Section 2

Training Dates

New Resident Assistants and Apartment Living Advisors return to campus Tuesday, August 25, 2009. Returning RAs and ALAs arrive Saturday, August 29. Check into the Cluster Office between 6:00 and 8:00pm.

RA/ALA Training Expectations

Behavior Guidelines for Training, In-Services, and Meetings
All student staff are expected to adhere to the following guidelines.

1. Attend all training, in-services and staff meetings.
2. Be respectful and courteous in all presentations, whether given by department staff or outside presenters. You are a role model and represent Residence Life to students, other staff, and community members.
3. Turn off your cell phone during presentations. Do not use telephones or text messaging during training sessions.
4. Turn off any personal music players, electronic organizers, and other electronic devices during presentations.
5. Actively engage in training sessions. Be alert and attentive to presenters and activities. Don’t be disruptive. Wait until after training sessions to have all non-training-related conversations.
6. Be on time to all training sessions and be an active participant for the full duration of each session.

Request for Release from Training

Resident Assistants and Apartment Living Advisors are required to participate fully in August and January orientation training. During their 1st semester, RAs/ALAs are required to be present for all of training. Requests by returning RAs/ALAs for release from specific training activities may be considered under certain circumstances, such as an academic commitment (e.g., a class or exam), military commitments, or other exceptional circumstances.

For consideration for release from student staff training, the RA/ALA should submit a written request to the Residence Director outlining the commitment and time requirement. Requests should be submitted by August 1st for August Orientation and December 15th for January Orientation. The Residence Director will have a follow-up conversation with the staff member to discuss the specifics of the commitment and how the RA/ALA will make-up missed training sessions. The Residence Director will consult with the Assistant Director of Residence Life and determine whether the release is approved or not approved. The Residence Director will respond to the staff member in writing whether the request is approved, and, if approved, how the staff member will make-up the missed training sessions. A copy of this letter will be sent to the Area Director and to the Assistant Director of Residence Life. If the Residence Director is on non-responsibility time, the Student Development Specialist will respond to the Resident Assistant’s request for release from training.