Introduction
Resident assistants (RAs) are college-aged peer mentors who help students get the most out of their living experiences. They set rules, organize events and help residents manage conflicts. They also serve as liaisons between the residence hall and other campus resources.
Role and Selection
RAs are selected for their leadership skills and their commitment to student safety and well-being. They receive training on crisis response and problem solving. They spend about one night a week on duty. During their duty shift, they do rounds and walk through their communities to enforce community standards, check on facility concerns and ensure all rooms are secure.
Contributions to Community Building
They are a key part of WMU's efforts to build safe, inclusive and respectful residence hall communities. They connect residents with on-campus and off-campus opportunities, promote positive campus life, and facilitate social activities that build a sense of community.
Friendship and Support
Making friends in college can be overwhelming, but RAs are trained to guide their students through the process and help them make connections with other students on their floor. RAs organize lots of back-to-school activities to ease the transition from high school to college, and they are a great resource for new students who are nervous about making friends on their own.
Job Description
The job description varies widely from school to school, but it generally includes a mix of duties that include planning social programming and assisting with promoting residence life and community engagement. RAs are also expected to serve as a primary point of contact for issues and concerns in their buildings, complete weekly reports, conduct weekly safety checks, and provide emergency response.
Challenging yet Rewarding
Working as an RA is a challenging time commitment, but it's a rewarding one. You'll have the opportunity to develop and hone your leadership skills while working with an amazing group of people who share your values. Your responsibilities vary from university to university, but a good resident assistant will be flexible enough to handle the workload while still having time for socializing and pursuing other interests. The position can be a valuable way to network with peers, develop new skills, and gain experience that will be useful in your future career.
Floor Leadership and Community Development
As a resident assistant, you'll be in charge of a floor of 20-55 students. You'll work closely with the Residence Hall Director to create an environment where residents can feel comfortable and supported, while developing a strong sense of community.
Requirements and Expectations
To become a resident assistant, you must have a high GPA, clean disciplinary record, and be in good standing with the University. You'll need to be able to commit to an on-call duty schedule and meet with the Resident Hall Director at least once each semester. In addition to their responsibilities in their hall, RAs are also responsible for attending meetings and staff training sessions throughout the year. During these sessions, you'll learn more about your specific responsibilities and how to best support the residence hall. RAs are also required to attend weekly meetings with their supervisor and the entire RA team. These meetings discuss issues and concerns with the residence halls, provide information about upcoming events and activities, and allow for feedback from staff members.
