What happened when you got written up?

me too

Your RD is going to schedule a time to talk for about 20 minutes.  Last year they made everyone in an alcohol or weed related incident go to the ADCAS alcohol class for a few days.  It kind of sucks and costs like $70.  In the big picture it doesn't matter too much, but if you get written up a bunch you can get evicted.  I had a bunch of write ups last year and nothing really happened, but i've heard of people getting kicked out for as few as three.  I found it to be really stressful, and a poor way for the school to deal with this, definately not a positive way to reinforce students.  Its a big school and were all just a statistic to the administration, they don't really care about individual students.   

What exactly are you wanting them to do? You knew you shouldn't be drinking in the dorms. I don't see anything wrong with the way ResLife deals with dorm infringements. I mean, if it's so stressful... don't do it. Seems simple enough to me.

But yes, multiple write-ups can (and have in the past) lead to eviction (usually a probation first, though). I think last year they made some rule where they have to call your parents, which is totally absurd ("Yeah hi, your 20-year-old adult son broke some rules! You should ground him!"). I'm not sure if they still do that.

 Yeah the worst part about it was it cost 70 bucks, but other than that it wasn't that bad. The only long-term consequence is if you plan to get your masters the school will tell whatever school you are applying to. Other than that its kept totally in house. There's a lot of worse stuff that could have happened in my opinion.

1) Don't break the rules and you won't be stressed about getting caught breaking the rules.
2) Be grateful you weren't evicted as a multiple-violator.
3) I'd like to hear one good example of a way "postively reinforce" violators.

4) Move off campus if you can't stand the rules

*edit* Oh nevermind, this is not worth my comment.  I'm just going to end up stirring up a hornet's nest or something.

In the future just deny the RA entrance into your dorm. They cant do anything except for calling the cops, and cannot force their way into your room. I did this everytime they cane to my suite Beta last year and never got in trouble. If they claim to "smell alcohol" which was often complete BS tell them they cannot pinpoint the smell to a certain room and are discriminitaing against you. I met with my RD atleast 7 times and just denied everything and asked where her proof was that i was drinking and she had none. I never had to take ADCAS that year and kept my alcohol from getting poured out.

Also make sure to answer the door as soon as you can from when they knock, and try not to make noises like your hiding everything. Under the blankets on your bed are a good place to quickly put your alcohol if they come, (and you let them in for some reason) because it usually looks more natural and makes little noise.

Good luck freshmen and remeber your rights when dealing with the RA's !! 

Hey fade I'm giving a honest response to someone that was asking.  If you don't got anything to add, just get off, we don't need anymore assholes than there already are.  You don't know the circumstances of anything here so please go judge people that you know nothing about somewhere else.  Not everybody is perfect and not every rule is going to work for every person, I don't have a brand new system to fix the problem,  and I am a little grateful.  Got it?

They don't call your parents on stuff unless its something really serious like trafficing drugs or you are on the verge of eviction, if its your first offense, fear not about your parents. Also, keep your bottles closed that helps with the smell of things, and towels under the door is not a bad call either. answer the door and don't be stupid and thing will be fine.

 Listen to Scotty-O, he would know. And i dont recommend jumping out your window onto the roof, even if you are dressed as Jesus on Halloween they know who lives in your room.  I agree that there could be a better way to deal with violators. At some schools they only write up people who are causing problems, regardless of wether drinking is involved. By getting students in trouble for having a few drinks in the safety of their room will encourage them to go to large parties and expose themselves to binge drinking, theft, date rape, and many other dangers. Perhaps Reslife should have a similar policy: if its not a problem, dont punish it. If it is a problem, then ADCAS probably is a good idea.

Fade has a legitimate point. I think you're just being sensitive. So grow a pair of get over the fact that you find the system a 'poor way' to reinforce the rules. The system in which they deal with people who CHOOSE to break the rules is completely fair. What would be unfair is if someone who hadn't broken the rules was immediately kicked out, no trial, no chance to defend oneself, no investigation, etc.

If you hate the system so much or did not agree with the rules, you should have not signed the CONTRACT you agreed to when you said you would abide by the rules and agree to uphold the ways they deal with violations.

-Sarah

Fade has a legitimate point. I think you're just being sensitive. So grow a pair of get over the fact that you find the system a 'poor way' to reinforce the rules. The system in which they deal with people who CHOOSE to break the rules is completely fair. What would be unfair is if someone who hadn't broken the rules was immediately kicked out, no trial, no chance to defend oneself, no investigation, etc.

