Resident assistants are a common element of residence halls at Ohio University, but students in the Read-Johnson Scholars Complex will not be living or interacting with RAs because of a position created this year
Community assistants have the traditional responsibilities of resident assistants, including promoting health and safety and diversity, Ann Fidler, a member of the Read-Johnson Advisory Council and dean of the Honors Tutorial College, said.
On top of those
they also have responsibilities to create a community in Read-Johnson that is focused on academic excellence she said.
Micah Mitchell, student trustee and a community assistant in Read Hall, called the position a super-RA position.
Rather than just alerting residents of campus events, community leaders organize and attend group outings, Mitchell said.
We're really not letting anyone slip through the cracks here he said.
The position also includes a responsibility to engage students in scholarly activities by forming think tanks where residents can discuss university-wide problems, Judy Piercy, interim director of Residence Life and a member of the advisory council, said.
We want to provide an environment that puts a premium on collaboration among scholars
she said.
Community assistants are compensated the same as resident assistants, Fidler said. According to a Sept. 6 Post article, resident assistants earn at least $4,827 in their first year of employment.
Spring Quarter, applications and job descriptions were sent to all resident assistants and students in the applicant pool, Piercy said.
Candidates then went through a special interview process with the advisory council, she said, adding that more people applied than there were positions.
Council members were looking for people interested in community building in a serious way
with a commitment to serving the complex, Fidler said.
Although Residence Life will evaluate the success of this program, the department plans to continue it, Piercy said.
17
Archives
Bethany Furkin
