Programming

What is programming you say?  Programming plays a vital role in the development of students in or residents halls. In your role as staff members and hall leaders, assessing the need of floor and community members is one of the most important aspects of what you do. Coordinating programs to get to know your residents better; to assist in their personal growth and development; and to make life at the University a fulfilling experience.

TOP TEN REASONS TO PROGRAM

   1.Programming is an effective way to meet the development needs of students and contribute to their
      personal growth.
   2.Programming directs the energy of students in a positive way.
   3.Programming is an effective way to get residents involved in the floor, hall, and campus community.
      Programming develops a sense of unity by involving a variety of students in a learning process.
      Students who become active involved in programming tend to feel more connected to the university
      because of their exposure to campus resources and involvement in activities.
   4.Programming encourages students to seek new opportunities that they may normally not experience.
      Likewise, programming challenges students and staff to learn and examine values, attitudes, and
      beliefs.
   5.Programming offers support to students and exposes them to a variety of resources.
   6.Programming enriches one's own leadership role. Student leaders are offered the opportunity to
      expand on current leadership skills and develop new skills.
   7.Programming promotes residents halls as true learning centers. Learning is a continuous process
      which occurs both in and outside of the classroom. Programming can be an important influence in
      shaping the type of learning in which students are involved.
   8.Programming adds to resident satisfaction with their hall experience. Residence halls are more
      dynamic and interactive when programs are planned for the residents and when residents are invited
       to share in the planning and organization of these events.
   9.Programming allows us to touch students' lives in a positive and powerful way. By addressing specific
      needs they are facing, we can challenge them to grow.
  10.Programming is fun, exciting, stimulating, interesting, challenging, and satisfying.

Programming Tips on how to make your programs better.

Publicity for your programs. Did you have a well attended program? What did you do that made it that way? Need to boost your attendance? Look here to figure out how.  Publicity ideas: Black Carnations, signs, bulletin board, word of mouth

Programs

Program goals: To have people feel and realize the effects when a family member or friend is killed by a drunk driver.

Description of program: A black carnation was sent to residents on the floor. This was done statistically. If they had received one they put the included poster on there door. This poster said, "I can't talk today. I was killed by a drunk driver.  Please don't drink & drive!!!" For the program personal experiences were shared with residents. The effects on the families involved were discussed. Feelings and things that can be done were discussed. At the end of the program a pledge was signed by everyone to not drink and drive and not letting anyone else drink and drive.  suggested improvements: Have a counselor present to help residents feel more comfortable and then they can refer to that person on a one on one basis.
 
 

Program goals: To let people know what the real information is about on organ donation.

Description of program: An area speaker came and spoke about what organ donation is and how beneficial it is to the community.

Publicity ideas: large posters, pins, word of mouth

Eight Nights, Eight Lights

Program goals: To introduce people to the Jewish holiday Hanukkah.

Description of program: A Jewish student talked about the traditions and the prayers that are part of Hanukkah. Then a sample traditional meal was passed around for everyone to taste.

Publicity ideas: posters, word of mouth, sign-up sheets, invitations

Suggested improvements: All the info can be found at a local library or by asking a local Rabbi.

 Friends

Program goals: To give residents a "safe forum" in which to express how influential and important certain individuals are in their lives. Also, to let residents experience the wonderful feeling that comes from recognizing and thanking others for their contributions to our lives. An underlying goal was also to have my residents discuss these things in a comfortable, informal environment and to learn more about each other.

Description of program: The program was held in the programmer's room. The atmosphere was laid back and very social.  Snack food was provided and stories from the book Chicken Soup for the Soul, by Mark V. Hansen and Jack Canfield were laying around the room for the residents to read. When the residents came into the room they were encouraged to have some food and read the stories. Then, one by one, they would give the programmer the names and addresses of their heroes. The programmer and the resident both signed the certificate and a cover letter was filled out. Bookmarks and cards were also made available to the resident to include a personal note if they wanted. The residents then just hung out and socialized. The programmer then mailed the letters the next day.

