Learning from the front lines: Resident Assistants
In my formal interviews and passing conversations with RAs throughout the semester I have learned from their experiences and interactions with the students that they serve. By listening to their stories and drawing from their programming I noticed a few trends that permeated each interview. The first is that RAs are very informed, I was thoroughly impressed each time I asked a question and the person responded with confidence about policies and reporting procedures. I also learned that RAs receive an intensive two week training before school starts as well as intermittent training throughout the semester. In regards to sexual assault, RAs hear from representatives from various offices in a large group lecture style setting. These offices include the Office of Equity and Equal Opportunity, the Office of Ethics and Student Conflict Resolution, The Health Center, Student Counseling Center and Women Helping Women. The RAs have an opportunity to ask questions and debrief the entire day with their building staff later that evening. Another trend that popped up was that many RAs feel conflicted about being a Mandatory Reporter. While they acknowledge the importance of reporting and following the law, they also find that having to report places a barrier between them and students who might want to disclose confidentially. From the interviews, I gained the understanding that RAs know how to report, they know the available resources and they care about their residents, however training does not equip them to support survivors a day, a week, a month and a semester after they have been assaulted. This is something that I will address in my solutions section. Below I have included some words and quotes from RAs that left an impression on me during interviews.
“I believe you. It is not your fault. There are resources available to you”