If you hate the system so much or did not agree with the rules, you should have not signed the CONTRACT you agreed to when you said you would abide by the rules and agree to uphold the ways they deal with violations.

-Sarah

isnt it required to live in dorms for at least a quarter as a freshman? i dunno where i heard that but if thats true then you basically have to sign their contract.

and as far as reslife being unfair... last year i had some friends who got written up for pot had to do the drug class and all that becuase it smelt like weed outside the room. this was in kappa and there was 6 doors in teh hallway that reeked of weed and becuase my buddies were bein noisy in their room the RA went to them and wrote them up on teh spot. that doesnt seem fair at all

...this was on the reslif drug and alc poilicy page.

"a) Information about alcohol and other drugs and the reduction of associated risks;

(b) Appropriate intervention when alcohol or other drug use creates unwanted or unintended consequences; and

(c) Support for members of this community in reducing the risk of consequences associated with alcohol and other drug abuse."

b says that appropriate intervention when it creates unwanted or unintended consequences, so basically their policy says if we feel your being unsafe then we will provide appropriate intervention... and what exactly is that? a talk with the RD and a slap on teh wrist? cause thats all i got.

i also got the impresstion from the reslif site that this is what their policy is based on

"The Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act amendments of 1989 require that universities promote reduction of risk associated with alcohol and other drug use through adoption and implementation of a policy and program designed to educate the university community about the dangers of alcohol and other drug abuse and to prevent the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on university property or while involved in university business or activities."

this is a 20 year old policy, does anyone think that college is the same for us as it was 20 years ago when the amendments were made? also this says that the policy that a school develops should educate the university about dangers of alc and drug abuse. what i was told about the dangers of drinking was that at parties people tended to binge drink and that was bad because like someone mentioned earlier that can lead to bad things like rape or minor things like a stolen phone or wallet. either way shouldnt they be teaching us to drink in an environment that doesnt promote binge drinking. back home i drink with my family at dinner and was brought up learning that drinking was fine in your home in normal amounts. (note, i'm not defending people that get shit hammered in their dorm room, who does that anyways?)

basically i think its time reslif reviewed their policy and figured it out that kids are going to drink no matter if there are rules that say its wrong unless your 21, which is a purely cultural thing, if your rasied almost anywhere outside the US you drink at 16 onwards learning your limits and how to have fun with drinking without getting fucked up.

(if i have offended anyone who reads this i am sorry and dont mean to offend too much)

This doesn't work. My little sister is living in BT this year, and over a series of poorly handled events (her roommate and her had done nothing wrong, or illegal) the same RA entered into their rooms over and over again and eventually locked my sister out of her bedroom for having her belongings in the wrong of the two bedrooms in the suite under some obscure university policy.

So, no, don't count on the RAs following the rule that they can't force themselves in. They do anyway.

No, freshmen don't have to live in the dorm.  There's no rule about that at Western.  I've never lived in the dorms myself. 

They can't really positively reinforce students who do break rules. However, they surely can reforce students who don't  break rules.

Some kind of token economy with incentives like free hygene supplies might work. Free shampoo, deoderant, and toothpaste for students who don't get caught breaking rules. Incentive points could be given out at some regular time interval. Students can save that cash they'd be spending on hygene for partying it up out of town on the weekends ;)

Also, RA's could give out incentive points to students who are being especially courteous residents.

I know this might sound kind of weak, but it's pretty powerful, and, given the maturity level some students may be at, very appropriate.

I'm not exactly sure where you live, but I know in Fairhaven there is a student council you can go to, and they can greatly reduce your sentences. I was on it for 2 quarters and people would come to us with noise violations and other things. We'd make them create a poster or something with a picture of a frowny face saying 'i dun liek it when u guyz r loud plz b quiet after hours i like 2 sleep kthx lov u' and that was that.

In terms of alcohol I'm almost positive that you have to blow the money and go to the classes. We had a few peeps that were busted and I think we were forced to give them that cuz it is the university's policy.

Anyway, check to see if you have a student council at your dorms. They let you know you have the option of showing up, and when people didn't show up we didn't do jack for them, but if someone took the 15min of their evening to talk to us, we'd throw away their 'charge' and make them write a poster or a 1 page letter or some easy shit.

