The purpose of this study was to determine differences in satisfaction of public university Resident Assistants (RAs) with regard to several job satisfaction factors identified on the Resident Assistant Satisfaction Survey (RASS), specifically as compared to Casey’s (2009) normative sample of RAs in privatized university housing. The RASS outlined eight Employment Aspect Factors and three Criterion Factors to determine RA job satisfaction. This study also determined if there were differences in job satisfaction for public university RAs based on gender, racial ethnic identification, or academic class standing. Resident Assistants from three Research I Florida institutions in the United States completed the RASS. There has been very little research identifying the factors influencing job satisfaction of paraprofessional RAs, specifically at Florida public institutions of higher education and as compared to a privatized university housing Company. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2015 / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

The purpose of this qualitative, in-depth interview, study was to understand the experiences of heterosexual male Resident Assistants (RAs) from a gendered perspective taking into account their leadership position and identity development. The significance of this particular topic is underrepresented in literature. Heterosexual male RAs have not been subjects for most masculinity studies and little research actually has considered the identities of heterosexual men as gendered individuals. Therefore, heterosexual males in a compassionate leadership position may suffer from being ignored and dismissed as not having developmental situations imposed upon them directly by this position. The results of this study include an understanding of how heterosexual male RAs identify their masculinities and the pressures they feel from societal gender norms. Implications include suggestions for how to advocate for male RAs and improve training to promote greater success for heterosexual men. / Access to thesis permanently restricted to Ball State community. / Department of Educational Studies

Thesis (M.A.)--Oregon State University, 2009. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 185-189). Also available on the World Wide Web.

Due to a living and learning work environment that is filled with role ambiguity, resident assistants often handle situations that require clear and competent ethical decision making. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the various aspects of ethics that affect the lives and job performance of resident assistants. Through an examination of the levels of moral development and the ethical issues faced by resident assistants, the intentionality and the quality of values education for resident assistants is hoped to be improved. One hundred and seventeen resident assistants at a mid-sized, Midwestern, public university created the sample population. All 117 participants completed the survey resulting in a 100 percent return rate.Resident assistants at Ball State University do not have a unique profile of moral development. As a group they tend to make decisions based upon the established rules of society rather than individual rights or universal principles. Results from the Defining Issues Test showed that they have a principled morality score of 37.07% in comparison to the standardized mean score for college students of 42.3%. In their work environments, they report situations involving dating or relationship issues as occurring most often. Colleagues dating their residents was perceived as the least serious out of 16 ethical situations. Situations of racial, gender, or religious intolerance were considered quite serious by the resident assistants. Out of the 117 participants, 109 resident assistants reported situations which created personal ethical or moral dilemmas. Dilemmas that included issues of the enforcement of or the belief in housing policies were reported 21 times. Director or staff conflicts involving a variety of situations were reported as an issue by 17 resident assistants. Relationships with residents that are based upon friendship and/or respect along with perceived issues of resident assistant harassment created the third largest category out of 15 categories of moral dilemmas.Resident assistants are paraprofessionals with a great amount of responsibility and are often put in situations which involve unconscious ethical decision making. Suggestions for hiring, training and role modeling are given in order to better meet the needs of resident assistants. Professionals and researchers must continue to examine the areas of moral development and ethical issues because understanding the issues that concern resident assistants is an important step in creating an ethical campus community. / Department of Secondary, Higher, and Foundations of Education

This study examined the attitudes and perceptions of resident assistants towardgay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) students. Attitudes and perceptions of floor environments, hall environments, and the campus community were looked at. The original intent of this study was to find a relationship between resident assistants' attitudes and perceptions toward GLBT individuals and its relationship to the environment created on the RA's floor. The sample of GLBT students was too small to make reference to it in this study.A significant difference was found between hall staffs' attitudes. The study suggests that their hall environment can influence RAs' attitudes and perceptions. Consistent with past research, male resident assistants (RAs) had more negative views toward gay men and lesbians than female RAs. Inconsistent responses were found to individual questions, which suggests a lack of education on GLBT issues. The majority of RAs believed there should not be more GLBT material integrated in the classroom, however they felt they didn't have adequate training on GLBT issues. RAs felt that GLBT students experience less harassment and discrimination in the residence halls then on campus and in society. / Department of Secondary, Higher, and Foundations of Education

This study provides a compelling, comprehensive argument regarding how Resident Assistants (RAs) understand sexism at Ball State University. The evidence asserts gender privilege and sexism are prevalent on the campus. The findings substantiate that many RAs have witnessed instances, or become victims of sexism while at Ball State University. The evidence further demonstrates RAs value education on sexism for themselves and their residents. The findings indicate RAs both feel responsibility, and are expected to provide this education to residents. However, the evidence also illustrates RAs are in prime roles for promoting holistic learning but receive neither the appropriate training nor education needed to teach residents about sexism. Implementing training and education for RAs will decrease instances of, and misunderstandings about sexism. This will help faculty members, administrators, student affairs professionals, RAs, and others educate through prevention in order to best serve the students at Ball State University. / Department of Educational Leadership

This qualitative study investigated the attitudes and perceptions of the role of Residence Life Professionals in attending to the spiritual needs of undergraduate college students at Ball State University. This study examined how undergraduate college students view the role of Residence Life Professionals in attending to spiritual needs. The results of this study have particular significance for those who are responsible for the well being of college students on a daily basis and benefit the Residence Life system by allowing a better understanding of where Professionals and students stand on this issue. This in turn will help Residence Life Professionals and students establish realistic expectations of each other in the spiritual arena. The researcher conducted 12 interviews with undergraduate student at Ball State University and analyzed the data by coding themes. / Department of Secondary, Higher, and Foundations of Education