ResStaff Class Information

Introduction and Goals
The Residence Staff at Michigan (that’s you) are involved on a daily basis in helping and working with the residents to build, develop, and nurture a supportive and stimulating multicultural community. We know that this is no easy task. However, this course will provide you with the foundations, both intellectual and social, to work toward this goal using readings, large group presentations, classroom exercises, and practical experiences. The information you will take away from this course will be with you for the rest of your life; no matter what work you do or where you live. The following four areas highlight the emphasis of the class:

• approaches to building positive communities
• differences and commonalities among cultural groups
• the role of privilege in intergroup relations
• young adult personal and social development

Basic Course Requirements

Students taking the class must:

• Attend all large and small group sessions and the POW-WOW.
• Complete all reading and writing assignments on time.
• Actively participate in the small group.
• Attend two one-on-ones with facilitators.

Basic Course Information

Who is in the class – All undergraduate candidates who receive a status letter stating they have been hired for an RA, MPA, MPAA or APA position or who have been placed in the alternate pool are required to take the class. Current Graduate students are not required to take the staff class.

How to register – You will register for Psychology 405, Section 052. Registration will not begin until January 2008. More details and instructions will be in your status letter.

Class Credit - The course is two credits of credit/no credit. Grading is based on credit/no credit. If this class will put you over 18 credits, please contact at Trey Boynton at treyb@umich.edu as soon as possible.

Times of the class - The times that you will be expected to attend the class are as follows:

Large Groups

• Sunday, January 27, 2008 from 6 -9 pm
• Sunday, February 17, 2008 from 6 -9 pm
• Sunday, March 30, 2008 from 6 -9 pm
• POW-WOW, April 5 or 6, 2008

Small Groups
Weekly meetings, January 29 thru April 7, 2008. You will be assigned one of the following times:

Tuesdays: 9 -11:30am; 2 - 4:30pm; 4 - 6:30pm or 6:30 - 9pm
Wednesdays: 2 - 4:30pm; 4 - 6:30pm; 6:30 - 9pm

• Please give several alternatives from the listed times as we cannot guarantee that your first choice time will be available.
• Please take into consideration ALL conflicts including tests when selecting your small group time. Only one absence will be accepted (which is inclusive of Large Group, Small Group and POW WOW). See new attendance policy.

Signing up for a small group - In your status letter, you will receive information regarding signing up for your small group time. Your small group time has no impact on how you register for the course – everyone will register for Section 052

Successful completion - In order to retain your status as a staff member for 2008/2009 or as an alternate, you must successfully complete the class.

Commonly Asked Questions:

What is the new attendance policy? Attendance is required at all class sessions and activities, Sundays 6 PM to 9 PM on January 27th, February 17th, and March 30th. In addition, attendance at POW-WOW is also required – this will be for about 2 hours on the weekend of April 5th - 6th. Attendance will be taken at all sessions.

This year, you may only miss one class.

Can I change sections? You will be placed in a section based on the times you give us. We will make changes if necessary prior to the first small group meeting. We cannot guarantee changes, as some of the sections may be full. After the first meeting, no changes will occur..

What is a large group? Large group is a time for all students in the class and facilitators to come together. The first large group is a speaker, the second is Behind Closed Doors (an experiential activity that allows you to practice what you have learned thus far), and finally, a movie night.

What is a small group? Small group is a time for you and about 15 people to come together with facilitators to discuss, share, and experience issues of multiculturalism, community, conflict and communication. This time is the heart of the course with you as the learner and the teacher!!

What if I have a test during class time? We strongly encourage you to sign-up for a small group that will not conflict with your test schedule. Missing class for any reason counts as one of your two absences so schedule your small group when you have no conflicts.

Does the first Large Group count?
Yes! Please make sure you attend the first large group session or you will begin the classes with one absence! The first large group is a dynamic and exciting speaker who sets a great tone for the class. You will not want to miss her!

If you have questions regarding the staff class, please contact Trey Boynton at (734) 763-3161 or treyb@umich.edu