RAs get their day

Resident assistants will get the credit they deserve with the introduction of a day of recognition.

Today marks the first International Residence Hall Student Staff Recognition Day, which was created to honor RAs worldwide by Grant Anderson, a master's student in student affairs and hall director at Colorado State University.

The idea for the day of recognition was generated after Anderson saw Residentassistant.com, a Web site designed to provide resources for RAs, said Web site creator Dan Oltersdorf, a mentor and resident assistant at Colorado State University.

RAs are faced with many challenges and have many responsibilities that most people are unaware of, Oltersdorf said, ranging from suicide to broken hearts and failing relationships, he said.

"I've definitely learned how to deal with different situations," said Kristina Kidwell, a UI RA. "Being an RA has been a growing experience."

Being an RA offers a student the chance to play a unique role in the beginning of another student's life in college, Oltersdorf said.

"Resident assistants are the first person freshmen and new students usually go to to learn about the various things that are offered at the university and on the campus," he said.

Because RAs are responsible for advertising different university events throughout the school year, Karol Dymkowski, a UI RA, said one bonus for her is learning about upcoming events before everyone else.

"Meeting new people is a great benefit," she said. "Another benefit is getting to be a role model for my residents. I have played an active role in many people's lives."

Although the job is rewarding, it is not always the easiest, Oltersdorf said, and it is nice to let RAs know they are appreciated.

"Cards, banners, candy, balloons, even scrapbooks that your floor has put together are great ways to let your RA know that they're appreciated," he said.

Oltersdorf said the recognition day will be printed on Chase's Calendar of Events, a calendar that media outlets use, starting in the year 2001. He hopes the day will become nationally recognized as the word gets out about it.

"I think that this day is a great idea," said UI freshman Melissa Sperfslage. "RAs do a lot of work, and I think it's great that they'll get recognized."

Even though there was not a lot of publicity about the event, she said, she will encourage the women on her floor to get their RA a present.