Examining the Perceptions of Students of Color in the Resident Assistant Selection Process

Abstract

Resident Assistants (RAs) play a vital role in facilitating and co-constructing learning environments at residential colleges and universities. As practitioners and administrators respond to an increase in racially diverse students enrolling at higher education institutions, there is a need to focus on recruiting and maintaining racially diverse student staff members, like RAs. This study examined how students of color described the racial climate of the RA selection process at a large, Mid-Western Predominantly White Institution. Three themes emerged from the study. First, participants described the climate as fair but, marginalizing. Second, participants described the climate for discussing diversity topics as surface-level. Finally, participants indicated that the climate of the selection process was isolating. The findings can inform practice for professionals working with student staff members as well as areas of future research.