Resident assistants typically enjoy meeting students in-person to get to know them, introduce themselves, as well as host activities to engage the students in an interactive community setting. With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been adjustments made to abide by social distancing guidelines.

While the COVID-19 pandemic rages on throughout the United States, Stevenson University remains open to students and faculty with adjustments to classroom learning as well as on-campus activities. Typically, students could contact their resident assistants for advice on engaging activities to participate in around campus, but with the social distancing guidelines, it can be difficult to do so. Regardless, Stevenson has still made resident assistants reachable amid the pandemic.

Resident Assistants are on-campus resource personnel that uphold Stevenson’s housing policy and provide support for Stevenson students. There are two assigned per floor in each of Stevenson’s upperclassmen and freshman suites, and one per two floors in the apartment buildings.

Resident assistant Muskan Malhotra still makes an effort to reach out to her residents, while simultaneously abiding by the social distancing guidelines. She conducts virtual “Mustang Meet-Ups,” which are opportunities for residents to meet with their resident assistant and discuss how they are adjusting to on-campus life.

“Those are my favorite part of the job because it’s just a one-on-one where I can get to know my resident,” Malhotra said. “I make a habit of saying hello to them whenever I am on campus and asking how they are doing.”

COVID-19 has limited in-person activities, such as Community Builders. According to Resident Director Patrick Murnane, Community Builders is opportunity to allow residents to shed the stress of being a full-time student away from home and engage with their fellow Mustangs.

“It’s all a part of creating a community on campus,” Murnane said. “Our resident assistants are especially resourceful during a time like this, hosting community builders via their computers.”

Despite the pandemic and the need to follow guidelines on campus, students can still get to know resident assistants without violating social distancing guidelines. Send an email to your resident assistants and start a virtual dialogue as you try to get to know them better. Resident assistants are required to reach out to those in their dorm at the start of the semester. If you do not know who your resident assistant is, you can email resident director Patrick Murnane to find out at [email protected].