Tensions are high among students as the selection process continues for 2018-2019 proctors.

On April 3, current sophomores and juniors submitted their applications to become either day student or boarding student proctors for the 2018-2019 school year.

Decisions are made through a three-step process. First comes the submission of applications, then a number of students from this pool are selected for interviews a few weeks later. After interviews, deans and dorm heads take roughly a week to make their final decisions.

It is a nerve-wracking process for students who really want the job. Cuts have to be made as there are only twelve spots among borders, and at least 50 apply.

Nina Renkert ’20 had her interview on Monday, April 9. “Figuring out what to put on my application sheet was most nerve wracking, and also the interview,” she said. “It wasn’t as bad as I thought though, all of the dorm heads are people I’ve known. I was really nervous before [it began], but once [the interview] started I calmed down.”

Sophomore Jamie O’Malley also applied to be a proctor for her upcoming junior year. “I want to be a proctor because all of my proctors in the past have shaped me into a better person and have inspired me to follow in their footsteps and become a role model to other students,” she said.

Mrs. Garrity, dorm head of Mem East, believes proctors are invaluable to dorm parents. “They know the dorm every day and night, while most of the dorm parents are only there a couple times a week.  Having proctors that understand the pulse of the dorm and how individuals are doing is amazingly helpful,” she said.

Stella Piasecki ’19, current proctor in Mem East, reapplied for the position. “My favorite thing about proctorship is that I’ve gotten to form deeper connections with girls I wouldn’t normally think to associate with outside of the dorm,” she said.

The dorm heads are looking for certain qualities in these potential leaders that they think will best suit the job.

Mrs. Garrity is one of the decision makers in this process. “The hardest part is deciding who doesn’t get the job,” she said. “Each one of the applicants brings unique strengths and passions to the table.  It is so difficult to select these small proctor teams, knowing that some very capable, helpful and genuine candidates are left out,” she added.

Being a proctor entails great responsibility, especially for those who are boarders. It is a 24/7 job that requires patience, flexibility, leadership, and time management. There are four to five proctors per dorm. Usually one night per week, a proctor is “on duty” for all of study hall, answering questions and doing rounds to make sure everyone in the dorm is staying on task. Day student proctors have responsibility as well, however they feel the pressure dies off after the first few weeks of school.

Stella emphasized the responsibility that comes with proctorship. “Time management has been a challenge. Some nights I have a lot of homework to do during study hall but I have to do rounds which can be time consuming.” She added that her advice to incoming proctors is to “go into it expecting it to be more than it is. Have an open mind and don’t underestimate the responsibility that comes with the job.”