Emily Alford | Staff Writer | ealford@mail.smcvt.edu
On a campus with about 1200 residential students, St. Michael’s College has 6 residential directors (RDs) who manage 37 residential assistants (RAs) in supporting the needs of the undergraduate students. But how many students actually know their RD and everything they do?
“They all live in the residence halls and do everything from soup to nuts,” said Jeff Vincent, director of Residential Life and Community Standards and associate dean of students. “They
organize all of the programming that you see everyday. We changed our programming model, this year it’s a program a day.” RD’s provide comprehensive support Vincent explained, from low-level interventions like helping with room conflicts to crisis management.
Additionally, an email is sent out weekly by the RDs that highlights the daily programs offered, where they will be and at what time. The email also includes campus news, what the area is doing well, and what the residents need to work on.
Vincent emphasized how immersed in student life the RDs are, “I used to say the little things matter, and now I say only the little things matter.,” Vincent said. While discussing his 27 year tenure and responsibilities, he explained that simple things like wishing someone a happy birthday, going to a game or dance recital are small ways that RDs make sure their residents are seen.
“As Res Life, we’re not just here when they’re [students] in immediate need of support, but we’re there to support them when they’re doing the things that they love,” said Ryan Hay, a residential director in the town houses as well as the assistant director of MOVE. He highlighted the complexity of his job but how he always supports his residents. Being abundantly available in the big and small moments is just one of the ways that the residential staff show up for their students.
“On top of supporting the RAs, RDs do so much behind the scenes that a normal student might not realize.” said Matt Minich ’27 a residential assistant in Alumni Hall. “In addition, I think many students don’t understand that most RDs work a full-time job on top of being an RD and attending classes. They might’ve just gotten back from a full day of teaching at a local middle school before getting on a 24-hour shift. They are truly non-stop and they put everything into what they do.”
Minich also said how awesome his RDs Anna Duffy, ’23 and Conor Macias, ’19 are, “I don’t see my RDs as my bosses, they are more than that. I know they are always here to support me, whether I’m having trouble academically, emotionally or socially.”
Vincent stressed the importance of compassion, deep listening, and building relationships with students. He emphasized all the work that residential directors put into their RAs and students to make them feel at home.
“I feel very supported by the residential directors and feel that I have people to go to if I have a problem.” said Julianne Giordano, ’27.
Vincent highlighted the importance of addressing living situation issues promptly to ensure students are comfortable. “It’s normal to have bumps, but we want to help you with those bumps,” Vincent said. “We know if you’re having a tricky living situation, then you’re in class thinking about it or on the athletic field stewing about it. We want you to have fun.” He stresses the importance of listening to students and adapting to their needs, even if some requests cannot be met. Vincent said RDs and RAs receive extensive training and ongoing support to ensure an inclusive environment. Weekly staff meetings and biased response teams are in place to address issues and ensure safety.
Residential staff are a resource for students to go to when they need to be connected to a variety of other resources across campus. “We are al- most sure to have a connection that we can share or people to call,” Hay said.
In addition to connecting students with different departments, residential staff also build relationships with them.
“I feel supported by the community of residential staff,” said Annabelle Coburn ’27, a student living in Aubin Hall. “ They know me by name or they greet me when they see me. I feel that if I ever had anything that I needed to speak with them about or someone to talk to, I know they would be there for me.”
Vincent and Hay both agree RDs are always willing to go the extra mile for their students. Whether that is checking in with them, hearing their feedback, providing a fun activity, or even walking with them to Bergeron. The responsibilities of RDs are extensive, they intervene when needed, assist with extra curricular activities, and provide resources to students. The work of RDs extends across many areas, providing support, guidance, and resources that contribute to a well-rounded residential experience for students.