Publicity ideas: bulletin board, word of mouth, floor newsletter

Suggested improvements: The certificates should be on premium stock if possible. NOTE: Two responses were received by the programmer from Heroes. The program was highly successful.

Tips

Seven steps to successful programming

   1.Identifying Needs
   2.Brainstorming
   3.Planning
   4.Details
   5.Publicity
   6.Presentation
   7.Evaluation
 
 

Presentation Tips

Know you information, Keep your messages simple, Be enthusiastic and enjoy your presentation, Make eye contact with individuals in the audience, and RELAX before, during, and after the presentation.

Publicity

Publicity is one of the most important elements of success in programming. The purposes of publicity are

1)    to capture the attention of your target audience,
2)  provide them with important information, and
3)  motivate them to attend your program.

Readability of Color

According to the advertising experts, the following color combinations are listed in the order from the most readable to the least:

   Purple on Yellow
   Yellow on Purple
   Black on White
   Yellow on Black
   White on Black
   Purple on White
   White on Purple
   White on Green
   Green on White
   Red on White
   White on Red
   Black on Orange
   Orange on Black
   Red on Green
   Green on Red
   Yellow on White
   White on Yellow

Publicity tips for programming.
1)  Make off-the wall advertising... such as 3-dimensional ads, hanging ads, ads that are hung crooked (only slightly though).
2)  Advertising is like a war, you must have a strategy. Start with a coming soon ad (such as placing cans of green beans around campus, or flyers with the words "green beans are coming soon." Then do a second round of ads with a little more emphasis, "Green Beans are Here!" Finally explain what & when your program is. This example related the concern you would have for a friend if they ate a "six-pack" of green beans a day, and why wouldn't students be concerned when their friends drink a six-pack of alcohol. This program really kept people wondering for a while, and that peaked their interest.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Educational Programming Ideas

These programs are listed in categories which I felt best described each of them.

     Offerings from Center for Health Directions
     Activity Ideas
     Bulletin Board Ideas
     Contest Ideas
     Holiday and Celebration Ideas
     Ice Breaker Ideas
     Group Project Ideas

Activity Ideas

Beverage Bar

You could have free beverages in your room for the residents in your section at the beginning of the school year. This activity could help promote interaction on the floor and serve as a get-acquainted program.

Candlelight Dining

A special dining area is nice for the occasion, but certainly not necessary. Just set aside a section or a table in your cafeteria. Arrangements should be made with the food service personnel. This is an inexpensive way to spice up that everyday dinner.

Cartoons-Saturday Morning

 Have people bring donuts and milk and gather everyone in the lounge to enjoy cartoons.

Club-Friday Afternoon

Have your section meet every Friday afternoon to play cards, take tours, go shopping, or just have a general chat session for an hour or two.

Donut and Coffee Party

This can be a good break for those late night study times. During finals week set up a donut and coffee table in the study lounge for a study break.

Freshman First Nighter

At the beginning of the year, have all the freshman in section get together before classes begin. Have a staff member who knows the campus take them out on the town. They could go to dinner, a movie, or shopping.

Mail-Write your Grandparents

Or whomever ... Get a letter writing campaign going on your floor at certain times during the year. Everyone can write a      letter to their grandmother, grandfather, mom, dad, sibling, or whomever.

Roommate Appreciation Day

All residents are encouraged to be especially nice to their roommates; they can make beds, carry books, etc.
Secret Helper

This is a week to do good deeds for someone whose name you have drawn. At the end of the week a dinner can be held and the names revealed.

Section T-shirts

Design a section logo or picture that can be put on a T-shirt or sweatshirt. A group order from a manufacturer is generally an inexpensive way to get the shirts produced.

Suggestion Box

Establish a suggestion box in the lobby or study lounge. Equip it with paper and pens so students or their guests can write their suggestions about the hall.

Sunrise Watch

Get interested students to watch the sunrise and possibly take progressive pictures of the sunrise to display.

Textbook Exchange

Obtain a copy of book prices and exchange rates from the local bookstores and price the residence hall book exchange in a competitive position. Students will have the opportunity to save money on used texts and get more for old books.  Anyone who used the service to sell a textbook could be charged $1.00 for each book that they sell. They money collected could be used by the section for future activities.

