Resident Assistant Job Description

The Resident Assistant (RA) is a crucial member in the Office of Residence Life, as (s)he maintains the closest and most enduring contact with the residents. The position holds significant responsibilities, including promoting individual resident growth and encouraging a sense of community that begins with one-to-one relationships and extends to the wing/floor, the larger residence hall, and the University. RAs also play a major role in the implementation of programs and policies, which promote the goals of the Office of Residence Life. RAs are expected to take a sincere interest in the welfare of his/her fellow students, as well as the Office of Residence Life and support both constructively.

Specific Responsibilities

Each Resident Assistant working for the Office of Residence Life is expected to conduct him/herself maturely and to be attuned to the goals and objectives of the Residence Life program. The primary goal is the development of the environment conducive to the academic and personal growth of students living in the residence halls.

The following summary outlines specific expectations for which RAs are responsible:

I. Role Model

The Office of Residence Life relies on the RAs to fulfill a unique and critical responsibility; that of a role model to residents and all students. RAs are very visible leaders on campus, and as a result, their behavior is often in the public eye. It is expected that RAs be strong models in both academic and personal behavior for the residents of their wing/floor and the residence halls.

II. Relationships with Students

RAs should strive to help each resident develop fully as a person, student, and a member of the University community. In their multiple roles as friend, advisor, administrator, and policy enforcer, RAs should demonstrate concern for the health, safety, welfare, and rights of everyone living in the residence halls. Specifically, RAs are expected to:

III. Student Conduct

RAs are responsible for facilitating mature behavior to the extent that an atmosphere conducive to study is maintained and physical facilities are protected for student use. RAs are responsible for following and enforcing University and departmental policies consistently throughout the residence hall. Equally important is the need to impress upon residents that they are responsible for their own actions. Under no condition should RAs tolerate immature behavior or improper conduct. Specifically, RAs are expected to:

IV. Community Development and Hall Council

Since resident participation in informal and planned events enhances the residence hall living environment, RAs are responsible for actively developing and assisting Hall Council and the Hall Director in implementing hall activities. Specifically, RAs are expected to:

V. Administration

The smooth operation of a residence hall is dependent upon the cooperation and support of all staff members. RAs will be called upon to perform administrative tasks that are important to the operation of the hall. Specifically, RAs are expected to:

VI. Communication

RAs play a crucial part in setting the tone for how the residence halls are perceived by students. RAs represent the University and the Office of Residence Life to students, parents, and the general public. In addition, RAs are expected to effectively facilitate various floor/wing meetings, roommate agreement discussions, as well as mediate conflict, and serve as a university resource.

V. Professional Development

To be well-equipped for the various requirements of this position, RAs are expected to: