Ripon College Days

With the spring semester just around the corner, the Residence Life Staff has been hard at work to replace an unusually large number of RA positions. This occurrence has raised questions as to why so many RAs will not be returning to their posts next semester.

"I believe there are many different reasons why a large number of students have left their RA positions," says Tri-Dorms/Johnson Hall Director Jessica Joanis.

Nearly one quarter of resident assistants who began first semester will not be on staff during the spring semester.

Though a larger number of those leaving are doing so to participate in study abroad experiences, others cite personal reasons for their departure. And although it has also been speculated that a third reason for some departures is discipline-related, sources available at press time would not confirm this.

"I am leaving my position as an RA next semester for reasons that are personal," says junior Lisa Paulson, who leaves after two years as an RA. 'These reasons have nothing to do with the residence life department. At this time, I feel that it is time for me to pursue other goals," she continues.

As with any job, there are responsibilities and challenges, and being a resident assistant is no different, notes Joanis.

"Being an RA is a job. It is just like any other job; it has many responsibilities and sometimes things just do not work out," she says.

But junior Lacy Rourke looks forward to the opportunity of being an RA.

"I know there are going to be hard times, but I was an RA at the last school I attended. I really enjoyed my job," says Rourke, who applied and has been offered an RA position.

With such a large percentage of the student body living on campus, there is a high demand for many RAs, and that their time on campus is stretched very thin.

"Finding balance in the life as an RA is difficult. This is probably the most difficult aspect of the job. You are never totally 'off-duty' because your residents are always there, but watching them change and creating bonds with them because you share the same living space is one of the greatest perks of the job," says Paulson.

Many RAs also expect that meeting and getting to know their residents and staff members is a big part of the job.

"It's nice because you get to know a lot of people, that's for sure," says RA junior Jamie Lichon, who will be leaving to study abroad, but plans on returning to her position as a resident assistant for her senior year. "And the staff gets along really well."

The Residence Life staff has completed the hiring process for replacement RAs for the spring semester, with qualified applicants offered positions throughout campus.

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