Resident Assistants (RAs) are highly trained peer leaders who live on each floor in the residence halls and strive to develop a sense of community among residents. The main functions of a Resident Assistant are to serve as program planners, conflict mediators, peer counselors, policy enforcers, and resource persons. In addition to serving as a resource for all students, RAs also assist first year students with their adjustment to college and orientation programs. As peer counselors, RAs provide support for individual students with personal concerns, offer roommate mediation assistance, and share referral information with students.
From 9:00 p.m. through 8:00 a.m. daily, at least four Resident Assistants are on duty. The duty RAs periodically walk throughout the residence hall area, assist students with lockouts, address maintenance problems or policy violations, and overall monitor the safety and security of each living area. If students need assistance they should call the contact RA, whose name and number is posted in the building showcases and beside each RA door.
Becoming an RA involves several steps:
- Attending an RA Information Session
- Successful completion of HI ED 302: Role of the Resident Assistant: Theory and Practice (offered in the Spring Semester) with at least a "B-" grade.
- Minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.50
- Good University Conduct Standing
- Participation in all aspects of the RA Application and Interview Process
- Recommendation for employment by the Residence Life Staff