Make sure
BECOMING 4N R 4
by Traci Fischer
An RA is an indiv
idual person, just
like any other stud
ent on campus, with
his/her own strenghs,
weaknesses, and prob
lems. Most of all,
an RA is a student
with classes and ass
ignments to accomp
lish, just like every
one else. When not
acting as a student
though, an RA has to
act as a policeman
and advisor some of
the time, and a
friend all of the time.
An RA should have the
understanding of and
the sensitivity to
human relations issues.
He/She must demon
strate openminded
ness, enthusiasm,
and the willingness
to accept a variety
of lifestyles. The
ability to work with
individuals and a
group is also an
important quality,
but most of all, the
RA should have the
ability to be respon
sible, a positive
role model, to balance
the student/RA role,
and have the ability
to effectively enforce
the rules of the dorms.
To become an RA,
there is a process one
must follow; the first
step is to submit an RA
application. The sec
ond step is to schedule
the Counseling Education
302 class. The class is
a prerequisite course
all, an RA receives
free room and board,
his/her own room, and
$lOO.OO off tuition.
These benefits are
all great, but it's
the not-so-obvious
ones that make the
position so rewarding.
As an RA, I have
gained the experience
of being a leader, I
have learned how to
deal with people, I
have become more
responsible, I have
learned how to make
more careful decisions
but most of all, I
have met a variety
of people whom I
have become close to,
and it is these re
for the RA position at wards that I favor
Penn State. In the class the most. I feel that
one will learn many these qualities will
techniques in dealing be carried with me
with a number of differ- throughout my life
ent people, problems, and they will help
issues, and cultures. me to grow and expand
The class also assists into an even better
in enforcing the du-
person. After read
ties and responsib- ing this article, I
ilities of an RA. To hope that some of
You
name a few responsib-
will be interest
ilities, an RA has ed in becoming an
duty nights, on which RA. To anyone
he/she has to make interested, I rec
rounds in the dorms,
ommend the position
to make sure students highly. Anyone want
are getting their
ing an application
rights and living up will be made aware of
to their responsib -
how to obtain one at
ilities. An RA must the end of the fall
also plan and admin-
semester. If you
ister educational, feel you have the
cultural, and social qualities to become
programs. Most im- an RA, and you want
portantly, an RA must to be one, I say, "Go
be a positive repre-
for it!"
sentative as a student Thank you Cathy &
advocate, an infor- Shirley for all of
mation giver, and a your help.
helper/ counselor/
and friend.
In the evaluation
of applications, the
supervisors look for
all the qualities
mentioned above, plus
a successful complet
ion of the CNED course,
a grade point average
of 2.25 or better,
and good conduct
standing with the
University. In assess
ing all of the above,
RA's are chosen fair
ly and responsibly.
If you are wondering
why someone would
want to be an RA,
there are many obvious
ou know who they are!
have cool neighbors,
you are obligated to
invite those of us
who don't to your
parties. Ask your
neighbors to call yot
if your making too
much noise. Answer
the door in per Son
and kick out everyone
who isn't recognized
by anyone you trust.
Start early and end
early. Any party in
full swing at 3am is
hazardous to your
health. If you have
the space, don't use
the front room at
all. Keep all bev
erages out of'sight
from the front door.
This will not work
in Hazleton's arctic
winters, but it's a
good tip for summer
parties at home: with
the front room vacant
hang something to
block the view of the
second room. Use an
exhaust fan on the
far side of the house
and leave a window
open in the front
room. This takes can
of the see not, smell
not. If you take carp
of the hear not, it
makes the probable .
cause to enter your
dwelling that much
harder. Lets see if
this can be the semisi
without a bust, even
though we have just
attained fame for
alledged hedonism.
-- Law specs and
"(1)" quotes supplied
by: W. Hazleton
Patrolman Brian Cara
(age 22).
Highacres Has A New -- Most tips: from
Club! a student guide on
The Society of the what to do when the
Arts is an organization police come to your
for students who are house or apartment,
interested in: the Arts, available in the
Films, Theater, and OTIS office.
Photography.
Future events include
student art exhibits, con't from p. 2
guest speakers, and a ccess will eventually
campus play. follow. Have confidenc
Become involved in the and let time take its
Arts--support is needed. course.
For info. contact Best of luck, and I
Tim Wong. personally wish you a
THANKS TO THE VISUAL very educational and
ARTS CLUB FOR THE prosperous school year
TERRIFIC HAZLETON
ALL U-DAY BANNER!
con't from p. 2