RA programs important despite low attendance

House Editorial

Each year, a portion of students' money is used to pay for white T-shirts, dye, pumpkins, triangular wooden wedges and pizza, among other things. This money goes to pay for Resident Adviser programs held in every residence hall on campus.

Overall, few students take the time to regularly attend these programs. Why is student money spent on activities that benefit so few and are poorly attended?

One of the reasons for the lack of attendance is that people have varying schedules and, while they may not be able to attend many programs, attendance still could be higher in most instances. Students have a number of activities and obligations that vie for their time. The programs offer the opportunity to choose activities with productive, beneficial results.

Despite limited numbers of participants, this money continually is put toward programs ranging from addressing issues of diversity to social activities, such as watching "Friends" and eating pizza. Pizza only is one of the numerous expenses that students' money is used to cover. Other programs include movie rentals, poster board and advertising elements used for the construction of fliers to be posted around dorms for publicity. Other times, the money is used to pay for special theme-oriented food that correlate with the topic.

The reason for these expenditures is simple — it is important for students to have programs available to them regardless of whether or not they widely are attended.

RA programs offer students a chance to meet new people in their living communities. It opens the door to the discussion of issues ranging from campus issues to those of national concern. These programs provide a forum for students to share their opinions with others and experience a stimulating conversation with new people outside the pressure of the classroom.

Students can congregate during the week in a positive setting contrary to the normally raucous stomping grounds of a typical Friday or Saturday night, which is a typical environment for meeting people. These types of conditions differ from those in RA programs, which are conducive to cultivating meaningful relationships or the discussion of educated issues.

Many times the RA programs simply are a fun way to pass time or to break up the monotony of an especially rigorous study session. They offer students a chance to come out of their rooms and interact with others. Sometimes, the planned activities are similar to activities students otherwise may have been doing alone, like watching television or a movie.

In this case, there is an opportunity for students to find people to share in the experience. In this respect, the old adage, "the more the merrier" rings true. Having others to laugh or cry with makes the experience more enjoyable overall.

RA programs, while seeming to benefit a limited few, actually promote a better lifestyle for the entire residence hall.