Lessons Learned

How to Avoid the Biggest Mistakes Made by College Resident Assistants

John D. Foubert

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2013
• eBook ISBN: 9781136271571
• Edition: 2
• Topic: Education
• Subtopic: Education Counseling

The college years can be some of the most vibrant and transformative in an individual's life, but they are also fraught with uncertainty. The resident advisor or assistant (RA) not only confronts these decisions for him or herself but must also help his or her residents navigate the world of important decisions which the undergraduate experience presents. Lessons Learned is the definitive volume for training RAs to become comfortable with their roles as student leaders. Over four dozen common RA mistakes are discussed, chapter-by-chapter, in the form of individual letters written by experienced RAs to new staff members. Each chapter includes thought-provoking discussion questions, a list of internet and media resources, and additional tips related to each situation.

Now in its second edition, this updated volume provides a new overview of student developmental theory and covers a host of new topics, including evolving thought on 21st century predicaments such as social media, texting and the Internet. This is an important text for beginning and experienced RAs, as well as for the university staff who train these crucial pillars of the university community.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• About the Author
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Chapter 1—Applying Student Development Theory to the RA Role
• Part I—Building Community: The Basics
• Part II—Building an Inclusive Community
• Part III—Resident Support
• Part IV—Policy Enforcement
• Part V—Helping Students With Psychological Difficulties
• Part VI—Things That Can Seriously Compromise Your Role
• Part VII—Safety and Security
• What Is Your Story?
• Bibliography
• Index