What to do? Advice Please

[math_girl09]

So I had an incident the other night involving alcohol, drunk freshman (under 21 so don't ask that one) and the drunk student was carried into the building.  In my building the nights we are on duty there are 2 RAs on duty sitting in the lobby and doing rounds... So yeah enough background info

Comments

[noiredemons]

Talk to your supervisor. Let him/her know what really happened that night and let him/her take care of it. I see where your co-Ra is coming from with not wanting to get his/her friends in trouble but writing people up for breaking rules is part of the job. I know as an RA for 3 years, I had to write up friends a couple of times which sucked but they got caught breaking the rules.

I hope things turn out ok.

[hiddensarah]

As an RA supervisor - tell your superior. (I'd also say that if you're comfortable enough with your supervisor, tell them what you're dealing with in terms of your glbt identity, they may be able to help you through).

The reality is that when you're an RA, you sometimes have to do things or write people up that you don't necessarily want to - but you didn't do a thing to put them in that position. Because the person was throwing up, that's the body's response that there is too much alcohol in the system. You don't know if that person is coming down or going up - I would ALWAYS call just to be on the safe side.

[math_girl09]

I wish my RA supervisor was comfortable with glbt stuff... Most of my housing staff is against it... they have turned down RA applicants due to the fact that they are gay, I only got the position because I hide it during the application process... You must be a really cool RA supervisor if your ok with it... but thanks for the advice

[hiddensarah]

Do you have "Safe Space" on your campus? If so, look for one of your campus's door tags for that program (it's all about respecting people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity).

Your housing staff makes me mad.

[math_girl09]

Safe Space? I am not familiar with that, what is it?

[concretengrace]

I would definitely do my own incident report and let your supervisor know what really went on. If he/she chooses to take action, that is his/her decision and not yours.

[math_girl09]

Thanks everyone... I guess I just never thought I would get into a situation like this and it sucks...

[i_am_solid]

I'm sorry, and I think you need to write your own incident report. Frankly, RAs should always write their own reports in cases like that because I often get helpful information from one that the other forgot. Does that mean anyone is going to get held responsible more than with just the inaccurate report? Maybe not. But a lazy RA playing favorites shouldn't be the norm in your hall. Absolutely let your supervisor know why you were uncomfortable.

As far as the raging homophobia in your RL department, that really pisses me off because Student Affairs overall is a more gay-friendly work environment than your average career path. I wish I had a good answer for that. Find a more inclusive environment for grad school and be an awesome hall director? :)

[math_girl09]

Thanks...

It just sucks that one little incident like this makes me second guess whether or not I want to be an RA again next year...

but hall director huh lol I never thought about that one before... :)

[dreamylani]

yes..go into student affairs! :)