February comes around, and leadership applications have just opened up. 

Ding! You view your Outlook notification that just appeared on your screen and see an email on student news with the subject “Dorm Prefect.” You open the description of a dorm prefect duties, reading through the expectations and responsibilities of this position. 

As a dorm resident yourself, you may immediately think of some popular dorm prefect responsibilities such as 7:30 pm and 10:30 pm check-in and dorm meetings. Aside from these popular roles that dorm prefects do, did you know there are many other unspoken commitments that take place?  

“During the first couple of months on campus, as my corner is mainly freshman, my door would often get knocked every two hours,” said Alina Li (‘25), dorm prefect at Jones. “Sometimes my door would get knocked in the middle of the night by another dorm resident to address an issue in the dorm.” 

In addition, dorm prefects help organize various events, from the Fall Social, a collaborated event with the day student prefects, the Zombie Apocalypse, Holiday Party, and much more.  

“Being a dorm prefect is a 24/7 responsibility. We help ensure that rules and policies are enforced within the dorm community at all times,” said Caitlin Delgado (’25), dorm prefect at South Hutch. “In all dorm communities, there is a strong sense of connection; this connection is one that prefects play a huge role in. Whether this is through dorm meetings or resolving issues within the space, dorm prefects hold the responsibility of addressing these matters.”  

Issues within dorm residents, dorm life, social and personal, and academic life are just some of the several under-highlighted topics dorm prefects are responsible for presenting support in.  

Note: Dr. Dzula is the advisor of the Webb Canyon Chronicle and a co-dorm head of Jones residential dorm.