SU to celebrate RA Recognition Week Feb. 19-23

Thursday, February 15, 2007, By News Staff

SU to celebrate RA Recognition Week Feb. 19-23February 15, 2007Carol K. Masiclatclkim@syr.edu

The Syracuse University Office of Residence Life (ORL) is inviting the University community to join in the celebration of Resident Advisor (RA) Recognition Week, Feb. 19-23. Created in 2002, RA Recognition Week is designed to acknowledge the critical role RAs play in meeting the educational, social and emotional needs of students in the residential setting, providing a key complement to the in-the-classroom learning experience.

As members of the ORL staff, RAs live and work with students to cooperatively establish an educational living and learning environment that encourages growth and development. RAs are responsible for building inclusive communities in residence halls, responding to student crises, mediating conflicts, and providing activities for students in which they can interact with and learn from one another and the broader community. Currently, 155 RAs staff the Main Campus and South Campus residence halls.

“RAs are to be commended for shouldering this responsibility not just for their own residents, but for the benefit of the entire institution and broader community,” says Barry L. Wells, senior vice president and dean of student affairs. “I have been particularly impressed with their commitment to civic engagement through the Paint the Town Orange initiative, and I am glad to see the expansive opportunities our RAs are providing for residents to become involved in the life of the Syracuse community.”

Planned recognition activities include: publication of an RA achievement newsletter, mega posters hung in the Schine and Goldstein student centers, recognition letters from Student Affairs administrators, letters sent to the parents of RAs highlighting their achievements, and a variety of programs offered by the director of each residence hall.

For a complete schedule of recognition activities, contact Kimberly Williams, coordinator for staff selection and training at 443-3637.