4 October, 1998

Dear Mr. Day,

My committee has asked me to write you to solicit any advice or opinions you could provide me on an issue that has just come to our attention:  Some Resident Assistants (RAs) frequently go home on the weekends.

Our concern is twofold:  First, the safety of residents may be jeopardized by absent RAs.  For instance, I spoke to a freshman dormitory resident who slept through a fire drill last weekend.  No one knocked on her door to wake her.  Her RA was in Atlanta for the weekend.

I understand (please correct me if I am wrong) that the RAs take coverage shifts on the weekends.  A substitute RA may not be able to provide the same guidance or protection to residents with whom she is unfamiliar.
Without a trusted and well-known RA available, a new student may not report a potential problem.  

Second, when RAs go home to Atlanta on the weekends, it sets a bad example for new students.  We at SGA-EAC are concerned particularly with forces that create apathy and a ‘commuter-school’ mentality at the University.  When older, respected RAs treat the University as a commuter school, it encourages new students to do the same.  A commuter-school attitude robs new students of the college experience, much of which is simply meeting a new diverse group of people.  

SGA-EAC has begun a ‘stay in Athens’ publicity campaign at the dorms and around campus.  We have posted flyers all over campus promoting University events.  In addition, we run a listserver with non-alcohol-related, free events that any student can attend.  

We would like to explore other options in the furtherance of keeping students at the University on the weekends.  One approach that we have considered is passing a resolution to make staying in Athens compulsory among RAs, absent some legitimate need to leave.  Personally, I do not like this suggestion.  I would rather encourage than obligate students to stay in Athens.  

Again, we welcome any comments or suggestions you have on this topic.


Regards,




Chris Hoofnagle
Chair, SGA-External Affairs Committee
Choof@arches.uga.edu
548-2375