Becoming a Resident Director (RD) at KWU

For many the role of a Resident Director (RD) may seem mysterious, but it is an important position within the structure of dorm life at many colleges and universities. Marleigh Maldonado, an experienced RD, shared her insights and experiences in this important role. From the benefits to the challenges, here’s what she had to say in a recent interview.

Why Apply for the RD Role?

For Marleigh, the decision to apply as an RD was driven by her long standing interest in higher education. “I’ve always liked being involved in higher education,” she explained. She loves helping students grow and building strong relationships with them. It was actually her husband who found the job listing on the KWU website, and she thought it was a great opportunity to be involved in the student community.

What Does an RD Do?

As an RD, Marleigh helps manage dorms and works with Resident Assistants (RAs). She trains them, helps handle possible issues, and creates a fun and welcoming environment for the students. “I assist with both small and big things,” she explained, whether it’s handling emergencies or supporting students in everyday situations.

Benefits of Being an RD

One of the primary benefits of being an RD is the support package. “There’s a meal plan for me and my family, and housing is included,” Marleigh shared. But beyond the material benefits, she values the relationships she builds with students, seeing them grow and helping them navigate their college journey.

Training & Support

Marleigh received detailed training before starting the RD job. “We had a week of training on Kdub policies and procedures, room and health checks, as well as writing manuals,” she said. This foundational training prepares RDs to handle a variety of situations, from everyday dorm management to unexpected emergencies.

Challenges & Things You Might Not Expect

When asked about unexpected challenges, Marleigh acknowledged, “You will deal with situations you had no idea about beforehand.” The nature of the job is unpredictable, requiring adaptability and quick problem solving. The job often requires you to live where you work, blurring the line between personal space and professional life.

Essential Skills for an RD

To be an effective RD, Marleigh emphasized the importance of being personable and approachable. RDs need to balance friendliness with authority, making sure that dorm rules and policies are being followed while creating a safe environment for residents. Organizational skills are essential to keep everything running smoothly, and flexibility is key when managing the many responsibilities that come with the role.

Handling Conflicts

When conflicts arise, Marleigh takes a balanced approach. “I try to have good conversations and protect everyone,” she said. Listening to both sides of the stories and being honest are her guiding principles when resolving conflicts.

Advice for Aspiring RDs

For anyone considering applying for an RD position, Marleigh advices, “Be okay with not knowing everything and be flexible.” Emergencies can happen at any time, so it is very important to be adaptable and ready for everything.

Final Thoughts

Would Marleigh do it all over again? “Yes, I would,” she said without hesitation. With the living accommodations that include a living room, dining room, kitchen, and two bedrooms, and the opportunity to make meaningful connections with students, it is clear that the RD role is more than just a job for her.

Photo by Sofia Velasco

Photo by Sofia Velasco

Photo by Sofia Velasco