Resident Assistant Job Description
I. Overall Description
Resident Assistants (RA) are an integral part of the Canisius College residence hall staff. RAs are students who are accountable to the Hall Director as an essential liaison between Residence Life and the residential students on-campus. The role of the RA shares a large responsibility overseeing the operations of the residence halls as well as programming for students. The RA role by nature requires an individual who is acutely sensitive to the needs of students; can be flexible regarding time demands; is willing and able to relate to a wide variety of diverse backgrounds; is knowledgeable of support services available at Canisius College. This individual must have the ability to handle a variety of administrative tasks and show passion towards developing students. The RA must have an understanding of each resident’s responsibility for the welfare of the community.
The RA has the following specific responsibilities:
II. Academics
ii. Leading by example and influence; encourage responsible study habits and class attendance among residents.
iii. Remain registered as a full time student (at least 12 hours/semester)
III. Administrative
i. One must have a detailed understanding of the staff manual and all housing policies and procedures as well as any staff expectations set by the Hall Director.
ii. Assist with check-in and checkout process throughout the semester. This requires RAs to move-in early and depart later than others after each semester ends.
iii. Prepare bulletin boards and door decorations periodically throughout the semester.
iv. Prepare weekly reports as directed by the Hall Director.
v. Meet all residence hall, area, and departmental deadlines.
vi. Inspect floor public areas weekly and complete any work order requests needed.
vii. Participate in all training, staff meetings and professional development required by supervisor.
viii. Communicate with the Hall Director bi-weekly concerning all aspects of the position and all developments in the RA’s are of responsibility.
ix. Perform other duties as assigned.
IV. Advising/Counseling
i. Advise individual residents in personal, social, and academic matters. Make necessary and appropriate referrals to Hall Director concerning residents.
ii. Proactively address roommate concerns, aide is mediating roommate conflicts.
iii. Intervene in crisis situations as needed and make appropriate referrals.
iv. Advise students on all policies and procedures set by Canisius College and the Office of Residence Life.
V. Community Development
i. Be visible and available to residents on a regular basis.
ii. Conduct floor meetings, monthly, throughout semester or as directed by your Hall Director.
iii. Fulfill all monthly programming requirements in a timely and appropriate manner.
iv. Lead by example and influence, promote and encourage responsible behavior among residents both on and off campus.
v. Recognize the various backgrounds, experiences, and values present on the floor and within the building. Plan community builders and activities that will include students of all backgrounds.
vi. Keep information on floor as well as the bulletin boards up to date.
VI. Discipline
i. Communicate residence hall policies and procedures with all residents
ii. Confront residence hall violations that you observe in any residence hall, and make effort to communicate with the Hall Director on referrals
iii. Complete all necessary steps of reporting an incident within 24 hours of confronting/observing any situation through the on-line judicial system.
iv. Cooperate and support other staff members
VII. On- Duty Responsibilities
i. Serve as the RA on duty on various nights and weekends for your area. RAs are expected to be at the perspective duty locations during this time. The responsibilities include but are not limited to guest check-ins, lockouts, responding to emergencies, and doing rounds.
ii. When on duty you are responsible for carrying a duty phone and keys as well as remaining in your room for the remainder of the shift.
VIII. Staff Involvement/Supervision
i. Attend all staff meetings and one on one appointments scheduled by your Hall Director.
ii. Show commitment to your residence hall staff and the position as a whole.
iii. Accept and respond appropriately to all direction by Hall Directors and central staff.
IX. Time Commitments
i. Due to the significant time commitment your Hall Director must approve all extra-curricular commitments. If RAs chose to have external employment is must be under 15 hours a week.
ii. RAs are expected to be available and in their residence hall after 11pm each night unless they have taken the night off with approval of their Hall Director.
iii. The Office of Residence Life provides training before the semester begins in August and also throughout the academic year. Each RA is required to attend all training provided.
iv. Any Canisius College study abroad application may be upheld and terminated if not approved by Residence Life prior to signing position contract.
X. Compensation
Each RA is provided a private room, meal plan credit (Griff Bucks) depending on assigned area, a $500.00 stipend, also an invaluable experience where you will grow as a leader and a citizen.
**Accepting an RA position may affect your eligibility for some financial aid. If you are currently receiving financial aid, you should check with your financial aid advisor before you accept an RA position.