True Confession Night

Everyone would tell only true stories the whole night. They have to be open and honest about them. Names and places could be changed to protect persons' privacy.

TV Party

As a section, get together once a week to watch some popular night time TV show. Provide snacks.
Bulletin Board Ideas

Bulletin boards are a form of passive programming.
 

Cartoon-Best Line

Draw a large cartoon strip, but leave the last line blank. Provide a large space for residents to write in their ideas for the punchline. Everyone should have fun with this one, especially if a prize is awarded for the best line.

Contest-Monthly

Each month give a prize to the area with the most creative, decorative and timely bulletin board. The purpose is to help decorate the section and to help develop some section pride. Each room can be in charge of a month.
 
 

Coupon Exchange

Post an envelope for coupons in your lounge area. Residents put coupons of any kind that they do not need into this envelope for others to use.
Fact of the Week

Post a little known fact. This is a simple way to increase resident's knowledge in a wide variety of areas. Center the fact on the theme for the month or the week.
Graffiti Days

For a couple of days during one week, let everybody write anything they want to at a certain spot designated in the hall.  Clearly label this area the Graffiti area. You can use the bulletin board or a piece of butcher paper on a door. This type of project can develop into an intra-section or inter-section competition, or it can be used by individual students to encourage their friends to drop by and leave them notes or decorate their door. It can also be used to encourage residents to vent their passions. Perhaps a dictionary of graffiti could be published by compiling the sum total of witty sayings and sketching at the end of the year.

Home Town

Delve into the culture and history of various towns. Have individuals design a bulletin board display around items of interest from their home towns. This would provide interesting and educational material for the board displays while at the same time allowing the students involved to take pride not only in their creation but also in their home towns.

I Need, I Have

Students pin paper to the bulletin board describing things they are looking for or things they want to dispose of. This includes text books.

Makes you Go HUMMMMM

Put a thought provoking statement on the board that makes students think. You may want to leave room for comments.

Pet Show-Pictures

Since students aren't supposed to have animals in the residence halls, have a show consisting of photographs of the students' pets. There can be varied categories such as: most photogenic, most unusual, etc.

Question of the Week

A question is posted on the bulletin board, anyone who wishes is invited to reply in the space provided on the sheet.  Both serious and funny replies are welcomed and can become a basis for discussion.

Roommate

Take a picture of you and your roommate and put yours and everyone else's picture on a bulletin board. This is a good way for everyone to see who's in the section.
 
 
 

Tips

Free advice is always a treat and people are always willing to give it. Put up a "tips" area on your bulletin board and allow residents to share ideas on any number of things so as to help one another.
 

Holiday and Celebration Ideas

Floor Recognition Day

Designate a special day dedicated to recognizing your floor. Serve refreshments, play games, and watch movies.

Birthdays

Balloons

Whenever one of the residents has a birthday, blow up balloons saying Happy Birthday and tie them outside the resident's door.

Boards

Each month put up a birthday board displaying items of interest such as the names of both residents and famous people having birthdays that month.

Cake Service

Since many students are away from home, each section can set up a fund to order a birthday cake to be presented on the evening of the birthday. This can be tradition in the section.

Carnations

Every time a person in the section has a birthday, send the person a carnation as a gift from everyone else.

Door Decoration Committee

Form a committee to decorate the doors of resident's rooms on their birthdays. Decorate the doors at night so that the birthday person will be surprised.

Christmas

Dear Santa
     Hang up a large poster on the hall or in the lobby with "Dear Santa" on the top. Invite residents to write down their holiday wishes on it for all to see. You'll find some peoples' wishes to be crazy, funny, or heart warming.

Valentine's Day

Broken Hearts Mended

On Valentine's Day, have the RA place a broken heart cut out of construction paper with a partial verse written on it in all of his/her resident's mailboxes. The first person to find the floor member that has the other half of their heart wins.

Happy Heart Day

Exchange cards, gifts, and candy with each other to show suitemates that you care about them.
 

