KINGSTON, R.I.—Sept. 2, 2025—While the rest of the student body at the University of Rhode Island enjoys the final days of summer, about 160 resident assistants (RAs) and resident academic mentors (RAMs) arrive on campus in mid-August for trainings to prepare for the start of the school year.

Navigating academic and social challenges can be difficult, but URI’s residence hall staff is prepared and eager to support their peers, especially those who are first-year students.

“Our RAs and RAMs provide assistance with the transition to college, academic support, and social connections,” said Kayla Mosko, associate director of Residential Life at URI. “They do this through a variety of in-hall programs and events, dedicated one-on-one time with students, and study groups/academic support opportunities. They want to see them thrive at URI and find connections and community.”

Kiera Derrell of Worcester, Massachusetts, is a third-year RA who had an experience as a freshman that influenced her decision to become an RA.

“In my first semester at URI, I struggled because I was over an hour away from home, I was the first person in my family to college out of state, and I was a woman of color trying to find people with whom I identify,” said Derrell. “There were many points when I felt like I did not belong or that I made a mistake in coming here. An RA on my floor motivated me to join PINK Women, a multicultural sisterhood. It was through that organization that I made most of my friends and strengthened my leadership and professional skills to the point where I applied for an RA position in my sophomore year and I was selected.”

Derrell is a senior who is double majoring in wildlife and conservation biology, and political science. She’s an RA in Browning Hall, which houses first-year students. She described her experience as an RA as life changing.

“Being an RA has changed the trajectory of my life tremendously,” said Derrell. “I have always been a shy person, but in this role, I have had to step out of my comfort zone to be a successful leader. This job not only sharpens your professional skills that are transferable to any field but also basic life skills of how to work with different groups of people, how to build community, how to handle conflict, and how to have difficult conversations that people tend to avoid. The skill-building is endless. This role has made me more confident, compassionate, and determined to succeed.”

Rachel Arseneault, a third-year RA from Andover, Connecticut, was inspired to become an RA by the two RAs she had as a freshman. Arseneault is an RA in Weldin Hall.

“They built such a strong, supportive community on our floor, which left a lasting impact on me,” said Arseneault, who is double majoring in biological sciences, and cell and molecular biology. “I’m still close with many of the friends I made at that time, and I wanted to create that same experience for future residents.”

Heather Le is also a third-year RA who appreciates the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the students who live in the two dorms she helps oversee—Merrow Hall and Tucker Hall.

“Supporting residents during exciting and challenging times has been incredibly fulfilling,” said Le, a senior marketing major who is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and resident of Warwick, Rhode Island. “It’s rewarding to know that I’ve contributed to a welcoming and inclusive environment, and that’s a big part of why I have kept coming back as an RA.”

Serving as an RA has enabled senior Cameron Lewitzky to develop his leadership skills. Lewitzky is an RA in Gorham Hall,

“An RA has the unique opportunity to exercise leadership skills while also absorbing new strengths from other leaders in our community,” said Lewitzky, a Billerica, Massachusetts resident, who is majoring in accounting. “You also have an opportunity to make a large impact on a student’s college experience during a time that can be a tough transition.”

Orlando Santos, a returning RA and fourth-year mechanical engineering student in Hillside Hall, appreciates the personal growth and relationships that have resulted from being an RA.

“My favorite part of the role has been the genuine and meaningful connections I’ve made with residents and staff,” said Santos, a Providence resident. “Being an RA gives you the chance to build community, grow personally, and make a real difference on campus.”

Prior to the students moving into the dorms, the RAs receive thorough training on how best to assist their residents. Some of the topics covered in the trainings include mental health first aid, roommate mediation, tolerance, respectful and responsible discourse, fire safety, and domestic violence.

The URI’s Housing and Residential Life team is always on the lookout for promising new leaders and doesn’t waste much time identifying potential RAs for the following year. Recruitment for the next group of RAs begins in September, with information posted on the department’s website.

“If you’re looking for a leadership role and an opportunity to connect with people, challenge yourself, and build confidence, I strongly encourage you to consider becoming an RA,” said Arseneault. “It’s an experience that will shape you personally and professionally.”

For more information about campus housing, call (401) 874-4151 or email housing@uri.edu.