Resident Assistants and REC's

Resident Assistant’s Role

Resident Assistants, commonly referred to as RA’s, exist in all Longwood managed residence halls and apartments. Generally there is one RA per floor. The purpose of RA’s is to answer any questions your student may have, create a sense of community within the particular floor, and to ensure student safety and well-being. RA’s are students who have undergone a rigorous selection process and a 2 week training course. In addition, RA’s are required to take a 3-credit course specifically dealing with issues and problems they may encounter.

RA’s should be your student’s first resource for any problems, concern’s or questions. The RA’s are properly trained to deal with common issues student’s go through such as stress, anxiety, academic struggles, roommate difficulties, etc. Resident Assistants are also responsible for enforcing campus and residence halls’ policies. Should an RA find any infraction, they are required to write up all student’s involved and have the issue resolved by J-Board, Longwood’s judicial system.

Encourage your student to use there are RA as an outlet and resource for any problems or difficulties they are experiencing.

Residence Education Coordinator’s Role

Residence Education Coordinators, or REC’s, are master’s level professionals who are responsible for overseeing RAs and other student staff as well as handling any student conduct issues that may arise. They are also responsible for organizing programs and activities that help to invoke a sense of community. REC’s live within there respective residence hall and are on call 24 hours if needed.

An important thing to note about REC’s is that they are professional counselors and mentors who’s primary concern is to provide a safe living environment. They are not there to act as “Dorm Mom’s,” instead they are there to provide guidance and assistance beyond the capabilities of RAs.

If your student experiences problems or difficulties in their residence halls, encourage them to talk to their RA. If the RA can not handle the situation, they may refer your student to the REC.