As Resident Assistants (RAs), our responsibility involves hosting community programs in residence halls every 1-2 months, varying with the time of the year. These programs aim to build a stronger community spirit and encourage interaction among residents. During the recent winter RA training, all RAs were challenged to create a program adhering to the Community Learning Model (CLM).

Our team’s program, titled “Major Matchmaking,” won first place among the RA groups. It was designed to assist students uncertain about their current majors. The program involved collaborating with representatives or advisors from different academic schools to provide guidance and information. Our winning poster showcasing the program’s details can be seen below.

How Creating a Program Works

To develop a successful program for residents as an RA, start by understanding their needs through surveys or discussions (for example putting a poll in the floor group chat). From there, you must establish clear objectives aligned with these needs, deciding on the program’s structure, and also making sure that the program follows the CLM. Then, you must submit a proposal in which case you inform your supervisor what program you would like to create, with who (if you are doing it with multiple RAs), and the resources that you need. Once completed, you must promote the program effectively through various channels, such as creating flyers, by word of mouth, and also by putting in the floor group chat. Finally after the program is put together and completed, it is important to gather feedback as you can use it to refine future programs. Below is a picture of my last program called “Sip and Paint” night!