Behind Closed Doors (BCDs) is a component of Student Staff Training that allows residents assistants to have an intentional educational space to implement the information and knowledge that they have received throughout training. This training is hands on and requires the proper environment for practice and learning to occur.

BCDs is a large logistical challenge, and the committee has put in the work to provide the foundation of navigating that challenge. In this manual you will find resources that will allow you and your district to schedule out the facilitation behind closed doors. Speaking of, this year, each district will host in-person behind closed doors in their specific staffs. We have provided resources for each district in the “How to Schedule Scenarios” sections. Before we jump into logistics, we wanted to provide more important context on why and how for behind closed doors.

As noted, we require behind closed doors to be hosted in-person in districts. Each district will conduct behind closed doors with their building staff and returners will be actors. This year, we will not be using the Lead Resident Assistant to facilitate in rooms, they will serve as actors. The facilitators will be the Community Director, Assistant Community Director, or Graduate Community Director (or staff directed by AD for support). Scenarios will be run simultaneously in accordance with the provided schedule and facilitators will need to ensure that movement is being met and going to the next scenario in the appropriate amount of time.

Behind Closed Doors provided Student Staff with the hands-on experience needed to learn what it looks like to implement policy, safety, and most importantly, gain confidence. They allow staff to experience being on call or handling a high stress situation while providing an opportunity for feedback and input from a professional staff member in a controlled environment.

Behind Closed Doors provides a more realistic setting for staff and is often cited as the most beneficial component of training by both student staff and professional staff. We have designed behind closed doors to allow for growth and development to occur. Mistakes are expected, and as the facilitator, you are expected to offer support, praise, and education to staff members. This is a learning environment, and it is better to make mistakes during a simulation than a real scenario during the year.

Some major changes have been made this year for the facilitation of behind closed doors! Please ensure you read the entire manual and understand that the content in manual is not a suggestion or optional, you must fully follow this manual possible to ensure a universal facilitation for our student staff.

Thank you in advance for all your hard work and dedication to ensuring this facilitation goes smoothly. As always, please let a committee member or your supervisor know if you have any questions or concerns about the facilitation of Behind Closed Doors.