Georgia Southern University student Matt Garrett, of Fayetteville, was selected as a resident assistant (RA) for the 2006-07 academic year.

Garrett, a senior chemistry major, is the son of James and Pam Garrett. He is an RA in Southern Pines.

Garrett is one of 94 RAs selected through a highly competitive process to assist the Department of University Housing. RAs are a live-in member of the university community who work with a group of 25-48 students living in one of nine residence halls and two apartment complexes. The primary role of the RA is to create a positive community environment through programming, administrative tasks and on-call responsibilities.

In addition to their job responsibilities, RAs must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.25 and pass a related leadership course for academic credit.

Prior to beginning their employment as an RA, students return to campus before the semester begins for 10 days of training where they meet with representatives from various departments on campus. During this time, they attend sessions on community building, conflict resolution, crisis management and other essential skills to the RA position.

The residence halls at Georgia Southern house 2,000 freshmen and 1,500 upperclassmen.