 <quote>They can't really positively reinforce students who do break rules. However, they surely can reforce students who don't break rules.

Some kind of token economy with incentives like free hygene supplies might work. Free shampoo, deoderant, and toothpaste for students who don't get caught breaking rules. Incentive points could be given out at some regular time interval. Students can save that cash they'd be spending on hygene for partying it up out of town on the weekends ;)

Also, RA's could give out incentive points to students who are being especially courteous residents.

I know this might sound kind of weak, but it's pretty powerful, and, given the maturity level some students may be at, very appropriate.</quote>

Finally some positive feedback, rather than helpless and useless complaining about something that's simply not going to change.

Freshmen are not required to live in the dorms their first quarter, or anytime at all during their career at Western.

All on-campus residents signed a contract that legally binds them to rules University Residences has set in place.  It's the same as any lease or rental contract, and eviction is the ultimate and severest punishment UR can give if the contract is broken by the resident.  If you don't agree with the contract, you can simply move off-campus.  Problem solved.

However, when underage alcohol use or drug use is involved, in violation of federal law, UR and UPD needs to step in.  I'm sure you can understand why, it infringing upon both federal law and state law and all that.  While RAs cannot force their way into your rooms, RAs have been given such law-keeping authority as to search your rooms without warrant to find the alcohol you hide in your bedsheets or refrigerator.  If you don't cooperate with them, they can simply call UPD, which has exactly the same authority as Washington State police, who can force their way into your room if you refuse an RA entry who suspects drug use or whatever.  It's a matter of personal safety and security that you let the RA in if they are outside your door, in case someone is passed out or suffering from alcohol poisoning.  Smoking weed or tabacco in your room is a fire hazard (besides infrigement upon state law) that puts at risk the lives of the 50-400 residents in your dorm.

If you need to complain, it'd just as useful to complain about state and national law as it is to complain about UR policy.

But your RAs are human, too.  Get to know them, they're real people, who have friends and take the same classes you have to take and who want to have fun, too.  Believe me, they appreciate it when you take your wild partying off-campus, rather than have that party in your room.  RA's arent sick and twisted people who derive their pleasure from everyone's suffering.  They have to put up with a lot.  Cooperate with them, get to know them, be honest with them (even if you have to be honest with them about the way they do things).  It's appreciated.

** edit
Also - I gotta say as an English major - if you use grammar when you write in public, people will take your post more seriously than it might otherwise be taken.  This directed at no one in particular.

All the RAs do is submit a report to the RD and you will recieve an email telling you when the meeting is. Be sure to go to it, or reshcedual it for a time that works for you. The point of the meeting is to see whether or not your actions/circumstances require an actual write up, or documentation.

I got "written up" about 4 times last year and guess what, nothing happened. All you have to do is claim that the alcohol is not yours (unless you already admitted that when the RAs came) and/or that you weren't drinking. Just be real polite and say it wont happen again. The 75$ fee for the classes was enough incentive for me to bend the truth a few times, if you have a moral dilemma about it you're out of luck.

Also, if the violation wasn't that severe (you said you were cooperative which is good, and as long as you weren't clearly drunk) all you will get is a warning. If you get written up again (with the warning) you will recieve the drug and alcohol class + fine. Another write up after that will get you another fine and you might face eviction from the dorms (its usually 3-5 write ups that involve drugs or alcohol). Don't get too worried though, I knew somebody with 9 and another with 7 and they never got kicked out.

And actually, for my first quarter, it was two warnings then the class...the RAs got worse as the year went on, eventually it was one write up and you faced eviction. Hope this helps. 

Didn't realize this until now but I lived in the Ridge last year, I'm not so sure how other dorms handle it. Obviously if you're in a drug and alcohol free dorm then one write up means a great deal more.

I don't live in the dorms, but here's my two cents worth cause I'm bored right now.  The "no alcohol in the dorms" rule is only justified to keep WWU from the liablilty of problems that are alcohol related.  Making you go to a drug class because of something you did in the privacy of your room seems like a huge waste of money and time because this just encourages students to go somewhere else to drink.  From an economic stand point, it's cheaper to buy your own beer than at a bar.  So drinking in the dorm means more money for other, non-alcohol related things.  I am not saying you should break the rules, just be careful out there, and keep everything in moderation.

