Mack Olmsted, Senior Writer
Manhattan University’s Department of Residence Life will be undergoing some changes including an increase within the senior staff size of the department, new Resident Assistant (RA) requirements and an updated compensation structure. Ronnie Genee spoke to The Quadrangle about the future of Residence Life.
“I think we’re about to be on the cusp of getting some really good staff members on board that I think will have the same mindset I have in terms of what we’re trying to accomplish here, and be able to implement those in the residence halls,” Genee said. “So there’s a lot of good stuff on the horizon.”
Beginning in the fall 2025 semester, RA compensation will be tiered based on years of service in the role. All RAs will have housing costs covered but the VIP meal plan will vary based on years of service. First year RAs will receive 50% of their meal plan covered, second year RAs will receive 75% coverage and third year RAs will have the full 100% of their meal plan covered.
MANHATTAN.EDU / COURTESY
Other RA requirements will exclude certain commuters from the RA application process. RAs must have had a living experience on campus before applying. In addition, RAs must have a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0, a rise from the previous 2.5 requirement. Sophomore Richard Bagayoko is currently an RA in Lee Hall and shared his thoughts with The Quadrangle about the new requirements.
“I mean it’s definitely an interesting change, but I think part of it is fair,” Bagayoko said. “Overall, it’s for the best, and I’m sure that it will help Manhattan University in the long run. And changes were made for a reason. I’m just grateful to be an RA.”
Recently, the Lee Hall area coordinator Sam Boham departed from MU, leaving the RAs with only the Genee to turn to. Genee couldn’t comment on why Boham stopped working for the university, but he assured that anyone with resident-related issues could turn to him with any questions or concerns.
“If anybody has any issues that are unresolved, always feel free to stop by, make an appointment, email me, whatever it is, and we will work on it,” Genee said.
The university has plans to expand their senior staff members for Residence Life, according to senior Lee Hall RA, Elisa Ortiz.
“The Res Life office seems to want change in the upper senior staff,” Ortiz said. “I guess, just because it’s a very small staff in terms of it being a one man band compared to last year, even though last year was short staffed. But there’s no LCAs that lived on campus this year, which kind of helped us. So I think maybe for some people, this has been more of a learning curve, but we’re in the process of RA interviews, so hopefully we’ll get some new people on staff next year that could help out Ronnie and everyone.”
Ortiz also told The Quadrangle that next year MU will implement graduate RAs, meaning current seniors planning to continue their education could also continue being RAs in the future. Genee shared his overall thoughts and goals for Residence Life and how he wants to prioritize students and their well-being.
“My goal is that if someone would want to live on campus, that we are so engaged with the student population that they understand the experience that they can get by living in a residence hall,” Genee said. “We think we’re moving in the right direction…I’m going to be creating an atmosphere here, an environment and an engaging present experience.”