Isolation and Belonging: The Complex Reality of Black Resident Assistants
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| Title: | Isolation and Belonging: The Complex Reality of Black Resident Assistants |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Morgan Murray, Ryan A. Miller |
| Source: | Journal of College and University Student Housing. 2025 51(3):30-47. |
| Availability: | Association of College and University Housing Officers - International. 1445 Summit Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201. Tel: 614-292-0099; Fax: 614-292-3205; e-mail: office@acuho-i.org; Web site: http://www.acuho-i.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 18 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research Tests/Questionnaires |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | College Students, Resident Advisers, African American Students, Predominantly White Institutions, Sense of Belonging, Racism, Student Experience, Social Isolation, Blacks |
| ISSN: | 0161-827X 2470-9220 |
| Abstract: | The resident assistant (RA) position is one of the most complex and important roles on college and university campuses in the United States. Although these student staff serve many functions, the primary responsibility of RAs is to make their residents feel welcomed and valued in their community. Black students who take on the RA role at Historically White Institutions (HWIs) are charged with creating welcoming environments and making students feel valued in the community while often not feeling welcomed or valued themselves due to stereotypes and racism. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences and development of a sense of belonging for Black students serving in the RA role at HWIs. The study shares the stories and experiences of 10 students using interviews and photovoice. The words and images captured by the participants helped us better understand how Black RAs at HWIs experience the role of resident assistant. Implications for practitioners to consider when working with these students are highlighted. [Discussion questions were developed by Mel Carousso and Shavell Jones.] |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Access URL: | https://www.acuho-i.org/resources/acuhoi-journal/journal-library/ |
| Accession Number: | EJ1477485 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | The resident assistant (RA) position is one of the most complex and important roles on college and university campuses in the United States. Although these student staff serve many functions, the primary responsibility of RAs is to make their residents feel welcomed and valued in their community. Black students who take on the RA role at Historically White Institutions (HWIs) are charged with creating welcoming environments and making students feel valued in the community while often not feeling welcomed or valued themselves due to stereotypes and racism. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences and development of a sense of belonging for Black students serving in the RA role at HWIs. The study shares the stories and experiences of 10 students using interviews and photovoice. The words and images captured by the participants helped us better understand how Black RAs at HWIs experience the role of resident assistant. Implications for practitioners to consider when working with these students are highlighted. [Discussion questions were developed by Mel Carousso and Shavell Jones.] |
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| ISSN: | 0161-827X 2470-9220 |
