At Taft, dorms mean a lot. For approximately 84% of us, they are a second home, some place to reset and connect with friends and faculty. Within these spaces, we experience everything from the highs of winning a game with your teammates to the lows of a disappointing Chemistry quiz. Whatever is happening, however, there are people who are always there for us, to share the bad news, good news, mediocre news and anything trivial – they are also your friends – the dorm monitors.
Officially, dorm monitors are described on the Student Handbook as “student leaders who are selected by the faculty to set a positive example and to assist them in making the dorms run smoothly.” In practice, this means working alongside faculty members to help maintain the structure of dorm life and be present in it. But their role extends far beyond these responsibilities.
Dorm monitors are not simply students who complete nightly rounds or occupy single rooms. In the morning, you run into them in the bathroom with half-closed eyes, in classrooms during the day, and in the hallway before bed. As Ms. Salatas describes it, living in a dorm creates something close to a family, and monitors are both peers and leaders within that shared space.
To better understand their role, I spoke with Ms. Salatas, who is the current Director of Residential Life. Many students recognize her from Bingham announcements like the Taft Cup or sign-in times, but her work goes deeper into shaping a dorm culture that is more enjoyable, comfortable, and respectful. This year, she has introduced initiatives such as expanded dorm feeds, cross-dorm events like movie nights for speed-friending, and the first annual Taft Dorm cup. In these efforts, residential monitors play a key role in bridging the students with the residential program, bringing energy and participation to these pieces.
According to Ms. Salatas, dorm monitors significantly influence the overall atmosphere of the dorm. While dorm faculty are only present during designated evening hours, monitors help sustain the culture throughout the entire day. Beyond duties like leading discussions, supervising study hall, and completing rounds, they are expected to model leadership in everyday, informal moments, whether in classrooms, common rooms, bathrooms, or even just passing interactions. Their presence helps shape the tone of the dorm as a space that feels both structured and welcoming.
Because of the importance of this role, the selection process is notoriously thorough and competitive – and this year, it has been notably expanded. In addition to written responses and interviews, new elements, such as the “fishbowl” group experience, were introduced to better evaluate how applicants collaborate in real-world scenarios. The system has also incorporated more structured feedback, gathering feedback forms from advisors, dorm parents, and current monitors to build a fuller and more nuanced understanding of the strengths of the applicant. Earlier conversations that were held before Thanksgiving Break further helped students identify areas for growth and better prepare for the role. Together, these changes reflect a step towards selecting responsible and actively contributing members of the community.
Becoming a dorm monitor is not without challenges. The position requires a significant time commitment, involving giving up portions of study hall and balancing responsibilities with academics, athletics, and personal life. It also requires consistently upholding community standards and being attentive to others’ needs, even during stressful times. However, the role offers meaningful opportunities for growth, whether that is growth as a leader or a person. It is also a great way to support peers, foster inclusivity, and contribute to a dorm culture that feels both dynamic and genuinely supportive.
