Leadership Development
ACU Residence Life Education and Housing believes in the importance of training and developing staff members to serve effectively in our ten residence halls. Summer training prepares our staffs to create strong communities, face any challenges, and support all of our residential students. On-going staff development sessions throughout the school year allow our staffs to refresh, renew, and grow together as they continue to enhance their leadership abilities. Our residential students are supported by a highly trained, Christ-like group of resident assistants, assistant directors, and residence directors.
RA Summer Training
The first few weeks in August were a busy time for Residence Life. Assistant Directors (AD) of each of the residence halls returned to Abilene the first week in August to begin training for their leadership roles and preparing their halls for residents to move in. Resident Assistants (RA) came back on August 10 to join the rest of the staff for an intensive training week. Throughout the week, RAs and ADs prepared for their year in Residence Life through: hall educational programming discussions, mental health education (including cutting, eating disorders, and suicide), alcohol and drug training, emergency response preparation, and scenario training. The entire Residence Life staff spent time every morning in prayer, worship, and spiritual formation. As the week progressed, each hall staff grew close together in as they learned how to support one another as a team and prepare for their year with residents.
RA Monthly Leadership Development
Once a month, the entire residence life staff comes together for leadership and community development. These times together connect these student leaders with one another and provide them with time to grow in their ability as leaders at ACU. A variety of campus leaders lead each leadership development session, so student staff members can grow in their spiritual leadership, conflict management, and ability to understand and relate to their residents.
September 8, 2009: Dr. Jan Meyer, Assistant Dean of Leadership Development, came to speak at Residence Life monthly RA staff development. The entire staff came together for a time of encouragement as they learned through interactive activities. Dr. Meyer emphasized the importance of community, asking honest questions, and being real with one another and students in their residence halls. She encouraged the RAs to invite their residents into these meaningful interactions as well, in order to make their time in the residence hall a positive and transformative experience.
Upcoming Fall Training Dates:
October 6 led by John Delony
November 10 led by Rachel Phillips-Buck
RD Monthly Professional Development
The team of seven professional staff members in Residence Life knows the importance of on-going professional development in their field. This highly educated staff (5 hold Masters degrees and 2 will complete their Masters this year) actively pursues opportunities for educational and professional growth. Each month, a different leader on ACU’s campus speaks to the Residence Life professional staff about leadership in Higher Education, spirituality and leadership, and professional growth guidance. These monthly sessions help the Residence Life staff excel in their field and enhance their leadership in the residence halls.
