Be an RA (Resident Assistant)
Resident Assistant (RA) Job Description
Duration: Two Semester Appointment (fall and spring) or Summer Term Employment Staff members must re-apply each year.
Reports To: Hall Director
Qualifications: Full-time NSU student with 2.25 GPA or above.
General Responsibilities
Serves as member of the Residential Services team and reports to a hall director. An RA’s primary responsibility is to develop a strong, positive community on his/her floor. Additionally, RAs serve as helpers, team members, role models, administrators, and educators.
Specific Responsibilities
Community Builder
1. Work closely with RHA officers and delegates to assess needs and activities for community.
2. Implement BASIC model strategies on assigned floor.
3. Maintain BASIC workbook, documenting community development.
4. Inform all residents of RA function.
5. Establish rapport with all residents.
6. Know residents on assigned floor and be aware of any special needs they have.
7. Work with residents to keep halls, study areas, study areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and lobbies clean and in good condition.
Team Member
1. An RA is expected to work cooperatively with fellow hall staff members and to attend and participate in all training activities, including programs, staff meetings, and any other meeting or activities deemed necessary by supervisors.
Counselor/Helper
1. An RA advises residents both individually and in groups concerning academic, social, and personal issues.
2. An RA provides group and individual counseling to the best of his ability and is aware of campus resources for information and referral of students to appropriate services.
Administrator
1. Duty schedules and guidelines will be established in cooperation with the HD to ensure a staff member is available to residents in the hall.
2. RAs are expected to report to the residence hall on or before the residence hall opens following all vacation periods and remain until the floor is vacated or clearance is received by the hall director.
3. RAs are responsible for maintaining records, filing appropriate documentation, monitoring check-ins and check-outs, distributing information pertinent to residents, and reporting maintenance concerns using appropriate procedures.
4. RAs provide leadership in emergency situations and keep residents informed of emergency procedures.
5. RAs evaluate current policies and recommend changes.
Educator
1. The RA is responsible for assessing, developing, implementing, evaluating, and supporting educational programs within the parameters of the BASIC model.
2. The RA educates students about University and residential services policies.
3. The RA confronts unacceptable behavior and works with residents to change their behavior when appropriate.
4. The RA refers students/matters to the HD for further education when necessary.
5. The RA transmits, through example and statement, an openness to personal differences.
Role Model
1. The RA provides a role model for students to emulate by acting in a manner that exemplifies the spirit of the Nicholls Creed at all times.
2. The RA maintains a satisfactory GPA and models good study habits.
3. The RA challenges inappropriate and insensitive behaviors at all times.