B-dude

You claim that, “RA's arent sick and twisted people who derive their pleasure from everyone's suffering.” This is a very generalized statement, and I would say from experience that it applies to about 80% of the RA's. Most of the RA's are friendly and helpful, and only will try to get you into trouble if you are causing a great disturbance, however some of the RA's are different and seem to be carrying out a personal mission to get as many people in trouble for drinking/ smoking as possible. From my 2 years of living in the dorms, I have dealt with many RA who seem to be on power trips that will go out of their way to get you into trouble.
As far as our country's ridiculous drinking age is concerned, history has proven it to be ineffective and encouraging of binge drinking behaviors, people living in the dorms WILL drink no matter what the rules say, and I feel that the policy needs to reflect this better. Living off campus freshman year is an option, However living in the dorms freshman year is a big part of the college experience/ meeting people, and the contract that you are forced to sign means little to many of the dorm residents. People that say this seem to be simply “quoting the rules” and ignore the real circumstances.

The incentive system someone suggested is too “fifth grade” to work in the dorms. People that live in the dorms are adults and should be treated with more respect than they are.

Dermonm

They will not physically force their way into your room, they will tell you that they need to go into your room, and will try hard to convince you. Standing in the doorway and telling them that they can call the UP if they need to deal with the issue does work (they often wont due to lack of proof that you are doing anything, and if you live in suite style room simply leave/ hide or lock your alcohol before the UP comes). When dealing with the RA's a firm NO to them saying “we need to come into your room” works great.
 

Sorry B-dude but your edit is hilarious! See below:

"** edit
Also - I gotta say as an English major - if you use grammar when you write in public, people will take your post more seriously than it might otherwise be taken. This directed at no one in particular."

Does anyone see a typo in the last sentence?  O, and "gotta..." C'mon.

Using proper grammar is over-rated.  This is a discussion board, not an English assignment.  Sorry to get off subject, but C'mon...

Do you not see the contradiction there? You want people living in dorms to be treated like adults... but it's okay if they blindly sign a contract without following the rules stated within it?

I'd say the rules and policies are fine as they are. This is going out on a limb with an analogy... but you can say that "murder will happen, regardless of the law" That doesn't make it okay, though.

And no, of course I don't think drinking is on the same level as murder.

I think this is the funniest and best post on the topic.  This topic needs more B-dude! 

I also do not understand why people come on here to whine about how they broke the rules and got caught and it isn't their fault.  Well, it clearly is your fault.  It's like the people who complain about getting caught cheating.  Possibly new concept for you...if you don't break rules or cheat...you can't get caught.  When Ron White figured that out, he felt a big weight lift off his shoulders.  Maybe some of you will benefit. 

I would say actually, in response to this, that as the year goes on, the RA's get more lazy and lax, knowing what times to avoid the residents coming home and where not to tred. The RA's don't WANT to catch people, it just happens. Also if you notice most RA's are almost always in pairs when they come around, So chances are at least one of them doesn't want to do the write up, but its just the job to them also. They get paid to re-enforce these rules, and its a hefty incentive. I mean free room and board+40$ every two weeks, and if they have a roommate the compensation is 15$ per day. So I don't remember who said it but yeah the RA's are just normal people like everybody else, they want to get off campus too and party it up. Just because you don't see it happening, doesn't mean it isn't. On campus and off campus are two very different environments for the RA's.

I guess you didn't read my post, because they entered on several occasions without notice or motive, into both the suite and the bedroom, which violates the "can't come in without invitation" rule.

It is definitely ENTIRELY NOT OKAY for an RA to enter any room without the permission of a resident inside the room. Some suites are considered "semi-public space" and the RAs do have permission to enter those (most often suite hallway areas), but in all other situations RAs are like vampires: they must be invited in.

On the other side of the argument, it is definitely better to just let them in. If somebody refuses to let the RAs in then they will most likely call University Police and thats no fun for anybody. Being written up for alcohol/drugs is a lot better than getting an MIP or a misdemeanor drug charge from UP.

lol, clever.

I know this. I've been considering going to the RD to ask her wtf her RAs are doing in that dorm, but I don't live there so she might just tell me to get over it. She was my RD two years ago. However, it's a matter of resident security and quality of life, so, I might just take it straight to Edens and ask them what to do about it. Anyway, point in, don't count on the safety of an RA not busting into your room. They do it, and evidently get away with it.

