Things Your RA Wants You to Know, But Doesn’t Tell You

Before I get started, I just want to give a disclaimer that not every RA/CA believes these things. I have talked to multiple RAs in the past and have noticed that there are others who feel the same way that I do. If you have ever been the resident who hates their RA, then this one’s for you. 

I’m Not Trying to Be a Police Officer 

My job on campus is not to be a police officer in the halls. That’s what the borough police are for. My job on campus is simply to keep my residents safe. I will have to call out alcohol and drugs, those are still illegal, but as long as you don’t have alcohol or drugs in front of me, we won’t have a problem. Believe me, I don’t have time to roam the halls looking for trouble. We’re both busy college students, and we both know that college culture includes partying. If I don’t see it, hear it, or smell it, then you’re probably okay.  

RAs Party Too 

So, you may already know this if your friend is an RA or you have been to a party and seen an RA. How do you think we know what to look for? How do you think we know what sketchy behavior looks like? It’s probably because we’ve been to a party in our college career. Now, if you’ve never noticed this, it’s probably because we’re really good at hiding the fact we go out. As RAs, we live in a fish bowl. We’re professionals to some extent and we have to act that way. Also, when you see us, you have several options: you can leave and act like you didn’t see us, you can have that relationship where you both understand you’re doing something illegal, or just avoid the RA. Whatever you do though, don’t mention to people that an RA is there. We’re obviously not there to bust the party. And please don’t take photos. That could be detrimental to our job.  

We Just Want You to Be Safe 

Personally, I like my residents to tell me when things are going on as opposed to keeping knowledge of threats to themselves. I would rather that my residents tell me about situations, so I can either help them or get them in contact with the right person. Some situations can be life or death, like someone having a little too much to drink and almost choking on their vomit, or someone contemplating suicide. I’d rather get help then act like everything is fine. I also like to get suspicious students out of my halls if I don’t know them from before. I’ve had drunk students come in and enter random rooms. Some drunk students even mistake dorm rooms for the bathroom and pee on poor resident’s rugs.  

I Don’t Know About Everything on Campus 

I’m your RA so I should know all about Susquehanna…but I don’t. If I’m not directly involved with something (like sorority recruitment, pets, or a certain club) I won’t know everything about it. I’m sure this can get frustrating, but I’m trying. I’m sure that when I’m a senior I’ll know more about the campus, but until then I can only stick to what I know. Now, if I don’t know something, I will direct a resident to someone I know that has the information or I will contact someone. I’m always trying my best.  

I hope this article has enlightened you and maybe even connected you to your RA more. I know there are things that I definitely didn’t understand until I became an RA. If you are interested in becoming an RA, applications open very soon. Ask an RA/CA about the process and look out for more information in the next few weeks.  

• advice
• campus life
• dorm
• ra