Resident Advisor Job Description

The resident advisor (RA) position at the University of Massachusetts Lowell is a para-professional staff member of the Office of Residence Life.  It is the responsibility of the RA to supervise and manage a residential area within a building and to stimulate the growth and development of the residents.  The RA is expected to promote an environment that is conducive to the personal, sleep, and study needs of his/her residents, and complement the goals of the University.

Specific responsibilities of the RA will depend greatly upon the individual needs of the RA's particular floor and building.  An RA is expected to demonstrate initiative, dependability, openness, and a positive attitude.  The RA is an official representative of the Office of Residence Life and reports directly to the resident director (RD) of their assigned resident hall.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE RESIDENT ADVISOR

1. Advising and Resources
   1. Be visible, available, and approachable to floor residents.
   2. Know floor residents and be aware of and sensitive to their personal, social, and academic concerns.
   3. Be sensitive to the concern and need for confidentiality.
   4. Refer to the RD, any resident who is perceived to be in need of professional attention.
   5. Be familiar with the campus and community counseling services and other resources.
      
2. Limit Setting and Discipline
   1. Establish and maintain expectations of behavioral standards in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.  Emphasize the concepts of common courtesy and consideration for community standards.
   2. Address behavioral infractions in a prompt, effective, and "educational" manner.
   3. Interpret and enforce University and Residence Hall rules and procedures consistently and fairly.
   4. Keep the RD informed of disciplinary situations and make referrals when necessary.
   5. Encourage students to take responsibility for their actions.
      
3. Programming and Activity Planning
   1. Strive to develop a sense of community through encouraging residents' involvement in Hall Council, and in the planning and implementation of programs and activities.
   2. Complete all programming requirements as explained during RA Training Sessions.
   3. Support Hall Council through attending, promoting, or active participation in meetings and activities.
   4. Serve as a coordinator, motivator, and resource person in encouraging floor residents to initiate and implement programs.
4. Maintenance and Residential Safety
   1. Understand and effectively utilize University maintenance and emergency procedures.
   2. Maintain an overall awareness of floor conditions and report all maintenance and safety needs promptly and accurately.
   3. Understand and familiarize floor residents with community safety, emergency, and fire evacuation procedures.
   4. Obtain annual certification in CPR/First Aid; training will be provided to all staff during training.
   5. Report damages or vandalism to the RD promptly.
      
5. Administrative
   1. Complete all paperwork and administrative tasks completely and thoroughly.
   2. Complete and update Room Condition Forms (RCFs) when asked.
   3. Assist in verifying resident occupancy and floor plans as needed.
   4. Be familiar with and able to explain Housing and University procedures.
      
6. General Staff Responsibility
   1. Attend and actively participate in weekly staff meetings, and all training and development programs.
   2. Maintain regular contact and keep RD aware of all developments and incidents in your residence hall.
   3. Actively participate in your personal and professional growth and development, and the development of the Residence Life program.
   4. Interact effectively with other University personnel at all levels.
   5. Consider a wide range of alternatives and their potential impact prior to making and implementing decisions.
   6. Participate in the Resident Advisor duty / on-call rotation.
   7. Utilize all keys, rosters, electronic information, access cards, and other confidential information with discretion and only as outlined in established procedures.
   8. Participate in required campus events including Opening Week Activities, Family Day, Spring Carnival, RA Selection, and any others announced in the Staff Planning Calendar provided at the beginning of each semester.
   9. Attend and actively participate in bi-monthly Residence Life Committee.
   10. New RA's Only - Attend entire RELAY Course.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

1. Meet all eligibility criteria at the time of application.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of residence hall and / or community living, and the ability to work effectively with students, parents, faculty, and staff.
3. Be able to provide leadership and be a role model for students.
4. Be prepared to make a full-year commitment to the staff position.
5. Be prepared to actively participate in pre-service training programs prior to the Fall and Spring academic semesters.