“The evidence is clear that college and university residence halls, through the intellectual and interpersonal climate they foster, play a substantial role in the growth and development of students who live in them.” (Realizing the Educational Potential of Residence Halls, 1994)

Student Development in the Residential Communities
The Residential Living staff is composed of professional staff, many of whom live in the residential communities, as well as live-in student, and security staff. Our professional staff have worked in and been trained by some of the best higher education programs in the country, which results in a vibrant blend of student development models and theories. We take seriously the formal and informal role that the residential community plays in each students experience at Cal. To that end, our services and programs are informed by such practical models from the field of Student Affairs as Vincent Tinto’s Model of Institutional Departure, which examines the interaction between the characteristics and skills that students bring with them and the social and academic systems of the university. We also never loose sight of the fact that approximately 95% of all incoming freshmen and 33% of incoming transfer students live in the residential communities their first year.

Influenced by developmental theories and models, our department values provide a practical base for developing services and programs. These values include academic success, shared community living, a supportive and developmental transition for students, and service to a diverse student body. We collaborate with our colleagues in New Student Services to provide a variety of experiences during Welcome Week, and with other units in our department and other departments across campus throughout the year. These collaborations insure a broad and dynamic perspective.

Our Staff
Please see the Department Organization Chart for professional staff positions. All Residential Living student staffs, except the Security Monitors and Security Coordinators, live in the residential communities. Student positions include:

• Resident Assistants — Upper class students who live in the residential communities in order to provide highly responsive support for residents. They receive extensive training in communication skills, issues related to safety and security, programming, conflict resolution, campus policies, and campus resources.
• Apartment Assistants — Upper class students who live in the apartments in order to provide highly responsive support for residents. They receive extensive training in communication skills, issues related to safety and security, programming, conflict resolution, campus policies, and campus resources.
• Theme Program Advisors— These Resident Assistants specialize in topics of interest to their particular theme program. Find more information about theme programs at the Living at Cal site.
• Program Assistants — Program Assistants are responsible for fostering a comprehensive residential life program that promotes academic success, community development, and transitional support within the residence halls.
• Security Coordinators — Work with the UCPD Residence Life Liaison and the Resident Directors to oversee the Security Monitor staff and address the security needs of the residential communities.
• Security Monitors — Uphold safety and security in the residences.