RA Applications Go Down as COVID Adds to Strenuous Job

Source: Marist College Housing FAQ’s

On Feb. 7, applications to be a Resident Assistant (RA) for the 2022-23 year were due for submission. RA’s are primarily responsible for acting as active resources for students living on campus and 24/7 support in residence halls. This responsibility gives these students influential roles in fostering community and building safe and welcoming environments for Marist students. RAs work for the Office of Housing and Residential Life and act as members of the Residence Hall Association (RHC). 

Though every residence hall is different, some of the jobs that often come with these roles include conducting weekly headcounts, regulating quiet hours and being “on duty” a few nights a week for monitoring. The most important responsibility is being consistently available as an outlet for others. 

“I would say the most common thing is just being available to answer questions and help out residents,” said Kyla Gaibor, a senior and third-year RA. “You have to know how to prioritize and get that stuff done.” 

Some of the many things being an RA offers are resume material, paid housing and leadership experience. However, one of the most unique benefits is the chance to build an abundance of new relationships. “My favorite thing would be making new connections with people,” says Gaibor. “Obviously, you have the chance to be very close with your staff. But also, there are certain residents that will really stick out to you.” 

With the suspension of in-person learning in recent years, COVID-19 has taken its toll on applicant numbers. This year roughly 45 submissions were received, a significant decrease from the average 60-80 of previous years. So, what changed? Burnout. 

Many of the programs and activities RAs have done before the pandemic are no longer conducted in the same ways they once were. COVID guidelines have changed what kind of activities and events RAs can lead, especially indoors.

“People’s concerns and mindsets have changed a lot,” says Joseph Guardino, Assistant Director of Housing and Residential Staff. “There is a lot more Zoom and WebEx fatigue among students. There is a newer need to minimize face-to-face contact.”

Spending so much time on online platforms has exhausted students in the last few years, and many are resistant to adding any more screen time. Thankfully, Marist’s current COVID-19 vaccine and booster requirement have made many more things possible. For example, this year, members of the Residence Hall Association often hold events in small gatherings, including activities like origami-making, making Valentine’s Day cards or Mario Kart game nights. These events bond students, engaging them with members of their homes. 

Though COVID-19 has influenced applicant submission, some Marist students remain interested in serving as RAs for the upcoming school year. Around campus, the opportunity to apply has been actively promoted by current staff. 

“I found out about the application position through my RA and posters around my dorm,” says Kiana Pathriana ‘25. 

Generally, most students view their RAs as helpful resources on campus. For new students, in particular, having this outlet is incredibly beneficial for staying knowledgeable of need-to-know information and voicing living concerns. Many individuals have developed strong relationships with their Resident Directors (RD) and RAs, relationships built through time and communication. As such, the opportunity to become that outlet for others, alongside the various other benefits offered, has attracted students on campus. 

“What made me want to apply is being able to potentially provide others with a sense of community, which I feel is a very important aspect of college,” Pathriana adds.

While experiences range, it’s undeniable that to be a Marist RA or RD requires a great deal of responsibility and sacrifice. However, the job can also be rewarding like few other positions. 

For more information, contact Marist Housing at (845)-575-3307.