Head Resident; Residential

Head Residents (HRs) are directly supervised by the Area Coordinators and assist with various administrative, programmatic, and supervisory responsibilities. The Head Resident plays an active role in student learning outside of the classroom through specific, planned programs and on-going individual and group interaction. All position responsibilities are performed in conjunction and consultation with an Area Coordinator. Head Residents are key in establishing a community environment conducive to maximum academic, personal, and social development;

maintaining healthy and safe living conditions; and providing overall support the mission of Residential Life. Head Residents are an integral part of the leadership team of Residential Life.

This position is not a part of the Wesleyan Student Employees Union.

• Assist the Area Coordinator in providing support, structure, direction, guidance and feedback to the Resident Advisors, House Managers, and/or Community Advisors to ensure that they perform their responsibilities as effectively as possible.
• Participate in recruitment, selection, and evaluation of student staff.
• Assist with, and participate in, pre-service and in-service training.
• Coordinate educational and social activities for student staff.
• Work to create an environment of acceptance and inclusion amongst staff members. Foster a respect for difference of opinions, expressions and identities.

• Work with staff to create a sense of community and mutual respect within the living unit through an emphasis on Departmental learning goals and outcomes.
• Be available, approachable and visible to student staff in assigned area of responsibility to assist with personal, social, and academic needs, as well as general resources.
• Assist the staff in educating residents about community standards, including the Code of Non-Academic Conduct, and the processes of the Community Standards Board as outlined in the Student Handbook.
• Assess, represent and advocate for student needs.
• Assist with or handle crisis intervention as necessary.

• Support the community development efforts of staff members; assist the RAs/HMs/CAs with the assessment, planning and implementation of effective learning strategies.
• Actively support resident-initiated programming, as well as encourage participation in other University-sponsored events.
• Coach student staff regarding the execution of learning outcome driven initiatives.

• Provide timely communication with the Area Coordinator by reporting incidents, concerns, and solutions related to both the staff and the residents, including submissions of reports when requested.
• Attend weekly staff meetings and regular individual (one-on-one) meetings with your Area Coordinator.
• Follow-up on phone calls, texts, and e-mail on a daily basis.
• Coordinate and assist in the administration of such procedures as opening/check-in at the beginning of each semester, closing and securing of the area at the end of each semester, scheduling staff duty, tracking of learning strategies, and other tasks as outlined by the office of Residential Life.
• Remain on campus until all residential areas are closed (specific dates outlined in the Head Resident contract).
• Be available during emergencies to assist in assuring the safety and security of residents. At the discretion of the Director of Residential Life, this position may be deemed essential during emergencies. This means that while other students may be encouraged to vacate campus, Res Life student staff are required to remain at Wesleyan to assist in community response.

• Advise and consult with student staff regarding…