Statton-Brooks is the director of Residence Education. The new resident assistants said they were excited to be included in the training and looked forward to working in the halls with students.

New RA Alex Kuzma Bartlett reflected on her time in training. “I loved being able to meet all the other RAs. When you start working in the halls and things get busy, you feel connected to the other RAs and it makes the campus seem smaller.” 

When asked what impact she hoped to make, Kuzma-Bartlett smiled big. 

“Being able to help my residents have a successful year … that’s what I’m here to do. I want them to have a great experience, just like I had.” 

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