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What is a program?

An event run by an RA or a group of RAs for residence students where they engage with each other, learn a new skill, and/or explore the campus and Kelowna community. These are the targeted, pre-thought, planned events that you run as RAs. For something to be considered a program, it should contain at least one element from each column in the below table. Needs-Based Programs need an additional element from the Information/takeaways column.

 

Planning	Activities	Information/Takeaways
Room booking/equipment request	Residents watch a demonstration and then try something on their own	Information provided to residents was researched and compiled for them
Event fits under one of the pillars	They work alone or in groups to complete an activity	Campus or community partners were involved or provided resources
Timeline – is it a one-time event or does it happen over a series?	They produce something alone or in a group, possibly as part of a competition	Information is relevant to community needs or time of year
There is a key takeaway for the resident – a skill, an item that is useful to them, something that adds value from their perspective	Residents take something home (like a sleep tracker), work on it on their own time (option to bring it back to their RA for a chance to win a prize)	Residents leave the event with either an item they can use to make use of what they learned, or skills/knowledge that helps them to implement a new behaviour
The RA needed to communicate with their RLM, a PRA, and/or a campus/community partner to make the event happen	They have the opportunity to participate in multiple activities throughout the program	Residents were able to strengthen relationships through an interaction and/or working together in a group

Residence Life Mission

Residence Life cultivates safe, inclusive communities that enrich lives through transformative experiences, empowering students to author a university experience in which they thrive academically, grow personally, and develop meaningful connections.

 

Pillars of Residence Life

The Residence Life mission statement is enacted through the daily interactions that Residence Life Staff have with our residents. This mission is expanded into four Pillars of Residence Life, detailed below, towards which Residence Life programs are geared. Programming efforts made by Residence Life Staff will address at least one of the four Pillars.

Academic Success

Develop the skills necessary to thrive academically while exploring corresponding interests and career pathways.

1. Define what academic success looks like personally by establishing goals, managing priorities, and developing healthy habits
2. Identify or create and utilize effective tools and strategies that contribute to academic success, recognizing when additional resources or supports are needed
3. Participate in opportunities to explore various career interests and pathways

Inclusive and Responsible Citizenship

Develop an understanding and commitment to having a positive impact in residence communities while respecting the diverse needs and perspectives of the community. 

1. Recognize and advocate for one’s own needs and the needs of others in the community 
2. Internalize a sense of responsibility to respect the needs of others, recognizing the impact of one’s words and actions 
3. Engage in conversations and build relationships with people whose life experiences are different than one’s own to broaden perspectives about alternative values, priorities, cultures, and ways of living 
4. Identify, show gratitude for, and respect the traditional land you occupy, beginning with an awareness of the traditional, ancestral, and unceded Syilx Okanagan Nation land on which UBCO is situated.  

Skills for Independent Living

Develop practical knowledge, competencies, and resources necessary to grow personally within the university experience and beyond. 

1. Develop essential skills including hygiene, financial literacy, time management, self-care, effective communication, problem-solving, and resilience, understanding how deficits in these areas can impact overall wellness 
2. Recognize core personal values, articulating the reasons for their importance in one’s life, and conducting oneself in a manner consistent with those values 
3. Practice a growth mindset by reflecting on experiences and learning from them 
4. Develop and apply conflict management skills, including engaging in honest and respectful dialogue, critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-monitoring

Community Spirit and Engagement

Develop attitudes and behaviors that empower students to seek new experiences, pursue passions, hobbies, and areas of curiosity to promote self-discovery and create meaningful connections. 

1. Engage in fun opportunities to develop community and celebrate positive, meaningful relationships with peers 
2. Recognize the value of social interactions, and understand what forms of engagement are most meaningful to oneself 
3. Establish an affinity toward your community, including but not limited to your residence floor, building, the UBCO community, and Kelowna/Okanagan region 

 

 

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And meet us in person — check out our office hours here

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While you’re here, check out our PRA Newsletters , they’re great!