THE PHILOSOPHY OF PROGRAMMING
A major goal of the Residence Life Staff is the development and implementation of
programs that meet the social, developmental and educational needs of students. In the
college residence hall environment, the impact of where students live has a
tremendous effect on their academic, social, and developmental experience as a
college student. Thus, the college residence halls become more than a place to eat,
sleep and study. A student cannot escape or shut out the influence present in the
residence hall environment, i.e., the physical condition of the hall, the influence of one’s
peers, the limitations incurred in group living, the history, values, and personality of a
roommate, or the activities and standards of others on the floor.
All programs should be done with the purpose of meeting the needs and interests of your
residents. It should always be kept in mind that programming is an avenue by which
student needs (learning, social, emotional, developmental, and recreational) are determined
and met. Programming, in this context, may include activities that are designed with
purposes in themselves: discussions built around topics of interest, study skills,
seminars, cookouts designed to provide social interaction, learning how to budget, etc.
The scope of possibilities is limitless. The goals to be achieved are the involvement of
students with their own personal development. Involving residents in the organization of
programs is very important. Students who have a special interest or pursuit are often willing
to share them with other students.
The accomplishment of such goals demands a great deal of creativity, assertiveness,
sensitivity, and the energy on the part of the closest and most direct contact with residents
in the hall, YOU. You are extremely visible and serve as a role model, perhaps more than
you realize. The key to successful programs is most definitely…AN ENTHUSIASTIC
RESIDENT ASSISTANT!
Our goal is to offer programs in the residence halls which will be in accordance with the
university’s mission and which will be based on the Benedictine tradition. Saint Leo was
founded on the six Benedictine values: personal development, respect, integrity,
community, excellence and responsible stewardship. The university’s mission states that the
primary purpose of Saint Leo is to offer a quality education, assure religious dimensions, to
provide community service and a caring environment. Our mission states that the Office of
Residence Life provides students with a living environment that contributes to their
educational and personal growth.
Programming as Community Building
Community building begins at move-in day. Each RA must know the names and faces of
each of their residents as well as a few facts about them. Each RA will be asked to complete
a sociogram at the first in-service, which gives each RA an ample amount of time to get to
know who is living on your floor and in your area. RA presence and involvement on the floor
is key!
As a community-based model, RA’s are challenged to get their residents involved in
program planning. RA’s should work alongside interested residents in posting
advertisements, gathering supplies and running the program.
Saint Leo University Programming Model
RAs are responsible for holding one social program and one educational program each month (one per pay period).
One program per semester must involve faculty or staff in the residence halls.
One program must be held in the 1st half of the month (between the 1st and the
15th) the other must be held in the 2nd half of the month (between the 16th & the
31st). Programs must be at least 5 days apart.
SOCIAL PROGRAMS
Social programs are designed to facilitate interaction/socialization between residents; at
least 2 residents from your floor must attend to receive credit.
SOLO SOCIALS
The first social of the year and last social of the year should be “solo” as those are
abbreviated months (noeducational program that month) and you should be intentionally
designing programs for YOUR residents (to welcome them at the beginning of the year & to
recognize/celebrate with them at the end of the year). For solo programs there is no
combining with other RA’s or departments. These are separate fromfloor meetings which
have an informational purpose.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Educational programs are based on one of the University’s six Core Values (Excellence,
Community, Respect, Personal Development, Responsible Stewardship and Integrity). For
educational programs, your program planner must outline HOW the Core Value you've
selected is being met; at least 1 resident from your floormust attend to receive credit.
PARTNERING & PIGGYBACKING is limited to twice a semester (max)
· PARTNERING: working with another RA(s) to hold a program
· Must have clearly defined roles for each individual RA (who is doing what?)
· Both RA's must still be present for the entirety of the program
· Partnering must be for the same program (cannot count for different core values or a core value + a social)
· Program evaluations must list individual floor breakdowns (separate for each RA)
· PIGGYBACKING: taking residents to a program event already happening on or off-campus
· If you piggyback for an educational (core value) program you must include discussion time with residents
regarding the topic or event
· You must attend the event with residents (walk over with them OR meet them at a specified location)
