by Judy Polanco
Staff Writer
For the first time in the University of La Verne’s history, the Office of Housing and Residential Life officially offered commuter students the opportunity to apply for the position of Resident Assistant (R.A.).
This new R.A. selection process was headed in part by Derek Vergara, director of housing and residential life.
“It opens up the pool for people and allows commuter students to be involved,” said Vergara.
In the past, the R.A. position was specifically geared towards on-campus residents. Now, commuter students who have never lived in residence halls have the opportunity as well.
“Being an R.A. is more than just living on campus. You also need good people skills,” said junior Jennifer Phillips, D-bottom R.A. for the Oaks.
“There are commuters out there who have a lot to share and a lot of leadership potential,” said Vergara. “We would love to have them as a part of this program.”
An R.A. is a part-time paraprofessional assistant to the Housing and Residential Life Department who is hired on the basis of maturity, responsibility and dedication toward working with others. Peer counselor, activities director and enforcer of residence hall policies are just a few duties of an R.A.
According to Vergara, R.A.s are a part of the academic development and personal development of residents and the position is an important one because of its ability to influence and mold students.
Additionally, R.A.s undergo a comprehensive training program that includes attendance of various Residential Life and Leadership Education and Development (L.E.A.D.) retreats and conferences.
Vergara has a philosophy of transferrable leadership skills. He believes that a commuter can develop leadership skills through involvement with the community, working as a camp director or even through interaction with family. It is these leadership skills that are vital to the role of a R.A. As an R.A., one is expected to serve as a positive role model for other students who embodies assertiveness and will promote the concept of community.
“If you have transferrable leadership skills, you can basically manage anything and that is a big part of being an R.A.,” said Vergara.
In conjunction with demonstrating leadership skills, R.A.s receive single rooms, board which includes 12-meal plans and a $600 Landis L.E.A.D. scholarship. As a recipient of the L.E.A.D. scholarship, R.A.s have the opportunity to attend numerous leadership training workshops in which many of La Verne’s student leaders participate.
Vergara encourages all students to get involved in campus life, whether it is as an R.A. or as a member of an on-campus club.
The deadline to apply as an R.A. was Monday, Feb. 26. Interested students were given an intense application that required three letters of recommendation from faculty or staff members. Additionally, R.A.s are required to maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and carry no more than 16 units per semester.
Applicants for the R.A. position will begin an all-day group process tomorrow from 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m. Collection of the recommendation letters and individual interviews begin on March 4. Letters of final decision will be distributed on March 22.
