The Resident Assistant is responsible for a floor or wing. He/she is there to assist with the personal and academic concerns of the student and to help work out any group conflicts that may arise. The Resident Assistant also serves as a facilitator to encourage a cooperative and considerate group living environment. The Resident Assistant is expected to help build a feeling of togetherness and community by initiating and organizing floor/wing or hall activities and programs. He/she serves as an informational resource about the campus and the residence hall. Most of all, the Resident Assistant is expected to be a person who cares about people and attempts to make the residence hall a worthwhile place to live.

The responsibilities of the Resident Assistant are numerous and varied. The following is a representative list of Resident Assistant responsibilities.

Professionalism

• Maintains a professional attitude and manner while employed as an University employee for the Department of Housing and Residential Programs.
• Knows and understands the philosophy of the Department and is familiar with the resource material in the "Living On Campus" handbook.
• Knows and understands the rationale for University and Residence Hall policies and procedures and is able to interpret them effectively.
• As paraprofessional members of the Department, Resident Assistants are expected to maintain a high level of ethical standards whether he/she is on duty or not. Furthermore, Resident Assistant’s should always assist in hall matters regardless of a duty night.
• As paraprofessional members of the Department, appropriate dress is expected while an RA is on duty. Expectations will be outlined by your Graduate Assistant.

Administrative

• Assist in maintaining order in emergency situations.
• Conduct monthly checks of smoke detectors. Furthermore, all fire protection equipment should be checked when doing rounds in the building.
• Is required to participate in RA Training, In-Service Programs, Resident Assistant Selection, Staff Retreat, RA Informational Nights, Alcohol Symposium, and CPR Training. Advance notification to his/her Graduate Assistant is required if unable to attend.
• Attends and participates in all meetings called by the Graduate Assistant and/or the Department of Housing and Residential Programs.
• Develops a working relationship with the Graduate Assistant and with peer staff members.
• Informs the Graduate Assistant of living unit situations (happenings, needs, behavioral changes, unknown whereabouts of members) through informal visits/conferences and staff meetings.
• Works with and supports the housekeeping staff and explains their role to students.
• Supports and participates in the evaluation of residence hall staff personnel.
• Are responsible for certain administrative and clerical tasks as assigned by the Graduate Assistant and/or the Department of Housing and Residential Programs.
  • Maintains records concerning room inventory and damages in student's rooms.
  • Assists in student room check-in and room check-out procedures.
  • Assists in surveys and special projects as requested by the Graduate Assistant and/or the Department of Housing and Residential Programs.
• Shares responsibility of duty nights and hall security. Resident Assistant's are expected to be in their respective hall most nights of each week available to meet student needs. Additional Resident Assistant duty guidelines are set at the discretion of the Graduate Assistant. Duty guidelines include: duty rounds, security checks, professional behavior, etc.
• Assists in additional responsibilities that occur concerning hall functions.
• Works with the Graduate Assistant in advising Hall Council. Attendance at Hall Council meetings is at the discretion of the Graduate Assistant.
• Remains in the residence hall until all students have left for vacation periods (Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break, and Summer) and returns early to open the residence hall after a vacation/break period.
• Limits weekend time away from the residence hall. Advance approval by the Graduate Assistant for time away from campus is required.
• Participates in RA Recruitment, Selection, and Evaluation process.
• Will cover the Security Guard hours when a replacement cannot be located.
• Will assist with lock-outs whenever needed.

Programming

• Facilitates academic, cultural, social, and community building programming, individually, and in cooperation with other Resident Assistants and with residents of the living unit. Specific guidelines and directions concerning programming are arranged with the Graduate Assistant. Each Resident Assistant is responsible for at least five programs per semester (one of which should be an all hall program).
• Encourages and supports students in their involvement in Hall Council, programming, and campus activities.
• Provides an informational floor bulletin board for academic information, social events, deadline dates, Hall Council, maintenance, polices and procedures, etc.

Office Policies

• Does not allow extracurricular activities or outside employment to conflict with the duties of the Resident Assistant position.
• Maintains a 2.3 cumulative QPA. A maximum course load of 18 undergraduate hours will be permitted. Resident Assistants must notify their Graduate Assistant if they wish to take less than 12 hours or more than 18 hours. Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative QPA, and be enrolled for 9 hours of coursework.
• Each Graduate Assistant manages their building/area in the manner they deem to be the most beneficial to the development of the residents living in their building/area. Therefore, additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned at the discretion of each respective Graduate Assistant.

Compensation

• Compensation information is discussed at informational meetings and is spelled out in the R.A. contract.

Email Address: Sharon.Knerr@Millersville.edu or Alison.Sehl@millersville.edu
Phone Number: (717) 871-5691 or (717) 871-4987
Reference Form: Click Here (PDF Format)