Intentional Interactions
The Intentional Interactions Program was developed to help residents fosters deeper connections with their Resident Assistants and to connect them to the University. Prior to this program, Resident Assistants were required to engage in casual conversations and complete community programming based on the Access model. We found that these programs had varied levels of engagement—the entire residential audience wasn’t being reached. Though Intentional Interactions take time and effort on your part, they ensure that you reach every individual in your community.
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The key to these conversations are that they are intentional. You intentionally seek out the individuals in your community and ask intentional questions to get to know them on a personal level. By connecting with your residents in this way, you show your dedication to the community and your desire to build personal connections. These conversations can go a long way in creating a positive experience for residents on your floor! Some other positive benefits of intentional interactions include:
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Gaining more knowledge about the members of your community.
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Helping your community in more productive ways that really matter to them.
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Understanding what your community’s pulse or tone is. When things occur within the community, you will be able to see how and why they occur the way that they do, based on your knowledge of the individuals who make up that community.
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Making connections with your residents that are more in-depth and meaningful.
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Improving your listening and communication skills, as well as those of your residents.
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Please report your intentional interactions using the following forms: