ACU resident assistants are adjusting to the recent changes made to desk shift policies.

Desk shifts from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. have been removed,  and the desk manager dress code has changed.

“The big change for the people actually working the desk is that I wanted it to be an elevated sense of welcome,” said John Delony, assistant dean of Residence Life Education and Housing.” I wanted them to say ‘hello’ to folks and not just shut the glass windows and do homework.”

In previous years, desk managers would talk with their friends, do homework and greet the residents they personally knew.

Rebekah Perry, junior youth and family ministry and missions major from San Antonio and R.A. of  Nelson said, “It’s fun greeting everyone because before if I didn’t know them I didn’t want to weird them out, but now that it’s a requirement they look at me weird, but I think they feel welcomed into their dorm.”

Another major policy change is the removal of day desk shifts. There is now an assistant director on call from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.  for the students who lock themselves out of their room or have emergencies.

“The desk manager shifts are not safety positions, but they are customer service positions,” said Delony. “These older policies assume that students don’t respect their place of living. We have experimented over the last few years with leaving the pool stuff out, and what we’ve found is that students take care of their stuff.”

Desk managers are now required wear clothes in accordance with a new dress code. Previously, R.A.’s were able to wear casual clothes including pajamas and sweats. Under the new policy, R.A.’s are required to dress up for their shifts; even those working the 1-5 am shifts must wear nice or professional clothing.

Lauren Land, senior social work major from Prosper and A.D. of Nelson said women now have to wear nice blouses with jeans or a dress, and men have to wear polo shirts and khaki pants.

“I wanted them to dress like they would professionally so that they can act professionally,” Delony said.

Perry said she understands the reasoning and doesn’t mind dressing up more than usual.

“I think each decision has a purpose behind it,” Perry said. “Dressing the part helps us be more responsible.”

Though R.A.’s have changes to get used to, they are all taking it in stride.

“Some of the R.A.’s might be frustrated with the changes, but in a year or so these changes will be the new norm,” Land said.