Analyzing my experience in SUNY New Paltz’s department of residence life: a performative autoethnography

Abstract

In this paper, I write about my experience as a Resident Assistant at the State University of New York at New Paltz’s (SUNY New Paltz) Department of Residence Life. I explore and give a historical analysis on the history of residence life and the fundamental of the Resident Assistant role. By elaborating on the critical aspects of SUNY New Paltz’s Department of Residence Life, I can find and pinpoint the weakness of the department. I then elaborate on the crisis faced at New Paltz during the Spring Semester of 2020, the following COVID-19 affected academic year, and how these critical points exploited the department's weaknesses. By using my experience to detail this analysis, my understanding of the inner functions of the department, and my knowledge of its operation pre- and post-COVID has made me an ideal person to point to potential opportunities for change. The inconsistencies seen throughout the department pre- COVID have negatively affected how the department has reprimanded and expected specific behavior from Resident Assistants post-COVID. Through adjustments in their methods of operations, diversifying the professional staff, and creating opportunities to establish crisis management planning, the department of residence life can decrease RA burnout, improve retention and satisfaction, and generate a position worth applying for.