Residence Life: House Programming

The Program HOUSE: Foundations for the Future
Oneonta State College RA Programming Guide

H O U S E

The RA Role in Educational Programming:
Pouring the Foundation
to your HOUSE

HOUSE is an acronym for the five major areas in programming that you and your staff will need to address during the academic year:

H - Health/Holistic (nutrition, drugs, safety)
O - Open-mindedness (ethnicity, culture, art/music, religion)
U - Unity/Togetherness (social events, and contests)
S - Service Learning (volunteerism, citizenship, community service)
E - Everyday Skills (life skills, increasing autonomy, building independence)

So now that you know the main areas that help develop a well-rounded individual, you should begin to have a clear picture of why we have programs in residence life, and realize their importance in enriching student lives beyond the classroom.

The RA has the most important role in this process! You are the brainstormer, planner, facilitator, and evaluator for each of these enrichment opportunities, and without you, our department would not be successful, our students would be more introverted and less social, and our buildings would be less like communities and more like motels!

In the next few pages, we provide preliminary guidance for your new role:

1. How to brainstorm, plan, and facilitate a program.

2. Your programming requirements each semester, and using the HOUSE chart.

3. Evaluating your programs and charting your progress.

4. Many resources and ideas for each area of the HOUSE.

What about floor socials?
Each month, each individual RA is responsible for at LEAST 1 social event with their floor. This is important for you and your residents to feel like they belong to a community, and to interact with “that room down the hall.”

This does not need to be as complex as your team program. It is your opportunity to get to know your residents on a social level, and most RAs run floor socials informally. Yes, you can plan a more involved event (like a trip or contest) but you can also easily plan a floor dinner, movies in your room, go to a campus event, or just have a monthly meeting with your floor to discuss any issues they may have.
In order to keep track of these requirements, you should fill out a program proposal or the form that your RD provides. Once the event is over, your RHD will properly chart it.

Pathway Home
Four Steps to a Successful Program

Step 1:
Brainstorming and Gathering Resources
Often, when we think of programming, we limit ourselves by imagining gatherings in an area of the building at a set time that last about an hour. This is OK for some programs, necessary for others, but definitely not the only way! There are so many ways to de-centralize programming, depending on your topic.

For Example:
If you are planning a health program relating to binge-drinking, how about making an interactive bulletin board that last for a few days, instead of a boring lecture in the lounge?
Or:
If you’re addressing women’s history month, put related trivia in mailboxes and under doors, and sponsor a contest where the entries w/ the most correct answers wins a prize…

As you gather your ideas, you should be gathering resources. This includes making contacts with the people and/or organizations, books, and web sites that will provide you with the help you need to put together your program. Always check out the extensive list at the end of this binder.

Ask other staff members, faculty, clubs, and students, for ideas too.
Remember that thinking creatively almost always pays off!

Do (Trees):

Use the web.
Use other RAs and RDs.
Get help from your residents.
Use off-campus resources.
Take creative risks.

Don’t (Rocks):

Repeat unsuccessful programs.
Make last minute (short notice) calls.
Have a pessimistic attitude.
Only research one resource.
Focus only on your interests.

Step 2:
Proposal, Scheduling the Event and Communicating to Staff
Proposal:
Before you schedule your program, you must give your RD a Program Proposal (see attached example) Complete only the top half. This 3-ply form is due to your RD on the due date of the month BEFORE your program. Your RHD will approve or reject the proposal, usually the same day, or ask you to make adjustments before he/she approves it.
The proposal will be returned to you. HOLD ON TO IT UNTIL YOUR PROGRAM. You will use the bottom half to evaluate the event.
After the event, return the completed form to your RHD, who distributes the form appropriately.

ONE BIG HELPFUL HINT:
Plan ahead! Work with your RHD and staff early in the semester to come up with what parts of HOUSE you will be tackling each month, this way, you can brainstorm for the entire semester. This will save you time, and prevent you from scrambling, making last minute phone calls, and throwing together a lame program!

Scheduling/Communicating to Staff:
If your event requires a budget, see RHD/Hall Government right away.
Ask potential presenters at least 2 weeks before you would like your event.
Make sure the space you are using (if needed) is available at that time. Don’ t schedule against large campus events.
Once the event is confirmed, let your staff know ASAP at your meeting or utilize voice mail.
Mark it on your calendar.

