Free room and board, $90 a month and meeting new people are the driving force behind Iowa State’s resident assistants.

Resident assistants, some of the youngest members of ISU’s staff, go through an extensive training session two weeks before classes begin in order to learn the duties of the job.

The training included getting to know the other RAs and understanding the paperwork that is involved with the job.

Group discussions are a big part of the training and a program called “Behind Closed Doors” re-enacts real-world problems for new RAs to try and solve. Former RAs act out typical situations that arise in the residence halls and then give solutions to the problems.

“This year we are stressing academics and how the RAs can help the students with organizing tutors and study schedules,” Steve Wisener, hall director for Storms Hall, said.

Wisener’s position as hall director carries the ultimate responsibility of managing the hall.

Directors live and work in the buildings and socialize with the students by eating at the dining hall and attending house meetings.

They also supervise the custodians and make sure students are respecting dorm policies.

“My job also includes supporting the students,” Wisener said, “It is not uncommon to have a professor call me and tell me a certain student was not in class and needs to have a talk.”

Wisener is in his third year of acting as a hall director, although this is his first year at ISU.

He has a master’s degree in student personnel administration, which he said, is a common requirement for most hall directors.

He said the busiest days for RAs are the days right before the students move in.

During that time, they have to organize room assignments, distribute room keys and get ready for a new floor of students.

During the year, the RA’s main responsibilities include organizing house activities, meeting with the hall cabinets and enforcing residence hall policies.

They also are expected to observe the personal and academic lives of the students on the floor and give help wherever it may be needed.

Jessica Schild, a junior in marketing, is starting her first semester as a resident assistant on Busse floor in Freeman Hall.

She was living in Maple Hall before accepting an RA position.

“I get to know the girls and I learn a lot about the hall, like ‘Alice the Ghost’ who supposedly has been seen here,” Schild said, “I haven’t seen her yet.”

Schild, who oversees the 53 girls on her floor, said she enjoys the leadership position she has.

“I decided to become an RA because I wanted to stay in the dorms and get involved with the students and the university,” Schild said.