- An RSA can build community by getting to know residents, being visible and accessible, setting clear expectations, encouraging involvement in programs and activities, and leading by positive example. Key aspects of community include shared space, interests, and sense of fellowship. An RSA should understand their residents' different class years and needs in order to best build community. The residential life staff provides resources to support RSA efforts to build community.

1. Building a Community

2. What is a Community
• Definition
• “A group of people living in the same place or having a particular
characteristic in common”
• “A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes,
interests and goals”
• Living in close proximity
• Characteristic in common
• Feeling of fellowship
• As an RSA you can create a feeling of fellowship!

3. Who makes up a Community?
• RSAs and the residents
• RSAs can create community with other residents by being involved in similar
clubs, sports or majors
• Floor/building
• Close proximity (you will see the same people everyday)
• Make the area you live in a place where people want to be
• Sacred Heart
• Take an active role in the Sacred Heart community by engaging in clubs and
other activities
• Encourage your residents to do the same (shepparding)

4. RSAs and Community
• RSAs are part of community
• Take an active role
• Take part in programs (do not just sit on the sidelines)
• Show residents that you care about them
• Be a role model
• RSAs are held to the same policies as residents
• Use positive language
• Communicate effectively
• You are a resource!

5. How to Build Community as an RSA
• Know your residents
• Take time to understand what your residents like to do (talk to them)
• Take note of their habits and how to help them with issues
• Make yourself visible in the halls
• Try to be in your area as much as you can
• Leave your door open (residents can see you and it shows you are available and open
to talk)
• Be accessible (community needs communication)
• Outside of the residence halls
• Say hello in hallways
• Walk to class with a resident (easy way to get to know them and you are going to
class anyway)
• You are always an RSA in their minds

6. First Floor Meeting
• Set the tone
• Be strong and confident
• Let residents know you are there for them
• Set expectations
• Outline the policies
• Respect others on the floor and building
• It will take everyone to build a community
• You are a resource
• Let your residents know where and how to find you
• Residents can come to you for help or just to talk
• Feedback from residents
• Ask residents what they want and how they feel about certain things
• Ask if they have questions

7. Programing
• Not just a requirement
• Programing is a way to get your residents involved (shepparding)
• Programing is a way to get your residents to talk to one another and share
qualities (Program)
• Know the model for your area
• Each area has a different programing model to target the different classes
• Understand why the model is set the way it is and how you can utilize it the
best
• Ask residents what they want to do
• If residents are part of the process the program will be more successful
• If RSAs put on a program or sheppard to an event that the residents do not
want to go to then building your community is harder

8. Get to know residents
• Some tips for getting to know residents
• Make an excuse to go into a room/suite
• It is difficult to go into suite or room
• Make a reason to go into a suite (need to borrow something, help with a certain
subject…)
• Just knock to say hello!
• Even if you have sugar already it is an excuse to know residents
• Emails (often deleted and ignored)
• Make emails fun!! (colors, video clips, pictures...)
• Send emails in addition to other modes of getting to know residents
• Talk to them!!
• Go to events you know they are in on campus!
• Dance Recitals, Sporting Events, Plays
• Go up to them after to congratulate them and show them you care!
• Gives you something to talk to them about

9. Mindset of Classes
• Freshmen
• Away from home
• They want to make friends and get out there (for the most part)
• Sophomores
• Think they know everything (confident)
• Oldest group living on main campus
• Close with suitemates
• Juniors/Seniors
• More involved in clubs, sports and other activities
• Looking at the future after college
• Living away from main campus

10. Set the Example
• You are part of the Community
• Others will lead by YOUR example
• Be a positive role model
• Respect others in your community
• Understand your role
• At times you may not be the leader during an event (know your role)
• Know your residents (their strengths and weaknesses)

11. Community of Residential Life
• Central Office Staff is here for you!
• Supplies
• Feedback
• Emotional support
• Monetary support
• Consult your fellow RSAs/SRSA/RHD
• Community building that worked for them can work for you
• Join forces to make your community grow
• Community building is easier together