The Resident Assistant (RA) works in a residence hall or apartment setting under the direct supervision of a Graduate Assistant. The role of the Resident Assistant is to work with other residence hall staff to facilitate an environment within the residence hall community that promotes the educational experience of residential living. The RA articulates to the residents the philosophy and policies of the Office of Residence Life and Housing and the university and in turn, represents the needs of the students to the administration. In order to achieve success in the position, the following section outlines the major job functions of the Resident Assistant position; however it is not an all inclusive list. The RA will perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor expressed or implied in this job description.

Role Modeling

• The RA is an employee and representative of the Office of Residence Life & Housing and Norfolk State University. He/she must be in good social and academic standing with the university.
  
• The RA is expected to live in accordance with the policies outlined in the Residence Life & Housing Handbook, the RA Manual, the RA Contract and the NSU Student Handbook, as well as all other university policies while on and off campus. Failure to do so may result in sanctions including dismissal.

Individual Helping and Referral

• The RA helps residents with academic, personal and social matters within the limits of his/her training and capabilities, and serves as a resource and referral agent for the residents.
  
• The RA is expected to become acquainted with the residents on the floor well enough to recognize changes in behavior patterns for which counseling or other assistance may be necessary.
  
• The RA is responsible for reading and being familiar with university resources presented in the RA Manual, the Residence Life & Housing Handbook and the NSU student handbook.

 

Community Development

The RA will assist residents in developing a meaningful community that supports and promotes the ideals of personal responsibility and positive citizenship. The RA is expected to facilitate regular floor meetings and programs to encourage ongoing community development. The RA will serve as a member of the Residence Hall Association and various organizations as directed by the Office of Residence Life & Housing.

 

Program Development

• The RA is expected to be fully committed to and involved in the development of meaningful educational, social, recreational, and cultural programs for residents. This includes assessing residents' needs and planning programs to effectively meet those needs.
  
• The RA will encourage residents to pursue their interests and plan their own programs and activities.

 

Work Hours Responsibility

The RA assumes responsibility at the front desk of their building as scheduled: at night, on weekends, during break periods when the college remains open, and during hall openings and closings to ensure proper coverage. The RA is expected to sleep in his/her room each night throughout the year, including examination periods, and excluding Thanksgiving and semester breaks, unless an overnight absence is approved by the hall Graduate Assistant.

Administrative Responsibilities

• The RA is expected to become familiar with administrative procedures contained in the RA Manual, the Residence Life & Housing Handbook, and the NSU Student Handbook, and is expected to assume other related duties as assigned by the Graduate Assistant, Residence Hall Coordinator and/or the Office of Residence Life & Housing.
  
• The RA is expected to help open and close the halls, prepare building check-in forms, check residents in and out of the buildings and assist with other housing administration functions as assigned.
  
• The RA will disseminate or collect information and generate reports as required.
  
• The RA may be asked to participate on committees that will be initiated throughout the year.

 

Enforcement of Regulations

The RA is expected to understand and enforce all university and residence hall regulations and policies. The RA is responsible for facilitating a climate that promotes individual responsibility and protects the rights of the individual and the community. Regulations and policies should be enforced in a fair and consistent manner. Staff actions should never appear to condone violations of policy. The RA is a part of the disciplinary referral system and must maintain appropriate confidentiality.

Safety and Security

• The RA will help safeguard the community by making rounds in the building and conducting periodic room inspections.
  
• The RA will educate residents on fire safety and evacuation procedures.

Meetings and Training Programs

• The RA is expected to attend all staff meetings, in-service training programs, and the spring and fall training programs. No exceptions will be granted unless an emergency arises.
  
• The RA has the responsibility to schedule and facilitate regular meetings with residents.

Outside Commitments

• A Resident Assistant may not hold other employment on or off campus.
  
• It is expected that the RA will give his/her hall responsibilities priority over all other extracurricular activities. The Resident Assistant is expected to limit outside activities so that they will not conflict with residence hall responsibilities.
  
• Students with significant academic or extracurricular commitments should carefully review the situation with the Assistant Director of Residence Life prior to assuming an RA appointment.

When each category of the RA's roles listed above are balanced, the opportunity for community immersion increases. Each RA should strive to maintain a balance not only with their role but with their personal and academic lives. RAs are encouraged to take part in their own development to ensure they are getting the most from the experience.

 

 

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