The Office of Student Life hires Resident Associates (RA's), organizes Final Exam Support Kits, sponsors the Check Out LA program (which pays for undergraduates to see speakers in the LA area), helps coordinate the off-campus and Avery housing lotteries, new student orientation, and provides funds for House events.  Student Life also administers the Don Shepard Fun Fund and the Don Shepard Essay Contest.  Fun Fund money, which is awarded by lottery, may be used for a nice dinner or a cultural event.  The annual Don Shepard Essay Contest awards several students funding for a program of self-enrichment outside of science.