Campus Talk: Season 2 - Episode 5

Synopsis

David opens the episode by addressing some of the myths surrounding resident directors and resident advisers at East Stroudsburg University. His guests explain that their responsibilities extend far beyond enforcing residence-hall rules.

The first guest is Vincent “Vinnie” Carilli, the resident director of Linden Hall and an East Stroudsburg University alumnus. Vinnie describes the resident director as a generalist responsible for nearly every aspect of residence-hall life. His duties include managing the building, supervising the resident-adviser staff, completing administrative work, advising the hall council, organizing educational and social programs, and helping students locate campus resources.

Vinnie explains that resident directors frequently serve as first-level counselors. Although they are not qualified to handle every serious personal, financial, academic, or substance-abuse problem, they are trained to listen, recognize when professional assistance is needed, and refer students to the appropriate university department.

One of the greatest rewards of the position is the opportunity to work directly with students and help them through important decisions. Vinnie believes that students often learn through their mistakes, although he tries to intervene before those mistakes cause lasting damage. The job also requires significant personal sacrifice because a resident director lives inside the building and may be called upon at any hour. Privacy is limited, but Vinnie considers that constant availability an essential part of supporting residents.

David’s second guest is Cathy Jedlicka, a senior elementary-education major serving her second year as a resident adviser in Hawthorne Hall. Cathy explains that resident advisers make rounds, remain on call during assigned evenings and weekends, respond to problems, and serve as the first point of contact for students living on their floors.

Cathy discusses the selection process for resident advisers, including academic and credit requirements, an application, and two interviews. New advisers return to campus before the fall semester for intensive training in university policies, substance abuse, discipline, communication, values, and team building. Because advisers frequently depend upon one another during difficult situations, trust and cooperation among the staff are essential.

The conversation also addresses the advantages and disadvantages of the position. Resident advisers meet many people, develop leadership skills, learn about themselves, receive their own rooms, and experience the satisfaction of helping students. At the same time, they surrender a degree of privacy and remain identified as resident advisers even when they are off duty.

Cathy challenges the common belief that resident advisers have disciplinary quotas or actively search for students to write up. She explains that discipline represents only a small portion of the job. Advisers spend much more time getting to know residents, providing information, organizing educational programs, and arranging social activities such as movies, games, and shopping trips.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the delicate balance between friendship and authority. Cathy explains that advisers must make their responsibilities clear from the beginning and enforce policies consistently, even when friends are involved. Ultimately, both guests describe residence-hall staff as resources, educators, community builders, and accessible sources of support for students adjusting to university life.