Family Resident Assistant

The Family Housing Resident Assistant (RA) is a full-time student and/or spouse of a student living within an on-campus family housing community and supports residents of that community. The RA is a member of the Residence Life Staff and actively participates in the development of a comprehensive Residence Life program.

The RA is appointed for a specific contract year. Individuals should not apply for or accept a position if they cannot commit to the entire contract year. Reappointment is contingent upon successful job performance, requisite academic progress, favorable supervisory review, and the on-going needs of the overall Residence Life system.

The RA position, due to its live-in nature, requires willingness to be called into service at any time of the day or night to meet students' needs as they arise. The RA will function as a peer resource and community leader to residents. Therefore, availability, consistency and interpersonal skills are of the utmost importance.

The RA is expected to serve as a role model and abide by all University and Housing policies. Furthermore, the RA is expected to assist in maintaining a safe, secure and comfortable living/learning community and is expected to maintain academic standards and full-time student status.

I. Community Development The RA should facilitate the development of strong communities and responsible and involved community members. The successful RA will effectively and intentionally incorporate these concepts into their interactions with residents:

• Interact with each resident on a regular basis focusing conversations related to the guiding principles
• Conduct New Resident Orientation Meetings together with the other RAs and the area supervisor throughout the year, as determined by supervisor
• Build and maintain a relationship of trust with individual residents. Maintain objectivity, neutrality and confidentiality.
• Be mindful of residents' special circumstances (i.e., health concerns, peak stress times, emotional difficulties, academic problems, etc.)
• Be familiar with campus and community resources and make referrals as appropriate
• Encourage resident involvement and interactions within the community
• Promote community development through initiatives and events, policy enforcement and involvement
• Actively support the Aggies Think, Care, Act initiative
• Actively support the efforts of RHA and Leadership Council in programming and advocacy efforts

II. Initiatives and Events Initiatives and events are an important tool for developing a strong community and providing involvement opportunities for residents. Our model focuses on the Guiding Principles of Residence Life which include personal growth, healthy lifestyles, social responsibility and academic support. RAs are required to coordinate all aspects of initiatives and events including the following:

• Submit an initiative proposal form to the supervisor at least one week in advance of the initiative
• Involve residents in the planning and execution of initiatives and events
• Design initiatives and events intentionally to meet the needs of the community based on assessment and initiative requirements
  • Initiatives and events should focus on the development of student families, and the skills and information needed to be successful as a family.
  • Identify learning outcomes for initiatives that align with guiding principles
• Create appropriate, effective advertising for initiatives and events and include Residence Life and Aggies Think, Care, Act logo as applicable
• Manage initiatives and events budget
• Coordinate with other groups who also organize initiatives and events in the community, specifically the RHA Leadership Council
• Support RHA, other campus offices and appropriate student…