Profile of RLC Kevin Cane

Article written by M&M staffers/ compiled and edited by Rose Fox/ photos by Chris Nesmith

Kevin Cane sat in front of Duke TIP Media and Message students on Thursday answering their questions about his life as the RLC, or Residential Life Coordinator.
Being an RLC, one must know all of the Duke TIP policies fluently; however, real-life situations call for exceptions to rules and reaching that balance is what Cane finds difficult. At Duke TIP, students have particular times when they can use their cell phones. On one occasion, a student was repeatedly violating cell phone policy and Cane had to confiscate her cell phone until the end of the term. The student explained that she had a very sick relative back at home felt obligated to call and check in with her family often. This is a prime example of the balance between policy and real-life situations that Cane spoke about. “To watch the interplay of policy and emotion is very hard to watch,” Cane said. Instead of breaking policy and/or going against his human instinct, Cane found an alternative method of solving the problem. He contacted the Duke TIP main office in Durham, N.C. and together they came up with a new “check-out policy.”
In the new policy, if a student had too many cell phone violations, instead of confiscating it until the end of the term, the main office kept the student’s cell phone and the student could check it out during cell phone hours. “If we have your phone in the office we know where it is but the individual still has access to it,” he said.
Beyond his responsibilities as RLC, Cane has a colorful personal life. “You should definitely know that I’m obsessed with football,” he joked. During the regular season, Cane spends nearly all of his time on Saturdays watching different college football games around the country. Cane is a member of many social groups and clubs around his college as well. He is heavily involved in his Student Union and in the UGA Student Personnel Association (UGASPA).
Cane cited travel as one of his favorite hobbies and a great love in his life. He said he has been to and lived in locations such as Ireland and Manchester in the U.K. but has become a predominately domestic traveler of late, mostly because of the economy. Washington D.C. and New York City are among Cane’s favorite domestic locations.
Although he travels, Cane’s home is set at UGA. “I would be delighted,” Cane said when asked about returning to his position with TIP next year, “to have the opportunity to work here.” Cane went on to say that he would be “more than thrilled” at the prospect of continued TIP work.
Cane gets really into his job, and he loves being involved and informed. “I really, really enjoy spending time with the students,” Cane said, “I will definitely assist as much as possible.” Cane likes to make sure that everyone has a positive experience, and that everyone will be looking forward to coming back all year.
Cane is a big kid at heart and is willing to admit it. Cane’s youthful attitude will help him succeed and help him be where he wants to be. “I want to work every day on a college campus and never really grow up,” he said. He’ll have a lot of support from his family from Duke TIP.