Twenty out of a total of 80 student applicants have been accepted into the Resident Assistant program for the 2007-08 academic year at Fairfield.
“I feel that I really accomplished something,” said Derek Morin ’09, who was recently accepted as part of next year’s RA staff in Jogues Hall. “I’m surprised that I got across to them how much it would mean to me.”
Out of all the available positions, 12 spots were designated for males and only four for females. The Office of Residence Life said a total of 39 males and 41 females applied.
“It’s nice to see that the odds are not always against you,” said Nadine Hovnaian ’09, also appointed to Jogues Hall for next year. “It just feels nice that I was able to make an impression during the application process.”
Thirty-eight current staff members applied to be rehired for next year, limiting the number of openings for new applicants.
Mike Labella, area coordinator for the Office of Residence Life, credits the large number of returning applicants to the department’s efforts to encourage student staff members by making sure that the R.A. position offers many personal benefits.
“I think they got something from the position that made them want to return, whether it’s skills to develop themselves or maybe just a letter from a resident thanking them for their help,” said Labella.
Antonia Randazzo was rehired as an R.A. for Loyola Hall. She attributed her decision to her residents.
“I learned a little more in communicating with them,” said Randazzo. “I learned a lot in resolving conflicts, organization, time management, and felt a little growth in me.”
Labella explained that the program is looking for all different types of students. The application process for the position consisted of a session of group exercises and an interview, but neither of the activities is considered more important than the other.
“The group process and the interview provides an opportunity for each student to shine in their own way,” said Labella.
All of the candidates completed written applications and then partook in the interview processes during the second weekend of February. Decision letters for those rehired and those new to the program were sent out about two weeks later.
“[Waiting for the decision letter] was really stressful considering so many people that I know and really care about also wanted a position,” said Morin. “I was very anxious and I wanted that day to just come and know if I was going to have the opportunity or not.”
There are scheduled training sessions for both the returners and the new hires during April. The R.A.s will also move onto campus in August, a week before school begins, for further training.
A complete list of student staff members for next year will be made available in the department’s office the in lower level of the Barone Campus Center as soon as all of the accepted students submit their acceptances into the program.
“Once that [list] is finalized we’ll certainly publish it, and anyone can come to our office and we’ll be more than happy to share that,” Labella said. “We’re proud of our staff that we selected.”
Deb Cady, the Associate Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life said that she was happy about this year’s applicant pool.
“It was very competitive,” said Cady, who also said that she is excited about the potential of next year’s staff.
“We are looking forward to students to engaging with Residence Life staff in community building,” she said.
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