Michigan Learning Community: Lloyd Scholars for Writing and the Arts Resident Advisor 2023-2024

INTRODUCTION

Lloyd Scholars for Writing and the Arts is a living-learning community whose focus is writing and creative expression through the arts.  Students in LSWA represent every discipline and academic major, but share in common a love for creating art, in all its forms:  poetry, creative writing, filmmaking, dance, theater, spoken word, photography, music, drawing/painting/multi-media art – just to name a few.

LSWA students live together in Alice Lloyd Hall and take LSWA classes here.  All first-year students are required to enroll in a LSWA 125 introductory writing class taught by Sweetland Writing Center instructors in the Fall term and one other LSWA course in the Winter term. Students are also required to participate in co-curricular programming that reinforces the idea of learning outside the classroom and also highlights the diversity of ideas, talents, and experiences of our students, our faculty, and the professional artists and writers who are invited to engage with our community.  LSWA Student Leaders – Resident Advisors, Creative Mentors, and Student Assistants – provide guidance and support to our first-year students and they work together to build a warm and close-knit community where everyone feels that they belong.  Leaders also run our LSWA weekly clubs, which further help to foster creative expression in all its forms.

TIME COMMITMENT

Resident Advisors who have accepted positions in LSWA work 25 hours per week, 20 of which are designated for the Traditional Resident Advisor role and 5 for LSWA activities, such as co-leading or organizing LSWA writing- and arts-themed clubs, meetings, community-building events, and program training.  Michigan Housing recognizes that Resident Advisors have other academic, personal, and professional time commitments as well. A Resident Advisor’s Hall Director is available to discuss strategies to help balance the Resident Advisor responsibilities with other time commitments as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to fulfilling their responsibilities to assist and support students on their floors, in their halls, and within the entire building – as outlined in the Traditional Resident Advisor position description – each LSWA Resident Advisor is required to fulfill the following LSWA responsibilities:

• Programming: LSWA RAs, often in collaboration with other program leaders, will plan activities and events that are inclusive and help to cultivate a sense of community among our student cohort.  These programs may have an academic, cultural, recreational, service, DEI, or social/fun/entertainment focus, or may simply be arts- or writing-based, focusing on creative expression.
• Clubs: LSWA RAs will lead LSWA writing- and art-themed clubs.
• Mentoring: LSWA RAs will also act as mentors and resources to the entire community, guiding and supporting students, answering questions, and making referrals.  They also act as role models to our second-tier leaders (our Student Assistants and Creative Mentors) and to the entire community.
• Administration: There are also administrative responsibilities, such as attending meetings, completing reports, committee work, and program training, all of which are outlined in the LSWA RA job description and in the LSWA Student Leadership Handbook
• Recruitment: LSWA RAs may also assist with recruitment for the following year’s students
• Communications: A key feature of any leadership position, LSWA RAs will keep ResStaff and LSWA supervisors informed of student needs and concerns

ELIGIBILITY

To be considered for the LSWA RA position, candidates must meet eligibility requirements as outlined in the Traditional RA position description.

SUPERVISION

LSWA RAs are co-supervised by the Hall Director and the LSWA Administrative Coordinator.  The LSWA Program Director is also involved in supervision of the RA.

COMPENSATION

As the LSWA RA position exceeds 20 hours, this position includes a stipend. Compensation includes room and board. The meal plan included is to be used as a tool to connect with residents.

Please consult with the Office of Financial Aid to determine how the position compensation may impact your award package.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone: (734) 764‐7521 or www.lsa.umich.edu/lswa