~ Blog Posts Written By RAs for RAs ~
Anyone who has worked in residential life, from student staff to professional staff of all levels, have most likely come across training and strategies regarding students and how to build connections with them, but how effective are they really? Here, the fundamental aspects of a resident conversation are broken down, identifying not only their strengths, but where they could be worked on to create a better sense of connection and community.
How Effective are Resident Conversations Currently?
Residential conversations are–in theory, an innate task of working in residential life. For example, how could residents feel supported without speaking directly to a friendly face? The thing about residential conversations, however, is that they can feel mandatory and forced with residents if not structured and approached in the right way. This can lead to a less effective connection formed between students and RAs, which undermines the whole goal of these conversations..
Resident Conversations are Already Great!
The beginning of an academic year, in particular for freshman residents, can be overwhelming for some. This is the most critical time for an RA to reach out and introduce themselves, especially as a resource. Questions that might seem mundane to ResLife veterans, such as where the washing machines are located, are critical at that moment for a new resident. Leaving the comforts of home behind and embarking on a new academic adventure can stress anyone out, and even though some might have forgotten that feeling, we all have been there. Using these questions as an opportunity to build connections is a great strategy.
Furthermore, by connecting with residents early, RAs can learn more about who residents are as people, as well as potentially being able to identify future challenges for the resident. In the future, should that resident have the need for additional support, an RA or RD is now able to refer back to valuable information that can help to gain understanding, and form a more affirming environment.
How Can Resident Conversations Improve?
There is often a trap many RAs might be stuck in when engaging with residents, especially for the first time. This is when predetermined questions are used, which can often lead to stale, unproductive answers. One way to counteract this is to be actively engaged in the conversations, asking open-ended questions and trying to find common ground.
For example, let us look at the question “How was your break?” This question feels cookie-cutter, and might often lead to a simple one-word response. Instead, the question “What were the best three things that happened over break?” acts as a gateway for conversation, leading to a richer conversation.
Further Tips for a More Successful Conversation!
It’s never too early to start!
Starting to connect with residents earlier rather than later breaks the ice sooner, and leads to a healthier hall dynamic overall. Try to interact with your residents during move-in, and make yourself available whenever possible during this time to connect.
Follow up!
Don’t just interact once and check off a box. Everyone’s life is constantly changing, and new conversations can be made to keep each other updated. Not only does this lead to more awareness of conditions in the hall, but it also allows you to appear as more a part of the community, rather than a figure of authority.
Ask for feedback!
No one is perfect, and everyone–from RAs to their supervisors–should constantly be seeking feedback. Ask about what you could improve, while not forgetting what is already being done well. This should be done on both sides of the supervisory relationship..
Despite potentially seeming daunting at first, connecting with residents should be no different than connecting with a friend or colleague. This process shouldn’t feel like part of the job, it is the job. It should be fun and engaging, an exciting time being able to meet new faces and diverse perspectives. Acting as a catalyst to create community is one of the most fundamental parts in the job of an RA, and that can start with a simple hello.
