![]() |
What do you like best about being a Residence Director at UMass Amherst? What have you done during your two months off in the summer? What is the best thing about living in Amherst and/or Western Massachusetts? What is the best thing about working with students and/or Assistant Residence Directors? What do you like best about being a Residence Director at UMass Amherst?
"The opportunity to meet new
students and have a role in shaping their future and our society."
"As an RD at UMass-Amherst, I have more responsibilities than I have had in any job prior. I know that I am learning a lot and when I go for my next position, I will have experiences that will make me a top candidate. I am also encouraged to develop myself professionally and am given time and resources to attend conferences."
"There are so many great things about being an RD at UMass Amherst. It's hard to know where to begin. I love the wealth of professional development opportunities that are available. I'm able to supervise graduate assistant residence directors, work with RAs, develop programs, have a "teach-able" moment during a student conduct meeting, teach a 1-credit student leadership course while also continuing my education. In fact, most of what I've just listed happens every week...if not every day! There are so many different opportunities to take advantage of that I am excited about what future semesters hold in store." "I like the opportunity to have a wide variety of responsibilities and to work in such a diverse environment. I also like to be independent in many of the decisions I make, while still being supported. I enjoy the challenges that the position entails as it provides a lot of learning opportunities. This position has helped me shape my professional identity."
What have you done during your two months off in the summer? "I have spent the summers exploring
NE with my daughter. There is so much and with three states minutes
away (CT, VT, NH) it makes road trips a breeze! I also spent a great
deal of time just reading.” "Worked for the International Program
Office planning and implementing the Cultural Night (raising funds/sponsorship
to advertisement and organizing cultural performance) and worked
on getting my new restaurant started."
What is the best thing about living in Amherst and/or Western Massachusetts? "It's a peaceful and accepting community." "The people and the variations
of culture and entertainment at your fingertips!” "Small countryside looks. Diverse
population." "I enjoy the small town atmosphere.
I came from a large city and was concerned with how small town
life would
be. Everything you
need is in close proximity to Amherst. The Pioneer Valley is
also absolutely beautiful! It’s nice to know you can take a
weekend and explore the area and have so much to see." "This area is great for people who love the outdoors. There are so many areas to go hiking and skiing/snowboarding. Also, we are not far from Boston or NYC and can easily do a day trip to either city." "Living in Western Massachusetts provides me with a wealth of opportunities and personal connections. Although I'm relatively new to the area, I've come to find my niche quickly. There's amazing places to eat, grab coffee, shop, or go out. There's something for everyone here. It's one of the most open and accepting places that I have ever lived. " "Western Massachusetts is a great place to live. There is a little bit for every taste: from great authentic international cuisine to art galleries. The benefits of significant urban areas are within reasonable distance, while the peace and beauty of the country surround our campus. I also enjoy living in a liberal and open minded setting and being close to communities I identify with."
What is the best thing about working with students and/or Assistant Residence Directors? "Getting to know the students closely
and being appreciated for helping them succeed academically and professionally.
Also, seeing and helping Assistant Residence Directors to transit
from the supervisee to supervisor's role, waiting for getting instructions
to give instructions mode and dependency to independency in the professional
setting habits." "For me it is the ability to learn
about someone else in a deeper way than simple conversation, to apply
what I have been studying for so many years and applying the theory
to practice. It's the sense that there is someone, if only for a
short period of time, that is on the same platform as you." "Their leadership and initiative
and their outstanding relationships with staff and students and the
ability to work within a team of amazingly gifted people." "Being able to make a difference
in their choices that impact their future." "Getting the opportunity to see
them grow! Whether they are staff returning to work under your supervision
or new staff for you, there is always the challenge of how you specifically
can help them develop as a staff member, student and person!" "As an RD in a tower, I have 2 ARDs. They are amazing and make it possible for me to do my job. They help with the staff supervision and together we offer staff 3 different people to talk to about issues that arise personally and/or professionally. We also have a first year building. I love working with my students and the times where they wave or say hi as they walk by my office. Also, being first year students they will ask me questions so I find it's important for me to be aware of campus resources that will be helpful to my students." "I am a "residence lifer" and I love working with students and staff. I wake up every morning knowing that today is going to be different then yesterday and that I will actually be able to make a difference in students' lives. When it comes to working with the ARDs and RAs, I value the time I spend with them. I get to learn about their lives while helping them grow and develop. Often, they end up teaching me a number of things about myself that I never expected." "Many students on our campus are socially and politically involved and have a good sense of what's going on around the world. It is great to participate in conversations with well informed students and colleagues. Many ARDs are highly educated and experienced and that provides opportunities to better serve our students."
Is there anything else you would want to share with potential candidates for the Residence Director position? "Come with an open mind and a sense
of adventure, as UMass Amherst is like nothing you have encountered
before." "On your mark! Get set! Leave your
ego behind and come in with abundance of patience. This race is by
far one of the most engaging and practical training for successful
leadership!" "The position definitely allows you
to show case your strengths while working on areas that you want
to
improve.
There are so many
opportunities to get involved you can really personalize your
experience and make it the best it can be!" "As with any job, the RD position is not perfect, but it is one of the best decisions I have made. I have amazing colleagues who have also become friends, staff who challenge me to be a better RD and an awesome support system from the department and my supervisor." "Apply! Apply! Apply! It's an amazing experience. Hands down, it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made as a student affairs professional. You will get to meet so many different people, work and live in an environment that is constantly stimulating. The support that you receive is amazing and it's unlike any place I've ever been. I started in the fall as a doctoral student in the higher education programs and through all of the transition, I've always felt supported by my colleagues and supervisor. In a very short time, I've come to call this place my home."
|
|
Housing Home | Housing
Assignments | Living
at UMass Amherst | Residence
Halls | Hall
Services | Off Campus Housing Last updated
November 13, 2009
|
||
|