HAHA -> "policy needs to reflect this better"

Policy should be changed in the favor of ILLEGAL behavior? 

If the university did not have a policy concerning drinking on campus and a process for violaters to go through, then EVERYONE caught on campus with alcohol (your body is a container, people) would get an MIP from the police.  The process is there to keep students, and the university, out of as much trouble as possible.

And if you get caught drinking or come back to campus drunk, and then get pissed off when you are caught and put through the system?  Too bad.  YOU made the decision and YOU have to deal with the consequences.  Why is this so hard to comprehend for some people? (I'm looking at you, too, bus pass... passers.)

I would much rather deal with ten RDs than one cop.

Couple of things;  before you read the rest...  You have no control over getting written up.  You can get written up for an RA just suspecting you of something...

You're lucky.  They are easier on younger students because older ones are supposed to "know better."  You're older friends are going to pay the price for you being somewhere you knew you shouldn't have been.  They'll be under disciplinary investigation and kicked out of the dorms for providing to a minor if the RD does her job and passes this on to ResLife discipline.  If ResLife told campus police to handle it unofficially, there wont be any charges filed..  (They won't have a police record and have to go to court)  but the of age students that were there might as well start looking for a place to live now or they'll be on the street.

.......................................I posted this someplace else...but it applies here...it is in response to a similar situation last year.

I think that the residence situation is catering only to a certain age group. 21 and older are EXPECTED to move out of the dorms. If there were activities and changes in ageism in the dorms, things would be different. If 21 and olders were treated with a little respect and dignity rather than ostracized for being "older" there would be more willing to be "in charge." This is especially so on a campus that prides itself on producing future educators, or education majors. This is just the kind of experience they NEED to be realistic when they finally do get a job as an educator or administrator.

Unfortunately, dorms are treated like a glorified summer camp than housing for students...

There is nothing more distinguished than attending an on campus event when an under 21 individual under the influence not only comes, but decides to activly engage... but worse when the student just waddled over from the dorms and is under the influence of illegal drugs... Let's not be stupid. There's NO way to hide pot smoke. It STINKS. But this is OK, right, because "it happens at Western." right? "Western is notorious for pot." right? "It's been that way for years." right? Wonderful, screw diversity, lets make sure we're not discriminating against the potheads in the dorms that make things miserable for those of us that are serious about our education. KICK THEM OUT! If they voluntarily seek help, fine. But not kicking them out and forcing them to see a counselor isn't going to do much if they don't want to change. Any layman knows this!

I know Reslife likes to smoke (pun not intended) screen what really goes on in the dorms, but the student living situation is out of control. When individual student accountability is taken away and YES, they are going to act like a bunch of infants. Treat them like children and they will act like children. If you're going to say there is a 0 tolerance policy, start enforcing it. Seriously...student success is #1. The student's condition I saw in the VU show's he is destined for failure.

When there is a REAL problem the younger RAs do not have the experience adequate to handle illegal or violent (verbal or physical.) I've seen it. I've seen repeated acts of escalating problems rather than defusing them. I've watched the inability to take control of a situation because they aren't mature enough to act as an unbiased party, especially when an incident involves ResLife staff...such as other RAs. The power goes to the head and there are a bunch of Adolf Hitlers walking around using shallow judgements and playground/high school cheerleading/football life experience to play the equivalent of an apartment house manager. Again, getting involved in the drama of a situation ESCALATES the situation.

Experience and training benefits a conflict that can be diffused. Every conflict can be defused. When an RA calls campus police...how many times is the officer actually defusing a mess created from the influence of inexperience throwing more drama on a burning fire?

It isn't the RA's fault. It is the responsibility of the person doing the hiring and the training. When the hair goes up on my neck because a statement like, "I have a student in my stack who is socially inadequate," that should have been caught during the first interview! (the person was deathly shy...bright...and needed friends. And what about confidentiality? The student was immediately ostracized and hadn't been on campus a week! Why? Life inexperience of an RA.) Those are the students that need the compassionate side of the purpose of an RA...not ridicule because they don't fit someone's idea of a successful personality. AFTER ALL...THESE STUDENTS HAVE ALREADY GONE THROUGH THE FILTERING PROCESS AND GOT INTO WWU.

