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Article
Create a Better Flow Through Sequencing Resident Assistant Training
Leadership Studies Faculty Research
  • Rich Whitney
  • Sherry Early, Marshall University
  • Travis Whisler
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2016
Abstract

The Resident Assistant (RA) role in higher education institutions is one of the most well-known functions on the modern campus (Akens & Novak, 2011; Porter, 1999), tracing back in some form to colonial times (Blimling, 2010; Winston & Fitch, 1993). There are roughly 10,000 (U.S. Department of Labor, 2011) RAs working at U.S. institutions. According to Winston et al. (1984), residence hall administrators are most likely the first student affairs professionals to employ students as paraprofessionals. Their functions include peer support and development, planning educational and social programs, and ensuring safety within the halls. The RA role, as peer educators, contributes to the creation and maintenance of environments conducive to learning, personal, and educational development (Blimling, 2010; Newton & Ender, 2010; Winston & Fitch, 1993). This article will present a case for improving the RA pre-service training using topical sequencing (i.e., rearranging topics for a more natural flow and organization).

Comments

The copy of record is available from the publisher at http://www.acuho-i.org/resources/publications/journal/archive-issues.

Copyright © 2016 The Association of College & University Housing Officers – International. Reprinted with permission.

Citation Information
Whitney, R., Early, S., Whisler, T. (2016). Create a Better Flow Through Sequencing Resident Assistant Training, The Journal of College and University Student Housing, 43(1), 28-43.