· You must sit with residents at the program & attend the entire program
· Your ad must include the meeting location (not just the event location)
· Residents must still sign your RA sign-in sheet
YOU CHOOSE ...
· the order in which you complete your educational (core value) programs –no repeats
unless you are doing
additional educational programs
· the order in which you do the social or the educational during the month
· and use your own creativity to design programs you think will be meaningful & positive for
your community of residents
TIMING
· Planners with advertisements must be submitted 5 days in advance of the program
· Flyers must be hung at least 2 days before program
· Evaluations with sign in sheets must be submitted within 2 days after program
MONEY
· Each RA has a budget of $100.00 per semester
· Program money cannot be traded and does not carry over to the following semester
· the maximum you can use at once is $50.00- so don't request anything larger!
· Cash Advance Process
-RADs will create a cash advance form (CAF) for you after you submit your program planner
-You bring the cash advance to KJ & recieve the alloted amount; complete the middle of the CAF
-After shopping you will bring the original receipt, change & CAF to KJ to close out that request
-You must ALSO submit a copy of the receipt and the completed CAF to your RAD -don't forget!
PROGRAM ADVERTISEMENT
· Must include the following:
-program title
-date
-time
-location
-title (RA) and name
· Must be easy to read
· Must have correct spelling & information
INCLUSION
· Consider location
-is it accessible to all residents?
-is it welcoming to all residents?
· Consider food selections
-are your selections making all residents feel included?
· Consider your approach
-are you making them feel valued?
-are you programming for their needs/interests?
-are you programming at a time that is good for them?
MOVIES AT PROGRAMS
· The only approved "movie programs" are for movies the University has brought the right to show:
-CAB Movies
-Channel 96
· EXCEPTION:
-Movies playing on TV are public access and can be watched by groups at the time the channels are
showing them (no recording to show later)
MOTIVATING RESIDENTS
· Involve residents in planning
· Involve residents in implementation
· Have residents help you door knock
· Consider incentives
-food
-crafts
-take aways
-prizes
· Write a thank you note!
SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY CORE VALUES
EXCELLENCE– Saint Leo University is an educational enterprise. All of us, individually and
collectively, work hard to ensure that our students develop the character, learn the skills,
and assimilate the knowledge essential to become morally responsible leaders. The success
of our University depends upon a conscientious commitment to our mission, vision, and
goals.
PROGRAM FOCUS:striving for excellence in educational enterprises, character, and
knowledge
EXAMPLES:
· Test preparation (upperclassmen looking at GRE, MCAT or LSAT)
· Test preparation (freshmen learning to navigate college exams)
· Study skills
· Study groups/tutoring
· How to communicate with/make the most of your relationship with faculty
· Benefits of/learn about Study Abroad
COMMUNITY - Saint Leo University develops hospitable Christian learning communities
everywhere we serve. We foster a spirit of belonging, unity, and interdependence based on
mutual trust and respect to create socially responsible environments that challenge all of us
to listen, to learn, to change, and to serve.
PROGRAM FOCUS: creating closer communities focused on hospitality, unity, and trust
EXAMPLES:
· Saint Leo trivia
· Roommate games/contests
· Hall Family Feud
· Holiday decoration of floor/area together
· Faculty staff vs. student athletic events
· Intramurals
· Team-builders/ice-breakers
· Assassins
RESPECT – Animated in the spirit of Jesus Christ, we value all individuals' unique talents,
respect their dignity, and strive to foster their commitment to excellence in our work. Our
community's strength
depends on the unity and diversity of our people, on the free exchange of ideas, and on
learning, living and working harmoniously.
PROGRAM FOCUS:celebrating unity & diversity
EXAMPLES:
· Multicultural events (history of henna, Dia de los Muertos, etc.)
· Breathing Canvas (tattoo gallery with stories behind tattoos)
· disability awareness
· relationship topics
· gender topics
· ageism topics
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT - Saint Leo University stresses the development of every
person's mind spirit, and
body for a balanced life. All members of the Saint Leo University community must
demonstrate their commitment to personal development to help strengthen the character of
our community.
PROGRAM FOCUS:developing mind, spirit, and/or body; balanced living
EXAMPLES:
· Yoga/pilates
· Stress relief (stress balls)
· Life skills (laundry, cooking, microwave cooking, etc.)
· Financial management (balance checkbook, savings, investments, etc.)
RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP – Our creator blesses us with an abundance of resources.
We foster a spirit of service to employ our resources to university and community
development. We must be resourceful. We
must optimize and apply all of the resources of our community to fulfill Saint Leo
University's mission and goals.
PROGRAM FOCUS: community service, environmental awareness & activism
EXAMPLES:
· Food/clothing/book/pop tab drive