Yeah, I think age should be a qualification because of life experience. No, I don't think there are exceptions. Exceptions only inflate the ego. Handling ego with maturity and experience is again an issue. I think a lot of under aged RAs...or RAs that have worked underage in the past are going to get hot under the collar by my statements. I've decided not to hold back on my take from the experiences and observations I've had. I was trying to be nice and not hurt anyone's feelings. What good are these boards if we don't say it like it is.

RAs are not the consumer. RAs are getting paid and providing a service. Just like our profs provide a service. The expectations of professional student/RA relationships should be considered similar. It is the consumer that needs to speak here and express the happiness they have with the services with which they are provided. I RARELY hear positive comments about RA's. The RA position is a prime mentoring role and should not be feared...or resented. Inexperience brings this about.

I think this is a sign something needs to change. I think the first thing is attracting individuals with experience to such a vulnerable and necessary position. If it means not having students in those roles altogether...it is all a matter of what is best for the consumer.
 

"jamin wrote:

RAs are like vampires: they must be invited in.

lol, clever."

haha

yea and they hate it when you throw garlic at them!!

The RA's (not in reference to alcohol) in my dorm have also been getting a bit annoying about noise levels... Apprently we're not allowed to talk during quite hours (in the main lounge 2 shut doors away from any one), and when the really loud people come from out side and make lots of noise by the elevator, the people in the lounge get blamed and written up, because "we're always out there when it's loud"...

P.S. I like the "bus pass... passers" comment 

In response to the original post: rumor has it that there were a TON of write-ups over Halloween, so there's a chance that if you live in Fairhaven or on the Ridge you will be meeting with the RD for a different community.  They will review the situation, ask you about your perspective and then work out a course of action.... could be a warning, could be an ADCAS class, probably nothing to freak out about.

In response to all the other posts:  It can suck to get caught breaking the rules, which is probably why you think your RA is out to get you....

but really, I would take a $70 fine and an ADCAS class (which I hear, isn't too bad, mostly info about drinking safety# an MIP and dealing with real live police officers and real live, stay on your record criminal charges... wouldn't you?

If you have an issue with housing drinking and drug policies move off campus.  There you will be treated as an adult and subject to the Rules and RAs of the real world #the law and the police#.  Instead of getting written up, you can have an MIP or a providing to minors, or a possession of an illegal substance, or a noise violation .... I hear those come with some serious fine's #not just your $70 res life fre# ehand stay on your record.  Your landlord can then choose to evict you #mine can at least, the police will report violations to her, and the lease gives her the right to evict me for ONE violation of the law#.

The happy medium both on and off campus.... If you are going to break the LAW #stupid as it may ba# nd the university rules built around that law.... do it in a smart way.  Keep your drinking limited to a small number of people, invite your neighbors so they won't call the to complain, keep your music and voices down to a reasonable level, shut your blinds, keep your alcohol out of sight from the door #ie suite bathroom#, keep your empties in a non-obvious place #ie not overflowing in the recycle bin next to your door#,  stuff a towel under the door to minimize sound and smell in the hallway, stop the festivities during the times that RA's are on rounds #usually 7, 9,11 and 1 on weekends).  If they do come knocking, have the most sober of the people who actually live in the room answer the door , as quickly as possible, and do the talking.  Be cooperative.   But really the best way not to get in trouble is to not get caught. 

Listen, if your trying to have a good time in your dorms you should just expect the RA's to show up. I lived in Beta last year and hearing 'RA on duty' was no surprise after the first few months. The key is to know how to handle them. The bottom line is they ARE NOT COPS. They can't arrest you, they can't go into your room without your consent. If they threaten to call UP, let them. Just be smart and make sure you don't have 30 people in your room or empty containers everywhere.

The result of your conduct meeting depends on your RD. The Beta/Gamma RD last year was awful. My best peice of advice for handeling your meeting is to NOT trust the RA who wrote you up. I had an RA lie to me about what she was writing on her report. That was what made me loose what little respect I had left for them. Punishments vary, one of my suitemates got in trouble last year and was told to write two 'educational' papers. He never did it and she never checked up on it. Just hope you get the paper instead of the drug abuse classes.

Aside from that I'm sure there are plenty of good RA's out there and hopefully the ridge is a much better situation this year. For those who want a sense of just how bad it was, search these forums for the archived posts about RA's from last year.