For the 2018-2019 school year, the Office of Residence Life is implementing a new student leadership position, the Community Fellow, in the Hackman Apartments, Schrieber Quads and Student-Directed Living Communities (SDLC’s) to promote true independent living on campus.
Traditionally, all residence halls and spaces on campus have residence assistants (RAs) who have been interviewed, selected and trained by the Office of Residence Life. They promote a sense of belonging and well-being while living on campus. They often plan floor events so that the residents can have a chance to get to know each other and interact. Their responsibilities include being on call to respond to student concerns, promoting safe behaviors, enforcing Elizabethtown’s policies, creating bulletin boards and door decorations, and building community.
Breaking away from this model, Community Fellows will host weekly “adulting” sessions that will incorporate independent living goals such as handling finances and developing other skills. They will also host social programs, create nametags for residents, and encourage residents to access campus resources.
Unlike RAs, Community Fellows will not be on call for student concerns, to moderate conflict, or enforce policy. They will, however, still communicate with the Area Coordinator as well as the Office of Residence Life. The Area Coordinator for those residence spaces will work with residents who need assistance outside of the Community Fellows responsibilities.
Expert Corner: Dominic DiLoreto, Office of Residence Life
Area Coordinator Dominick DiLoreto said that the main driving force behind the switch is student feedback from two surveys and various meetings. Students currently living in the independent living units (ILUs) expressed interest in having a more independent living experience learning new independent living skills.
“We are excited for this to roll out in the upcoming fall semester,” DiLoreto said. “We are carefully crafting this position so that it is the most beneficial for our Community Fellows and residents.”
Though the Office of Residence Life has not received any official feedback about this new position, applicants expressed their excitement towards the position during the application process. The selection process recently began, and each candidate meeting the criteria will be interviewed before final selections are made.
“Our RA steering committee and professional staff are also excited about this opportunity moving forward,” DiLoreto said.
