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RA Job Description RA Job Description
The Position
The purpose of the Resident Assistant (RA) is to enhance the quality of life in the
residential communities while supporting the academic mission of the university for
the students in that community. The position requires an individual who is flexible
enough to assume a variety of roles as dictated by the changing needs of students.
It is crucial that an individual be able to relate well to others and handle administrative
responsibilities. The RA is more than just a friendly presence; she/he is the crucial
link in creating an environment in which students develop independence and learn to
live cooperatively with others.
- Applicants must be enrolled full time at SPSU during the spring to obtain the position.
As a staff member, you must also be enrolled full time during the duration of your
employment.
- Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to apply for and retain
their position. In addition, an applicant must be of sophomore class standing (30
credit hours).
- Please note that this is a one year commitment. Students graduating in December 2010
are not eligible to apply.
- The Department of Housing and Residence Life seeks candidates who enjoy working in
a community setting and fostering a living/learning community.
- 2010-2011 staff members will not be permitted to work more than 20 hours a week in
an outside job.
Position Responsibilities
Time Commitment & Duty
Staff members are expected to be available during the week and on weekends for their
residents. This is a live on position. Each RA will be expected to serve an “on-duty”
basis including holidays and weekends as determined necessary by the Residence Life
Coordinator.
The nature of the position is such that its responsibilities are determined not so
much by a time clock or a calendar, but by the needs of residents. Some periods, such
as training, opening and closing will require more time than average, but other responsibilities
will arise that cannot always be anticipated and scheduled. In addition, staff is
expected to share duty responsibilities over break time when housing remains open
(Thanksgiving, Spring Break, MLK weekend, Easter, etc.).
Training
- Actively participate in all fall and spring training and weekly in-services as mandated.
- Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings
- Arrange for individual meetings with the Housing and Residence Life Coordinator for
regular performance review as requested
Community Development
- Prepares informational reports and completes documents as requested by the Housing
and Residence Life Coordinator and Director of Housing and Residence Life
- Ensures the delivery of crucial information and materials from the Housing and Residence
Life office and other university sources to residents
- Maintains confidentiality with staff-related matters, including incident documentation,
mental health issues and disciplinary status of residents
- Conducts regular building rounds on duty nights and as requested
- Conduct regular health and safety checks of assigned rooms Assists with check-in and
checkout of residents
- Monitors physical facilities, assessing use patterns, needed repairs and suggested
improvements
Communication
- Prepares informational reports and completes documents as requested by the Housing
and Residence Life Coordinator or Director of Housing and Residence Life
- Ensures the delivery of crucial information and materials from the Housing and Residence
Life Office and other university sources to residents
- Maintains confidentiality with staff-related matters, including incident documentation,
mental health issues and disciplinary status of residents
- Conducts regular building rounds on duty nights and as requested
- Assists with check-in and checkout of residents
- Monitors physical facilities, assessing use patterns, needed repairs and suggested
improvements
Student Programs
- Assesses needs and interests of floor and hall and apartment residents by interacting
with all of them on a regular basis
- Actively participates in the development of a hall and/or building-wide programming
calendar designed to respond to the needs of residents
- Initiates programs, activities and community development on the floor or building
that address the social, recreational educational and development aspects of the residents’
lives
- Considers the needs of a diverse population when developing programs
Student Conduct
- Knows, understands and abides by University and state regulations
- Communicates policies and the rationale behind them to residents
- Establishes behavioral expectations
- Works with staff members to promote a responsible living and learning atmosphere in
the hall
- Informs the Housing and Residence Life Coordinator of actual and potential conduct
programs
- Supports all decisions of recognized judicial agencies and persons
- Acts as a positive role model in both academic and personal behavior for other students
