This blog series features different writers responding to the prompt, “What is the future of the RD position and role?”
Guest Post by Colin Varnet, Residence Life Student Staff Member
The RD role is a position constantly changing with time. Different generations–and even different classes have different needs, values, and challenges which must be tackled in new, creative ways. An RD must, in turn, both act as an evolving resource for these students, as well as being able to lead an effective team of RAs to do the same. Being an RD is to be a role model, a source of encouragement, and a decisive leader who can be looked up to by students and staff alike.
If one were to compare an RD from decades ago, and an RD today, they would most likely see a completely different position. Residential Life as a whole has been going through many upgrades recently, with many universities shifting from a rule enforcement focused model, to an educational and supportive model. In order to see the changes in the role of an RD, one must look at the role of the RA as well. An RA is now seen more as a resource, and a pillar of support for their residents, being able to assist them with transitioning into college life, as well as helping to educate and prepare them for life after graduation. The RD position in turn has needed to grow to support these RAs and students, working to both provide a network of assistance and encouragement, as well as to help create and execute educational programming amongst residents.
As can be seen now, and what will continue into the future regarding the RD role, is the aim to provide more holistic education for residents in a college setting. With a society now more focused on topics such as human rights, diversity, and health, more time and effort will need to be put into creating developmental programs to better inform the upcoming generation of graduates.
By creating initiatives to make universities a more welcoming and inclusive environment, the RD will be in turn a critical figure in fostering a community of growth. A key aspect of this will be in regards to diversity education. Universities are a unique environment, as they are for many the first time they leave their homes and backgrounds, and integrate into a larger community of many who share different beliefs and experiences to them. Being able to create initiatives to address many key themes, such as intersectionality and how that might impact an individual student in distinctive ways, will open the eyes of many residents and RAs to be more perceptive of those who have had different experiences than their own, being better equipped to address situations accordingly.
In addition to encouraging diversity and inclusion, those in the RD role will need to invest significant time into the mental health of their staff and residents. Being an RA is tricky for many, having to balance their academic and professional lives. As an RD, being more educated on the impacts of stress and other unseen (but very real) factors which impact all of us will be a vital skill set moving into the future of the role. Knowing how to think beyond the visibly apparent, and being able to recognize the significant influences of mental health on people’s actions will help RDs to be more helpful, rather than critical.
The RD role is an exciting one. It can come with many unique opportunities, as well as life-long experiences full of growth, each with their own associated lessons. As the role moves into the future, it is important RDs keep an open mind to change, knowing that if they remain stagnant, residential life as a whole will remain stagnant. However, if they are willing to develop and progress, these benefits will be directly passed down to both their staff and residents, leading to a more educated and inclusive generation of scholars.