· Armed forces care packages or letters
· Greeting cards for children with terminal illnesses
· Assisted living vists
· Campus clean-up
· Environmental awareness programs (recycling, make your own green cleaning products,
etc.)
INTEGRITY – The commitment of Saint Leo University to excellence demands that its
members live its mission and deliver on its promise. The faculty, staff, and students pledge
to be honest, just, and consistent in word and deed.
PROGRAM FOCUS: importance of/examples/discussion/challenges of living with integrity
EXAMPLES:
· Scruples
· Ethics discussion
· Celebrating someone who has lived with integrity
· Play B.S. and discuss integrity in game vs. real life
· Mocktails with discussion of peer pressure and parties challenging integrity
PROGRAM IDEAS BY MONTH
AUGUST
· Ice Breakers and “get to know you”
· Tours of campus/local community
· Scavenger hunt to find services on campus
· Tips for college survival
· Community awareness
· Floor outing to everyone’s first classroom location
· Returning student panel for questions and tips
· Night at the student recreation center
· Campus Activities Fair
· Marathon games night
· Open door/houses
SEPTEMBER
· Budgeting
· Life skills (set up bank account, how to do
laundry…)
· Alcohol awareness
· Personal safety
· Homesickness and loneliness
· Culture shock
· Appreciating your roommate and your differences
· Time management workshops
· Getting involved at college
· Intramurals team sign up
· Self defense
· Establishing goals for the term
· Study skills
· Movie nights
· Safety month
· Communication skills
OCTOBER
· Movie night discussion
· Study group sign ups
· Study breaks
· How to write an essay
· How to take a multiple choice test
· Outdoor Recreation Day
· National Alcohol Awareness Week
· Fatal Vision- alcohol awareness goggles
· Assertiveness training
· Theme dinner
· Bowling Night
· Poetry reading
· Varsity sports watching
· Breast Cancer Awareness
· Time Management
· Eating well in the Cafeteria
· Conflict resolution workshop
· Communication workshop
· Halloween events
NOVEMBER
· Stress management
· “Twister” tournament
· Roommate Game (Dating game for roommates)
· Seasonal Affective Disorder Depression Awareness
· Cold and flu awareness
· Door Decorating
· Secret friend
· Around the world holiday party
· What’s your Holiday Tradition
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Holiday Donations
Tutor list
Charity fundraiser
Proof reading carousel
Crossword puzzle competition
How to Quit Smoking
AIDS awareness
Goal setting program
Eating Disorder Awareness
Baby Picture Guessing Game
JANUARY
· Ice Breakers and Teambuilding workshop
· New Year’s Resolution Wall
· Career planning workshop
· Cold and flu awareness
· Beating the winter blahs
· Creative Writing Contest
· Academic Plans (learning from last semester)
· Social to catch up after the holiday
· Used CD swap
FEBRUARY
· Casino Night/Mock tails
· Sexual Assault Program
· Basketball Dribbling Marathon
· Valentine’s or Anti-Valentine’s day party
· Speed Friending Mixer w/ another floor
· Study programs
· Relationship Panel
MARCH
· Hidden Study Tips
· Leadership Workshops
· Resume Workshop
· Job hunting techniques
· How to choose a major workshop
· What to look for in a Benefit Package
· Finances and Investing workshop
· Income tax preparation
· National chocolate day
· Anti-racism Day
· Women’s History Month Activities
· Alternative to Alcohol St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
· Dance Lessons
· Sports Movie Week
· First Aid Course
· Order In Floor Dinner
· Safe Break Alcohol Awareness
· Safe Spring General
APRIL
· Environmental Week
· Spring cleaning clothes donations
· Summer address list
· Floor yearbook
· Floor picture
· Transitions program
· Decision making workshop
· Goal setting
· Interview skills presentation
· Sun Study Session
· Study Breaks
· Theme Dinners
PROGRAM PLANNING CHECKLIST
Getting Started
 Who is your specific audience?
 What is your purpose/goal for the program?
 How does the purpose appeal to your audience?
 How does this program fit with your staff goals?
 How does the program fit with programming model?
Planning
 Select a date
 Check for available space
 Check other campus activities and events at that time (the competition)
o RAs
o Res. Life planning calendar
o Office of Student Activities and Leadership Programs
o Athletics
o TV programs
o Other Groups
 What equipment is needed?
 Decide on a budget & allocate money at least two (2) weeks prior to program
 Contact speakers/groups in advance
 Purchase needed supplies, etc.
 Fill out your Program Proposal ONE (1) WEEK IN ADVANCE
Publicity
 What will be most effective?
 Advertise at least 1 week in advance
 Use WORD OF MOUTH in addition to fliers
 What were the final advertisements?
Implementation
 Remind staff of program
 Storm floors to remind residents
 Arrange the room/area accordingly
 Greet presenters
 Greet residents/participants
 Thank everyone at the end
 Clean up
 Send thank you notes
Evaluation
 Self evaluation
o Were your goals met? Why, why not?
o Would you repeat this program? Why, why not?
o Could this program be improved upon? How?
 Resident evaluations
o What did you enjoy the most about the program?
o What did you enjoy least about the program?
o Do you have any suggestions for improvement?
o How did you benefit from attending this program?
 Fill out your Program Evaluation Form within 24 hours after the program’s finish
CREATIVE WAYS TO PUBLICIZE

