A Cog in the Machine Providing Student Support: How an Overwhelming Workload and Lack of Understanding Contributes to Staff Burnout

Autor/inn/en	McDaniel, Brittany; Dean, Laura A.
Titel	A Cog in the Machine Providing Student Support: How an Overwhelming Workload and Lack of Understanding Contributes to Staff Burnout
Quelle	In: Journal of College and University Student Housing, 49 (2023) 3, S.52-67 (16 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0161-827X
Schlagwörter	College Housing; Dormitories; Resident Advisers; Burnout; Stress Variables; Well Being; Mental Health; Entry Workers; Responsibility; Crisis Management; Role Models; Working Hours + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Studentenunterkunft; Student housing; Studentenwohnheim; Burn out (Psychology); Burnout-syndrom; Burnout-Syndrom; Well-being; Wellness; Wohlbefinden; Psychohygiene; Verantwortungsübernahme; Zuständigkeit; Krisenmanagement; Identifikationsfigur; Hours of work; Arbeitszeit
Abstract	The multidimensional role of entry-level, live-in residence life and housing staff has grown even more complex in recent years. These staff members, often referred to as resident directors, are frequently asked to go beyond the role of RA supervisor, community builder, and policy enforcer. Now they also serve to support students with significant mental health concerns, manage COVID-19 response protocols, and act as a vital conduit helping campus partners connect with students where they are most accessible--their residence on campus. This multi-site case study explored how departments support the well-being of their entry-level, live-in staff, recognizing significant changes in the role over the past few decades. Individual interviews were conducted with senior staff and live-in staff to understand their perception of the support being offered and received. Manning's organizational frames were used in the design of the study and informed data analysis and interpretation. Findings suggest that the increasing number of responsibilities, the demands of crisis response, and campus partners' misunderstanding of the role contribute to an overwhelming situation for entry-level, live-in staff. An investment in relationship building and compensation packages, including benefits such as pet and partner policies, can help to support staff's ability to care for themselves. Recommendations focus on how departmental leaders can address challenges that are contributing to staff exhaustion and burnout. [The discussion questions at the close of this article were developed by Brad Johnson.] (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Association of College and University Housing Officers - International. 1445 Summit Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201. Tel: 614-292-0099; Fax: 614-292-3205; e-mail: office@acuho-i.org; Web site: http://www.acuho-i.org
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01