Do (Trees):

Give presenters ample notice.
Choose appropriate time/locations.
Let RD and RA/ATM staff know.
Confirm the day before.

Don’t (Rocks):

Schedule against major campus events.
Forget to plan on funding for program.
Schedule events right before breaks.

Step 3:
Advertise and Plan Details
Advertising:
Posters of course (at least one per corridor, lobby, bathrooms and stalls, near water fountains, as doortags.) Posters should have intrigue. “Sex Education Program at 8 p.m. in not intriguing. “Sex and Cream” at 8 p.m. in the lounge is. (The program included ice cream as refreshments.) Posters should be bright and simple. Posters should be put up 2 to 3 days before the event, and taken down immediately after. Posters should not be your only advertisement.
Building wide voice mail.
Personal door- to- door invitations (especially for your own residents.)
Last minute recruiting, i.e. “There’s an event in 5 minute, come on down…”
Offer rewards and incentives (raffles and prizes to be given out at the end of the event.)
Use WONY, Venue, contacting other staffs, email, mailings, Channel 78.

Remember that few numbers does not mean failure. The level of enjoyment and learning for those who do attend is most important.

Planning Details:
Be sure you’ve confirmed with your presenter(s).
Do you have everything you will need? Is it set up and ready?
Did you remind the other RAs?
Arrive early to greet your presenter.
If your event is in a lounge, set up the lounge to facilitate conversation: move the seats in a closer circle, throw out any garbage, etc.

Do (Trees):

Make intriguing signs.
Use voice mail.
Go door to door and personally invite.
Advertise in strange places.
Offer rewards/incentives.

Don’t (Rocks):

Forget to get all supplies.
Forget to do last minute recruiting.
Hang signs the same day.
Make signs that blend in.

Step 4:
Hosting and Evaluating the Event
Hosting your program (if it’s the gathering type) can make or break its success. A sluggish, bored and inattentive host will create a similar audience. Here are some tips that you should always follow.
Do you have your Program Proposal ready?
Introduce the program and thank attendants for coming.
Don’t leave or interrupt.
Avoid serving refreshments or giving out prizes in the beginning.
Do watch the time. If you are facilitating, politely cut lengthy discussion. Most students won’t want to commit more than an hour to most programs.
Remain excited and attentive.
Thank the presenter (s) and the attendants at the end.
Make up a thank you card ahead of time, and the attendants sign it. The next day send it to the presenter (s)
If your program involves a more creative approach (like the interactive bulletin board) be sure that you update it as needed in a timely fashion. Don’t slack, or your participants will.
Evaluating should be quick and simple. Just fill out the bottom half of the Program Proposal (preferably right there) and turn it in to your RD. Keep in mind areas that needed improvement, and be sure to give yourself credit for a successful event.

Do (Trees):

Make intriguing signs.
Use voice mail.
Go door to door and personally invite.
Advertise in strange places.
Offer rewards/incentives.

Don’t (Rocks):

Forget to get all supplies.
Forget to do last minute recruiting.
Hang signs the same day.
Make signs that blend in.

Do (Trees):

Set up lounge to facilitate interaction.
Greet your presenter and introduce them.
Welcome all attendants.
Involve self and residents.
Take a head count.
Evaluate the program within 24 hours.

Don’t (Rocks):

Serve refreshments first.
Leave or interrupt.
Forget to thank presenter/attendants.
Be discouraged with poor attendance.
Neglect opportunities to improve future events.

The Story of Mark, RA and Mary, RA

It’s September 12th and team 3 for October knows that their HOUSE assignment will be H (Health/Holistic).

Mark and Mary had already decided in August that they want to tackle the issue of the “Freshman 15” and how to avoid it.

They follow steps 1-4 along the path, and move their marker accordingly.

At Step 1, the team collects information, calls possible presenters, and finalizes exactly what topics they want to cover.

AT Step 2, Mark and Mary fill out a Program Proposal and hand it to their RHD on September 26th.

Great!! Their RHD approves the program on the spot. They schedule with the nutritionist on campus for October 19th. They let the staff know at the next meeting.

Mark and Mary have now moved to Step 3. They want to serve healthy snacks, so at the next Hall Government meeting, Mary attends to request funds to buy fruits and vegetables. Mark works with the RHD to reserve an overhead with the IRC. On October 12th, they make posters and send out building wide voice mail. On October 17th, Mary calls Dr. Nutritionist to confirm the date, time and location. Mark picks up the overhead from the IRC.

Step 4: On October 19th, they both shop for snacks and set them up before the program. They arrive in the lobby about 10 minutes before the event to check the space they’ll use and greet the presenter. They are exemplary hosts. After the completion of the program, they fill out the bottom of the program proposal and turn it in to their RHD within 24 to 48 hours.

Mark and Mary are now home and they move their marker into the appropriate space for October/November.

The HOUSE Board

You can see how your marker moves through the four steps and into each month/floor of the HOUSE. Remember, each team does one program/month. Each RA does 1 social per month. So each RA on staff does a total of 2 programs each month.

Additional Tips

It may be helpful for you to choose a program within your assigned area (Health, Unity, etc.) based on the time of year. There is a rhythm to the academic year, and there are times when certain programs are more necessary and effective than others. This is particularly true if your hall houses a large number of freshmen. Students that are new to the college community really benefit from programs that enlighten them on certain issues (such as diversity), make them aware of dangers (like binge drinking), help them form new friendships (social programs), and familiarize them with college processes (like registration). Listed below are topics and issues that come up during each semester.

Aug/Sept October November December

Homesickness Nutrition/Exercise Registration Holidays
Fitting In Halloween Thanksgiving Finals/Stress
Getting Involved Alcohol Abuse Prepare for finals Relaxation
Personal Safety Midterms Staying Motivated Colds/Flu
Diversity Roommate Conflicts Safe Sex
Making Friends Relationships Drugs
Greek Life Eating Disorders Spirituality
Time Management Budgeting

Jan/Feb March April May

Black History Women’s History Safety for Finals/Stress
Diversity Alcohol Abuse spring break Graduation
Valentine’s Day Housing Selection BBQ Summer Jobs
Keeping Warm Choosing a Major Registration Saying Bye
Winter Fun Social Programs Easter/Passover Socials
Depression Arts/Crafts
Study Skills
Resolutions

H = Health/Holistic

Abstinence/Safe sex
Abusive Relationships
Acupuncture
Alcohol Education
Alternative Medicine
Anger Management
Binge Drinking
Blue Light Tour
Breast Cancer
Contraception
Dating
Depression
Dreams
Drug Education
Eating Right/Disorders
Exercise Routines (forming one)
First Aid/CPR
Flu/Cold Prevention & Care
HIV/Other STDs
Homesickness
Hygiene (room, self, laundry)
Insomnia
Loneliness
Massage Therapy
Mock tails w/drinking games
Mood Swings
Relaxation
Skin Care
Spring Break Safety
Steroids
Stop Smoking
Stress Relief
Suicide
Tattoo/Piercing information
Vitamins
Weight Control/Diet/Nutrition
Women’s Health
Yoga

Resources:

Community Abstinence Program
Health & Wellness Center Staff
Human Ecology Department
Mary Kay or Avon Consultants
Open Minded Unity (SA Funded Club)
PAIRS Committee
Philosophy Department
Physical Education Department
Planned Parenthood
Public Health Department
Residence Life Staff
University Police
Violence Intervention Program
Women’s Center
YMCA
www.residentassistant.com

O = Open Mindedness

Aging
AIDS Quilt
Art Exhibits
Arts from different countries
Astrology
Beginner lessons in styles of art
(painting, sculpting, drawing, etc)
Civil Rights
Cross Dressing
Cultural arts calendar
Dances (Irish, ballroom, salsa, etc)
Dream Catchers
Theatre Outings
Ethnic Issues
Ethnic Storytelling/tales/myths
Evolution vs. creationism
Famous Artists Bulletin/Trivia
Folk Arts/Crafts/festival
Foods
Gallery Excursions
Greek Life
Homophobia
Holiday traditions cook off
Intro to other languages
Military
Moments in History
Music
Native American Art/Culture
Oppression
Pen Pals from other countries
Poetry Readings
Prisons
Religion
Rural vs. urban living
SCC and HOLA Events
Sexuality Issues
Spirituality
Theatre Auditions
Veterans
War
Women’s Rights

Resources:

Arts:
Art Department x 3717
Café Union Square
Gallery x 2445
Hartwick Gallery
Upper Catskill Community Council of the Arts (UCCA) 432-2070