Who.What.Where.When.

Letteringo Use BIG Letters ( to see several feet away)
o Use fun fonts (but make sure words are easy to read)
o Keep important information clear and spelled correctly

Use Diagrams, Pictures, or Designso Say it with a drawing whenever possible
o Accent important information with Borders or Designs

Bright Colorso Bright Colors are an Eye Catcher and add Variety
o Try to pick color schemes for different programs
o Students will learn to associate colors w/ themes

Materialso Use Butcher or Color Typing Paper
o Try plates, balloons, magazine ads, and posters
o Make things BOLD

Locationo Slide announcements under doors late at night
o Hang flyers upside down
o Hang part of the flyer at one end of the hall and the other part at the opposite end
o Attach flyers to small “goodies”… such as a pencil or CANDY
o Establish a designated spot where you always advertise all events!!

Utilize Residence Halls as a place to hang BANNERS and BALLONS for big events (Don’t Forget to
Remove them when the event is over)

Have someone do a Chalk Poster On The Sidewalk with approval during the day so students can
see the artist working and read about the program!!!

Create your own Display Area for any program and use your bulletin boards for up-coming
program listings.

Tape Paper Footprints on the sidewalks with information on the specific event, place foot prints
so that they lead to the spot of your program!

Restroom Posting of flyers in stalls around campus will enable you to reach a “captive”
audience.

Use Odd Shaped Posters, Such as triangles, hexagons, ovals, etc.

DoorKnob Cards get attention every time someone enters a room

Word of Mouth! Tell people what’s going on.

Timing! Use a random starting time like 6:09…residents will remember it better
PROGRAMMING RESOURCES
INTERNET RESOURCES
www.residentassistant.com
www.residentassistantlink.com
www.reslife.net
www.paper-clip.com
www.studentaffairs.com
www.chronicle.com
www.higheredjobs.com
www.rahelper.com
www.residentassistant.org
RESOURCE ROOM
The student resource room is located in the Student Activities Building and has a variety of materials for
Resident Assistants to use for programming including colored paper, die cuts, bulletin board paper,
paper cutter, copy machine, markers and more.
Below are a few rules to follow when using the resource room:
1. When using the die cutter, do not use a sheet of paper for one letter, use as much of the paper
as possible to prevent waste. Place paper scraps in the recycled materials bin.
2. If colored paper is placed in the copy machine, replace it with white when done using.
3. Replace markers after use.
4. The Residence Life phone number (8268) is the copy code for Resident Assistants.
5. Clean the room when done, and leave it in better condition than you find it.
The following are the die cuts available in the Resource Room:
Alphabet A-Z
Numbers 0-9
Greek Letters
Puzzle
Rabbit
Caption Boxes
Pennant
Christmas Tree
Apple
Soccer Ball
Pumpkin
Ribbon
Volleyball
Turkey
Sailboat
Basketball
Shamrock
Ice Cream Cone
Baseball: Bat, Ball, Glove
Snowman
Paw Print
Book Pages
Heart
Flower
Megaphone
Car
Graduate Cap
RA PROGRAM SPOT
This year we will work as a team to develop a programming resource area for all Resident Assistants.
The area will be located in deChantal by the Resident Assistant mailboxes.
This area includes the following:
 Program tracker (visual display of programs competed)
 Program Ideas (copies of strong programs that have been presented at Saint Leo)
o Each program category has it’s own binder for easy reference
 Programs in a bag (pre-designed programs with materials) –copy the materials & you are se