UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 9, Page 8
October 26, 1995
RAs recognized for service to campus and students

     Resident assistants (RAs) were honored by students and others in
the University community during "RA Appreciation Week" from Oct. 16-
21. The week was filled with activities organized by the Office of
Residence Life, students and others to express their thanks to the 180
RAs across campus for a job well done, according to Rob Longwell-
Grice, assistant director.
     In a proclamation from Roland Smith, vice president for student
life, he wrote, "While the demands are great, the rewards are
numerous. Most significant is the knowledge that you have an impact on
the lives of the students with whom you interact....You contribute
greatly to the overall mission of the University and quality of life
for students."
     "It's a tough job that requires flexibility, responsibility,
creativity, being open-minded and having a desire to help others,"
Longwell-Grice said. "The job description lists 24 responsibilities,
such as being available to residents several hours a day, serving as
an information source for University services, promoting an
appreciation of diversity, being a good listener, planning and holding
meetings and seeing that policies are carried out."
     However, Longwell-Grice said, all the former RAs he meets tell
him that being an RA was a big part of their college experience,
citing the camaraderie with the staff, the contact with students, the
opportunities to help others and the variety and excitement of the
job. It also is a good experience to have on one's record.
     Tracy Pakulniewicz, RA in Russell C, said, "It's job that affects
a great deal of your life...and can be a 24-hour-a-day job sometimes."
     Aaron Uydess, RA for Gilbert F, added "you get hyphens attached
to your name-I have become 'Aaron-the-RA.' I sometimes wonder if my
residents know my last name."
     Jonathan Lyles, RA for Ray Street, summed up the feelings of many
RAs when he said, "While being an RA is a demanding job, it is a great
opportunity to make a difference. It happens when you listen, offer
advice, plan a program or provide a resource for someone. It's a great
feeling when you know you have helped someone."
                                                   -Sue Swyers Moncure