This blog series features different writers responding to the prompt, “What is the future of the RD position and role?”
Guest Post by Mitchell Furtner, Residence Life Professional
Supervising student staff, handling student crisis, responding to facilities issues, programming, and the ever ambiguous “other duties as assigned.” These are some of the common job responsibilities of today’s RD role. Fast forward into the future, and what exactly is an RD doing? There are so many unknowns in the world and in higher education: student debt crisis, enrollment cliff drop-off, mental health needs, housing market pricing, and so much more. Each of these areas can create unique changes and evolutions in the RD role, in housing departments in general, and in the lives of the students the RD is serving in their role.
The student debt crisis impacts the RD role in a multitude of ways. Moving forward RDs must be more prepared to have financial conversations with students. Directing students to financial aid may not always be enough, and financial aid offices may not cover some of the educational information students will need. RDs will have the unique opportunity to further impact students with sound advice on finances and student loans. The student debt crisis also impacts the employment and career path of many in the RD Role, often a public service loan forgiveness role. Many in this role are bound to remain in the role or something similar ensure their loans are forgiven, making the role less likely to become vacant and a more competitive role.
The enrollment cliff drop-off is something most schools are looking at and worrying about. Nobody knows exactly what decreased numbers will look like, which schools will be most impacted, or how this will trickle down and impact departments beyond admissions. A lack of applicants and a lack of students attending will likely lead to a decrease in the diversity of the student body and campus population and will certainly lead to a decreased budget for housing departments, whether they are auxiliary or not. It will become even more important for the RD role to use a lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the role and education of students to ensure any institutional progress is not lost with decreased student visibility and decreased funding. The decreased funding will likely lead to a more stretched department as well, RDs may start seeing larger areas, decreased budgets, and increased responsibilities.
The increasing mental health needs of incoming students will greatly change the way RDs interact with and support students. It is becoming increasingly evident that helping skills are needed in all student affairs employees. RD job descriptions may start preferencing those with psychology, social work, or counseling backgrounds who are better equipped and educated to support these higher needs and manage increased student care related case loads.
The housing market is another area that creates a major impact on the future of the RD role. As housing becomes more and more expensive and less and less affordable, it becomes increasingly difficult for staff living on campus to move off campus and maintain the same lifestyle they live. The raise between RD and mid-level professionals often does not make up the difference of losing housing accommodations. The role will adapt as these professionals gain more and more experience, but do not seek advanced positions. The role becomes a more coveted and competitive position and distinctions will be made between first year and more experienced RDs.
There are many unknowns in the coming years with the RD role, and job descriptions and expectations are sure to change. The one piece of the job we can guarantee, is other duties as assigned.