Music:
Concert Band/Concert Choir
x 3415
Dr. Barstow x 3415
Janet Nepkie x 3425
Music Industry Club
WONY x 2717/2711

Theatre:
Department Secretary x3411
Glimmerglass Opera
Hartwick Theatre
Mask & Hammer Box Office x 3100
Orpheus Theatre 432-1800

Religion/Spirituality:
Anthropology Department
Any downtown Church
Campus Ministry x 2430
Dr. Malhotra x 3220
Jewish Student Organization
Newman House
Philosophy Department

Other Contacts:
Center for Multicultural Experiences
Eva Vega x2665
CUAC x 2550
Student Association x 2440
Hartwick Events 431-4225

U = Unity/Togetherness

Actors/Academy Awards party
Bingo
Bowling
Camping
Chocolate/candy making
Climbing Wall
Concerts
Costume Contests
Dances/Semi-Formals
Dating Game
Decorating Contests
Hall Feud/Jeopardy
Hall Murder
Hiking/Camping
Ice Cream/Pizza Socials
Late Night Movies
Lip Sync Contests
Music/movie trivia
Outdoor Games/Challenges
Paintball
Pot Party (gardening)
Phattest room contest
Progressive Dinner
Pumpkin Carving
Raffles
Riddle solving
Roller Skating
Roommate Game
Scavenger Hunts
Shopping Excursions
Singled Out
Slumber Party
Sporting Events/Intramurals
Talent Contests
Theatre/Movies
Tie Dye
Tournaments (pool, ping pong, snood)
T-shirt Contests
Trading (end of the year cleaning)
Used CD exchange
Weakest Link
You could be a millionaire

Resources:

Cooperstown Fun Park 547-2767
CUAC x 2550
Hartwick Events Hotline 431-4225
Intramurals/Tom DeMeo x 3461
Residence Life Staff
Snapper/ORC x 3455
Your Cage (games, supplies, etc)
www.residentassistant.com

S = Service Learning

Adopt-A-Highway
American Heart Association
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Angel Tree Program
Arrest an RA/ATM
Bake Sales
Book Drive
Bowl-a-thon
Bringing Flowers to the elderly
Car wash for charity
Cards for kids with cancer
Clothes Drive
Crop Walk
Denim Days for breast cancer
Food Drive
Habitat for Humanity
Hospital volunteer
Into the Streets
Job Corps tutoring
March of Dimes
Penny Wars
Personal needs drive
RA Auction
Raking leaves for neighborhood
Random acts of kindness cards
Reading programs
Read to local schools/libraries
Salvation Army
Saturday’s Bread (Soup kitchen)
Shoveling Driveways
Spring Cleaning Clothes Drive
Take Back the Night
The Lord’s Table (Food pantry/soup kitchen)
Toy Drive
United Way
Valentine’s for Nursing Home/Vets
White ribbon campaign (domestic violence awareness)
50/50 Raffle (proceeds to charity)

Resources:

American Red Cross
Center for Social Responsibility and Community (CSRC) x 2651
Local Churches
Local Papers
March of Dimes
Saturday’s Bread
United Way

E = Everyday Skills

Apartment search/leases
Assertiveness
Auto Maintenance
Babysitting basics
Balancing Checkbook
Choosing a major
Cooking for one
Computers
Conflict management
Craft projects
Creating Credential files
Credit card management
Crisis intervention
Dealing with divorce/separation
Death/Dying
Ethics at work
Fashion/How to dress for success
Filing Taxes
Financing college/financial aid
Workshop
Finding a summer job
Future planning/goal setting
Getting involved in college
Gift Wrapping
Hair Care
Homemade remedies
How to decorate your room
How to open a checking account
Interviewing tips
Making pillows
Marriage
Mediation
Microwave cooking
Motivation
Parenting skills
Personality tests
Photography
Plants (the care of)
Politics
Procrastination
Resumes
Sewing
Student activism
Theft preventions/engraving items
Time Management
Travel tips
Values clarification
Wedding Planning

Personal Checklist for HOUSE Programming

Floor Socials:

August/September:_____________________________

September/October:____________________________

October/November:_____________________________

November/December:____________________________

Spring Semester

Floor Socials:

January/February:_____________________________

February/March:______________________________

March/April:_________________________________

April/May:___________________________________