Community building is a critical and on-going part of the Resident Assistant role.  A healthy and positive community, the aim of your work as a Resident Assistant, can be achieved by a number of purposeful actions and strategies, including programming, relationship building, roommate agreements, and the maintenance of an inclusive living-learning environment.

This section will cover both community development and student development theory. You will find student development and community development theory useful for better understanding the needs, behaviors and decisions of your residents and the larger community.  The information shared in this section should be used as a reference and for larger discussions with your Resident Director who can help you integrate these theories into your interactions with residents and programming.

• 2.1 Introduction to Community
• 2.2 Community Development Theories
• 2.3 Applying Community Development Theory

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