The recent Residence Life Training, conducted by our Residence Life Team from August 12-23, was a pivotal event in preparing Resident Advisors (RAs) and Residence Life Management Team (RLMT) members to support students across Canada. With 330 RAs and 50 RLMT members in attendance, the training aimed to equip them with essential skills to address the evolving needs of the student population. This year’s program featured expert speakers, external partnerships, and sessions designed to tackle the critical issues of mental health, inclusivity, and student safety.
A key component of the training was the involvement of external partners specializing in mental health and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). These collaborations ensured RAs gained practical knowledge to support their peers in today’s diverse and complex campus environments.
The LivingWorks START program was a central part of the training. This suicide alertness course trains participants to recognize and respond to signs of suicide risk, an increasingly important skill given the rising mental health challenges among students. RAs left the training equipped to offer support and intervene in times of crisis.
The Inquiring Mind, developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, focused on promoting mental health and reducing stigma in educational settings. It encouraged RAs to foster open discussions about mental well-being, a critical aspect of supporting students who may struggle with mental health issues.
Another significant program was Creating Consent Culture on Campus by Possibility Seeds, which addressed gender-based violence and consent. This course provided RAs with the tools to navigate difficult conversations and support students in creating a safe, respectful campus environment.
The training also covered DEI through the Foundations of DEI program from the Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion (CCDI). RAs explored how to create inclusive communities on individual, team, and organizational levels, which is essential for supporting the increasingly diverse student populations across Canada. Additionally, the See Different Program was introduced, which the RAs will engage with throughout the fall to earn their certification in “Principles of EDI.”
In addition to the training programs delivered, the event featured impactful keynote speakers. Tina Varugheseopened the conference with a session on cross-cultural communication, a vital skill for RAs working in diverse student environments. Her talk emphasized the need for understanding cultural differences to better serve residents.
Craig Whitton delivered the closing keynote, offering insights on leadership, resilience, and the unique challenges RAs face. His message encouraged attendees to approach their roles with empathy, adaptability, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Neeshali Piekutowski led interactive sessions on Effective Boundary Setting, Active Listening, and Assertiveness. These topics are critical for RAs, as they often balance complex relationships with their peers while maintaining a position of leadership.
Beyond the external partnerships, the event included over 20 internal sessions facilitated by our RLMT members. These covered a wide range of topics vital to residence management, including Student Support, Residence Learning Models, Emergency Procedures, and Restorative Justice. These sessions were designed to provide RAs with the knowledge and practical skills needed for day-to-day operations and for managing crises in residence.
Livestream sessions were also incorporated into the conference, allowing for broader participation and making the content accessible to those who could not attend in person. This hybrid approach ensured flexibility for attendees.
The training also highlighted the importance of Indigenous perspectives. Asha Frost, an Indigenous healer and speaker, opened and closed the conference with ceremonies that emphasized connection, reflection, and respect for Indigenous cultures. These ceremonies provided a meaningful cultural context, aligning with the broader goal of fostering inclusive and respectful communities within residences.
The 2024 Residence Life Training was a crucial step in preparing RAs and RLMT members for the academic year. With a focus on mental health, inclusivity, and leadership, the training provided participants with the tools necessary to support students in a dynamic and evolving campus environment. This event ensured that Campus Living Centres remains at the forefront of student support, continuing to foster enriching, inclusive, and safe residence communities across Canada.