by Marah Russell

Staff Writer, The University Times

Presque Isle–As the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) approaches a new academic year, two resident assistants (RAs) in Merriman Hall are preparing to welcome a new class of students into their building. 

That preparation includes welcoming upperclassmen into a historically freshman-only dorm and an exclusively “alcohol-free” building. 

Third-floor resident assistant Lilliana Ainsworth and second-floor resident assistant Jackman Daigle have been working hard to create ‘door decs’, furbishing bulletin boards, and, most importantly, preparing themselves to oversee the health and safety of over 30 predominantly freshmen residents. 

The two and eight other RAs concluded their week-long training program on Thursday. 

Ainsworth shared that a portion of their training was used to act out potential scenarios that may arise in the residence halls. However, no matter how many scenarios are acted out, they can never be fully prepared for what’s to come. “We’ve got advisors with years of experience and every year there’s always something new popping up,” Daigle revealed, emphasizing the continuous learning process and the need for engagement.

In recent years, Merriman Hall, also known as the ‘freshman dorm,’ has exclusively housed first-year UMPI students. However, in the spring of 2024, it was announced that upperclassmen would be permitted to live in Merriman Hall starting in the fall.

According to Daigle and Ainsworth, Merriman will remain the only dry, alcohol-free building. “It’s nice for people to be able to make that decision now, especially those who are making a choice not to drink and do not want those influences,” said Ainsworth. “It also might be easier for those in recovery to be here.”

Although their job has many responsibilities, the two can agree that they’re looking forward to the fall semester. “We have no idea what’s going to happen; we’ve got tons of new people, people who come from different areas, different interests, different all of the above, you name it, it’s going to be different,” said Daigle, “To be able to watch it grow is very much a privilege. And I’m really looking forward to seeing what this year brings with the freshmen.”

Ainsworth stressed the importance of students “getting involved,” on campus.

“One thing that I think is especially true with this campus is, you never know what opportunity is going to be out there. I have already had some crazy opportunities, but that would never have happened if I hadn’t shown up.”