Poem Exchange Day

Have people exchange their favorite poems with each other. A good way to make sure no one is left out on this special day.
Secret Cupid

Draw names to give someone a secret cupid for Valentine's Day. Send that person secret messages, flowers, candy, etc. On Valentine's Day, get together to discover who was each person's secret cupid.

Publicity and Promotion for Educational Programming
 

Publicity and Promotion Guidelines

A.  Publicity can make or break an event. Poor publicity will give people the idea that the event itself will be poor. Creative, eye catching publicity adds credibility to the vent and to the group who is putting it on.
  B.   Make sure all the publicity is legible and approved by the appropriate office if necessary.
C.  Don't depend on only one type of publicity use several such as flyers, posters, banners, tables, media,  and word of  mouth.
D.  Publicity must be timed properly, not too late and not too early. Allow plenty of time for people to
       see publicity, but don't put it out too soon, so that people read it and just forget about it. Waves of
       publicity are a good idea!
   E. Utilize high traffic areas, such as breezeways and bathrooms, for advertising.

Content of your Communication Publicity should always include:

   1.WHAT: title, brief description and highlights of event
   2.WHEN: day and time
   3.WHERE: place, room, building, and directions to get there
   4.WHO: sponsoring group (make sure to give your group some recognition)
   5.WHY: the purpose behind the event
   6.HOW MUCH: the cost to attend the event. If it is free say so.

Mocktails

Mocktails are non-alcoholic, but fun drinks, that you can serve at parties and other social events.
 

Banshee Delight
Ingredients:
     0.5 oz. chocolate syrup
     2 inch slice of banana
     2 oz. cream
     ice
     nutmeg (optional)
 
 

Instructions:

Put the chocolate syrup, the banana, and the cream into the blender. You can add a glassful of ice, or leave it in the glass, whichever you prefer. After blending for 5-10 seconds, pour it into the glass. Normally, garnishes are not added to cream drinks, but if you want to be creative, try adding some nutmeg.
 

Caribbean Fling
Ingredients:
     2 oz. unsweetened orange juice
     0.5 medium banana
     2 oz. unsweetened pineapple juice
     orange chunks (optional)
     coconut flakes (optional)
     banana chunks (optional)
     1 glass of ice
     blender

Instructions:
Put the banana, orange juice, pineapple juice and ice into the blender. After blending for 5-10 seconds, pour into the glass. As an optional you can add banana slices, orange slices, or coconut flakes as a garnish.

Citrus Whip
Ingredients:
     1.33 cups of orange juice
     2.66 cups of unsweetened grapefruit juice
     1 teaspoon bitters
     2 cups seltzer water
     12 packets Equal
     16 ice cubes
     blender
     0.5 cup tangerine juice (optional)

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in blender. Blend on high until thick and foamy. Serve in tall glasses. For a more "citrusy" flavor, replace 0.5 cup of orange juice with tangerine juice. Makes 6 servings, 8 ounces each.

Frozen Virgin Banana Daiquiri
Ingredients:
     2 teaspoons run extract
     2 small fresh bananas, peeled and sliced
     3 tablespoons lime juice
     6 packets Equal
     0.5 cup pineapple juice
     6 to 8 ice cubes
     blender
     2 cups of strawberries (optional)

Instructions:

Combine first 6 ingredients in blender. Blend on high until thick and creamy. Pour into tall glasses. You might also try substituting 2 cups of strawberries for the bananas. Makes 4 servings, 6 ounces each.

Hot Orange Cocoa

Ingredients:

     0.33 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
     Pinch of salt
     0.33 cup hot water
     1 quart skim milk
     6 packets Equal
     0.75 teaspoon vanilla extract
     4 orange slices
     stove

Instructions:

Combine cocoa and salt in saucepan. Blend in hot water. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 2 minutes. Add milk; stir and heat. Remove from heat; stir in Equal and vanilla extract. Pour into mugs and add orange slices. Makes 4 servings, 8 ounces each.

