Residential Assistant

Program Description

Upward Bound (UB) & Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS) are federally funded college‑prep programs created by the Higher Education Act of 1965 for high school students who are potential first‑generation college students and/or from low‑income families and/or have an academic need. The program's goal is to develop in participants the skills and motivation needed for success in post‑secondary education. During the academic year, the programs serve a total of 170 high school students from target schools in Milwaukee.

During the summer, students in grades 9‑12 participate in a summer program. The summer program includes classes, electives, tutoring, field trips, and programming. Up to 40 students will live in Sandburg Residence Hall, while the remaining students commute to campus during the summer. Weekly, the residential students will live in Sandburg Residence Hall from Monday evening to Thursday afternoon and on Fridays participate in activities and field trips.

The primary objective of the residential assistant position is to ensure the well‑being of the students in their charge, especially regarding safety, morale, discipline, interpersonal relationships within the group, and application to studies. Since summer program participants are minors, the program staff is responsible for constant and close supervision to ensure students' well‑being. Beyond supervision, RAs are required to plan, prepare, lead, and actively participate in all extra‑curricular activities and workshops outside of classroom sessions.

This position requires continuous interaction with students and allows little to no personal time in the afternoons and evenings. The typical schedule for an RA is overnight M‑W from 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Thursday 7:00 am – 8:00 am with an additional shift on Thursdays from 1:00 pm‑2:30 pm, Friday field trips, and on‑call responsibilities. To be most successful, residential assistants must be dedicated to working with young people, demonstrate extraordinary patience and stamina, and have the flexibility to work when the students need them.

• Supervise students during all mealtimes, free time, study hours, and field trips.
• Provide or assist with chaperoning activities.
• Take turns with other RAs to be on call to assist with emergencies.
• Required to stay overnight in Sandburg Hall to supervise participants (Monday – Wednesday). Students check out Thursday afternoons and check in Monday mornings.
• Conduct room checks during curfew (after lights out) and on‑call responsibilities.
• Work with other resident staff to organize and provide activities (community field trips, volleyball, basketball, crafts, etc.) and supervise tutoring/study hours each afternoon/evening.
• Attend RA staff meetings.
• Responsible for room checks before weekly check‑outs on Thursdays and final move‑out on July 30th.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Rising Sophomore standing or above; with a cumulative GPA of 2.5.
• Strong preference for prior resident‑advisor experience.
• Preference for experience working with underrepresented or educationally disadvantaged youth.
• Currently enrolled as a college student.
• College transcripts required.
• Hourly rate is $14.00/hr. 32 – 40 hours per week & paid required training (June 29th and June 30th).

• June 29th – July 31st 2026 (Sandburg Hall)

• Must complete a Criminal Background Check prior to their first day of employment.
• Must successfully attend and complete all required training on June 29th and June 30th (including the mandatory Position of Trust Working with Minors on Campus training by June 30th).
• Must reside in Sandburg Hall from June 29th through July 31st 2026.
• Must be available to travel and chaperone the field trips.
• Free room during training and summer program.
• Free breakfast, lunch, and dinner whenever students are in residence.

• Critical Thinking is developed through the day‑to‑day troubleshooting of issues related to student living, including addressing roommate conflicts, responding to policy violations, supporting student well‑being, and managing unexpected situations that arise during on‑call shifts.
• Communication is developed through interactions with residents, colleagues, supervisors, and campus partners, including providing guidance, answering questions or concerns, facilitating conversations, and maintaining clear and professional communication within the residential community.