Keeping Community with Students

Unique and Engaging Experiences... Virtually

Despite having most of our UCSB student population “attending” university remotely, Resident Directors (RDs) and Assistant Resident Directors (ARDs) continued their hard work with their Residential Curriculum, Living Learning Communities (LLCs), and Cultural Mentorship Programs (CMPs). All RDs and ARDs worked on virtual curriculum and held weekly office hours for students to attend.

According to Assistant Director of Residential & Community Living Pamela Scott, staff opened up cultural themed LLCs (Black Scholars, Rainbow House, Chicanx/Latinx Scholars, Asian & Pacific Islander Scholars, First Generation Scholars, and First Year Residential Experience) to all students who moved off campus, not just the residents who were on that floor. Additionally, most student mentors who worked with these LLCs continued to volunteer their time during spring quarter by connecting with participants and mentees virtually. All RDs and ARDs who worked with LLCs or CMPs also held office hours for students to attend.

Examples of this were led by Imosemen Omiunu and Sibongile Makatini, who worked with the Channel Island 5 “Shorties” (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa Residence Halls). They focused on Academic Success, and hosted an "Advising Power Hour" via Zoom with three advisors from Letters & Sciences in which students "stopped by" the session to ask questions or get tips on what to expect during their second year at UCSB. Zoom sessions were recorded so students who were not able to attend can still view them. They also had a Zoom Paint Party. First Year Residential Experience (FYRE) mentors wanted to host an event where students could de-stress and wind down from the week. They had a great time following a step-by-step video on YouTube then sharing their artwork with each other. 

Grab-n-go programs were also successful in getting residents to pass through a common area and pick up food (pizza, tacos, nutrition bars) or orchids or potted plants and flowers, according to Assistant Director of Residential & Community Living Terrie Tran. “We wanted these residents to know and feel that they are still members of our communities and that our Lead Staff are still available to support them and provide intentional opportunities for them to stay connected and engaged” Tran said.

Way to go, ResLife!