Mexican Sunrise
Ingredients:
     4 - 6 oz. chilled orange juice
     0.5 oz. grenadine
     ice

Instructions:
Fill your glass with ice. Add the orange juice, then top it with grenadine. A blender is not necessary for a simple drink like this, but if you do decide to blend the ice and orange juice, top it with grenadine after you are finished and have poured it into the glass.

Strawberry Freeze
Ingredients:
     2 oz. strawberries
     3 oz. sweetened lemon juice (also called sour mix)
     lime
     fresh whole strawberries for garnish
     ice cubes
     blender

Instructions:

This is definitely a blender drink. Put the strawberries and sweetened lemon juice in the blender. It is recommended that two glasses of ice cubes are used. Blend for 10-20 seconds, then pour into the glass. Add a lime wedge and a fresh strawberry for a garnish.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

RA Code of Ethics

Mission Statement:
The student is the most important person on campus. Without students, there would be no need for the institution. They are not a cold enrollment statistic but flesh and blood human beings with feelings and emotions like our own. They are not someone to be tolerated so that we can do our thing; they are our thing. They are not dependent on us; rather we are dependent on them.  They are not an interruption for our work, but the purpose of it. We are not doing them a favor by serving them. They are doing us a favor by giving us the opportunity to do so.

Standards:
We will:

   1.Be an accurate and dependable resource having knowledge about services on campus.
   2.Know and abide by the Residence Hall and University policies.
   3.Be patient and understanding with students.
   4.Always be service-oriented.
   5.Always remember that we represent the Residence Hall and strive to leave a good impression of the
      Residence Hall.
   6.Be attentive to the needs of the residents.
   7.Prioritize and organize academics so that duties and responsibilities of the RA position are met.
   8.Try, fail, learn and strive to avoid repeating mistakes.
   9.Do not abuse privilege of using Residence Hall or University property.
  10.Confront our fellow staff members before we go to a supervisor.
  11.Ask and be willing to give clarification and assistance during times of uncertainty.
  12.Be loyal, but keep in mind that constructive criticism can be beneficial at the appropriate
       time and place.
  13.Keep an open and objective mind in every situation, remembering that our students come from d
       diverse backgrounds.
  14.Be loyal and supportive of fellow staff and our department.
  15.Confidentiality should be kept at all times.
  16.We will try to know and abide by the RA Code of ethics, however remembering that every situation is
       different and we should use our judgment.

These programs are best used at the beginning of the semester or the beginning of section meetings.
 

Collage Party

Make a collage during a party or section meeting. This could serve as an ice breaker at the beginning of the year.

Get Acquainted

Each individual is asked to tell the group something about himself/herself. Then the individual is asked to pick out the individuals in the room that he/she does not know. These people should then introduce themselves to the stranger. Soon everyone knows everybody.
Getting to Know Each Other

Choose a day at the beginning of the year that everyone goes to each other's rooms and to learn at least one thing about the other person.
 
 

Is There Anyone Here

A program given mainly to help improve communication in a section. Remember if everyone just keeps to themselves, it will be an empty hall where no one is home. So ask residents to open their doors for a given time and take turns visiting roommates.

Midnight Encounter

Looking for a new icebreaker for your section? Try this. The first week students arrive, pick a night for a midnight encounter. Choose an area that can be made totally dark. Everyone enters this area and begins talking with someone else. The point is to get to know an individual without knowing what he/she looks like. This works best when the group consists of 10-20 people. If your group is larger than this, two sessions or groups would be best.

Name Tag Day

Given each resident a blank name tag to write their name, home town, room number, humorous saying, etc., on. They can decorate the name tag as they wish. This is a fun way for everyone to get to know each other.

One-on-one

Have each resident draw a name. Give each pair a list of questions and require each pair to get together on their own and go through the questions in order to get to know each other.

Personal Bingo

Have each member of your section write a clue that would identify them on a sheet of paper. Make a bingo board using these clues. Then invite another section over to find the person that fits each clue in order to get a bingo.
 
 

The content on these pages was originally provided by Brian C. Steinberg, the founder of http://www.theallygroup.org and http://www.safezoneforall.com (Creater of the previous: http://www.residentassistant.com/reslifepro)

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