Student resident assistants tell trustees housing work builds community but is often unpredictable
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Summary
Five student housing leaders told the Board of Trustees that resident assistants provide critical in-hall support, promote community and leadership, and face unpredictable workload demands including late-night calls. Housing staff noted the group averaged a 3.5 GPA in fall term.
Trustees of Western Oregon University heard from five student housing leaders on Feb. 25 about the responsibilities, rewards and challenges of serving as resident assistants and residence-hall student government.
The students — Maddie, a junior majoring in elementary education and Arborlanders ARA; Belen, an RA in Heritage studying business with a public-health minor; Sydney, an exercise-science major and second‑year RA; Antonio Macias, an elementary-education major and second‑year RA; and Emma Aaroz, the first‑year liaison to the Residence Hall Association (RHA) — described building community, leadership development and frequent unpredictability as core parts of the role. Lindsay Gibson, director of University Housing, and Sierra Logan, associate director of residence life, introduced the panel.
"My favorite part is being able to create community with lots of different people," said Maddie, who also noted the role has improved her time management and leadership skills. Several RAs described 2 a.m. or early‑morning calls, conflict resolution, and confidential reporting as among the most challenging duties. Gibson and Logan told trustees RAs support students with conflict management, campus resource referrals and mental‑health connections and also run floor‑level programming to build community.
Housing staff highlighted the student leaders' academic performance: "Our resident assistants and RHA executive board collectively achieved a 3.5 GPA average for fall term," Gibson said. Trustees thanked the students during a brief question period; no board action was taken.
The panel closed after trustees praised the students' work and a trustee who is an RHA president thanked them for making WOU "a home."
