Coming Home After the Break

Robin Warren Gagnow, the Director of Residence Life at Ashland University in Ohio was willing to do an "email interview" in which he answered questions about the second semester transition process, and what RAs should keep in mind after the holiday break.  Thanks for your input!!

Q As freshman residents come back after winter break, what
are some of things that RAs should understand about what they may be experiencing?

A I think you have a number of issues that new students would be dealing with as they return after a long break. Getting back into the swing of their academic routine again - hitting the books, having a roommate (s), spending time with friends, dealing with personal questions and issues, and the big one - is this the right major or college for me?

RAs should put themselves in the shoes of their new student - remember
what it was like coming back from long break with family and friends.  From family rules to college guidelines and policies (big difference for most students). RAs should be aware that they may need to go over policies again, that they need to remind students that this is an academic process - buying books, getting their classes scheduled and work schedule outline for the semester. I feel a lot new students take too long to get through the transition phase of returning back to college (they lose weeks) - they want to socialize more then they want to study. Have RAs check to see that their residents have gotten their books and have signed up for classes. Have them buddy up with another resident who is taking the class so they can go together - so that they can motivate each other in attending.

They may be feeling homesickness again - the holidays are always special and may make it harder to return then after Thanksgiving Break. For some students who did not do well, they may be facing very difficult questions - if they are college material or if they are emotionally ready or
academically ready for college courses. RAs can serve as great campus resources by encouraging students to visit their advisors, counselors, and mentors.

Programming provides opportunities for students to interact with other students and helps the student to see the RA in the helping role vs just the rule enforcer.

Q Based on that, how can RAs be instrumental in helping the residents thrive during second semester (socially, academically).

A I would focus first on Social Programming - a program where everyone can get together and have fun and share what they did over break or what they plan on doing for spring break. Something to get everyone out of their rooms and to meet the new residents on the floors. So that they feel apart of floor and having someone to walk to classes with or go to lunch with.

Look at the age, level of maturity, class standing of your residents - assess what is going to benefit them the most by attending. Use your resources (RDs, returning RAs, etc.).

Finding out what classes your residents are taking together and buddy up with one another - have a contest with your residents - for example - (if you attend all your classes, your name will be placed in pool and at the end of the semester the winner will receive a free pizza of their choice or something like this) during finals week.

Bring in academic counselors or staff that can help students get on the right track in the beginning of the semester - I think we sometimes bring staff in too late. Stress the importance of getting started right away. It is to easy to put off until its too late in the semester. Setting goals and expectations of what they want to accomplish.

Q Any other suggestions related to programming?

A As I mentioned above - first Social and then Academic related programming.  At the first floor meeting after the holiday break - great way to find out what activities the residents want to be involved in. Also it is a great way to get them involved - by having them work together to help plan some of your activities. Men want to meet women and Women want to meet Men - great motivator - programs where the two can interact and have fun together. (*Editor's note: while the previous statement tends to hold very true for many students, a reader recently directed me to this statement, and asked me to remind the viewers it is very important for us to remember ALL of our students, not just those who are heterosexual.)

Robin Warren Gagnow
Director of Residence Life
Ashland University

If you are a Residence Life professional or an RA and you would like to submit an article, or you are willing to answer some questions over email relevant to RAs, please email me!

Related Article: Starting the second semester off right!