Residence Assistant Position

RAise the Bar
Become a Resident Assistant!

Apply to be an RA

This position is a part-time paraprofessional staff member of the Office of Residence Life who lives in an assigned residence hall. The Resident Assistant is directly supervised by the Village Coordinator. RAs keep their supervisor informed of activities, problems, and needs of the residents and the community. The RA gets to know residents and the larger residential community to build an engaged, safe and inclusive environment for academic success and personal growth. RAs help establish and maintain open lines of communication between residents of the hall and the Office of Residence Life. This position is for one full academic year.

What Do RAs Do?

• Student: Academics come first. RAs need to take time to study and pursue academic interests.
• Community Organizer: RAs foster a community environment favorable to each student’s intellectual, social and personal growth. They help establish an environment conducive to living, learning, studying and socializing.
• Role Model, Listener, Peer Adviser, Mediator: RAs actively listen, advise and assist individuals and groups of students as well as mediate conflicts and model appropriate and acceptable behavior for the residents.
• Educator through Programming: RAs sponsor educational and social events for residents.
• Community Standards Agent: RAs help students be aware of and understand the rules and regulations of the college. RAs must also enforce college policies.
• Referral and Resource Person: RAs become familiar with various campus and community resources and agencies in order to make correct referrals and provide general information to students.
• Administrator: RAs assist with general administrative duties and the management of the residences.

Time Commitment

• General availability to residents.
• Weekly “on-duty” responsibilities in assigned area.
• Fall pre-semester training sessions (approx. 7-8 days in August).
• Spring pre-semester training sessions (approx. 1 day in January).
• January Term participation, unless otherwise exempt
• Academic year contract covering Fall and Spring semesters.
• Plan and host monthly social and educational programs planned and implemented for residents.
• Assist with the staff selection process, hall openings and closings, and Fall student move-in.
• Conduct monthly Health and Safety Inspections
• Attend weekly staff meetings
• Attend biweekly 1:1 meetings with Village Coordinator.
• Occasional hall meetings meetings as needed.

Position Benefits

• $2100 stipend per semester towards tuition
• Single room
• J-Term housing covered
• Leadership opportunities and other transferable work experience

Eligibility Requirements

• Must have, and maintain, a 2.5 cumulative GPA
• Must be a full-time, enrolled undergraduate student
• Must abide by all Virginia Wesleyan University campus policies

Hiring Process Timeline