RA's offer support today to dorm residents

Sept. 11 is a day that will be etched in the minds of Americans forever. For many students on campus, the one-year anniversary of this tragic event will be a difficult day. If students who live in residence halls are having a hard time, they have many people with whom to talk.\n"RA's are a great resource," said Michael Moore, associate director for residential operations .\n"They have had tons of training the past few weeks, and students shouldn't forget that they're there."\nMost residential assistants have been instructed to be around their residence halls, especially on the evening of Sept. 11, in case any of their residents need someone to talk to or have questions.\n"We're basically there to be a support team," said Wright RA Brent Mackey. "If someone has issues dealing with it, we're there."\nBesides being available to residents, RA's have no other special instructions for Sept. 11.\n"This is not a normal day by any stretch of the imagination, so the RA's will definitely try to be around," said Dennis Craig, Ashton residence manager.\nRA's were available to participate in extra training for counseling purposes on Sept. 11. On Tuesday night there was a colloquium held at McNutt Quad as a training session for RA's. \nRA's have been advised to have special consideration for international students and those from the East Coast, Craig said.\nAlso available to students are Community Educators (CUE's), who are hired to develop programs to teach residents about the differences that exist among people. Graduate students in each center are always available to students. Students should check with their specific center and student government to see what is available, Moore said.\nStudents will also be encouraged by RA's to attend the events planned on campus today for the specific reason of remembering Sept.11. For some students, this is essential.\n"I think it's really important to remember what happened and not to ignore it," said freshman Erica Weiss. "My best friend is in the Air Force, so I am a little nervous about it being the one-year anniversary. It will affect everyone differently. It depends on who you are and how you're connected"