Student Positions

Resident Advisor

Resident Advisor information can be found here

The Resident Advisor (RA) is a paraprofessional staff member employed by the Office of Housing and Residence Life to support the educational experience of living at Mason. The RA is concerned with the growth and development of each individual in his/her community, as well as the overall floor community. The RA is expected to promote an environment conducive to the sleep and study needs of the residents, consistent with the academic mission of the University.

Responsibilities of the RA will vary in each area based on the differing needs of each community. RAs are expected to demonstrate professionalism, commitment to the goals and values of CCHM/OHRL, initiative, dependability, and a positive attitude. The RA reports to Senior Staff in their area. Specifically, the RA is responsible for the following:

Community Development

• Foster and maintain a positive sense of community among residents.
• Assess and respond to the needs of your residents on a continual basis.
• Facilitate events which build community and meet the needs of your floor, hall, and area.
• Plan appropriate number of programs each semester per the established program requirements.
• Support the programming efforts of other OHRL staff members and the University by escorting residents to events.
• Develop an informational bulletin board each month.

Information, Communication, and Resource Referral

• Communicate and enforce community standards and policies as outlined in the Guide to Pride.
• Post necessary notices and flyers on your hall.
• Interpret coach, and communicate maintenance and housekeeping policies and procedures.
• Be familiar with campus and community resources.
• Inform residents of all pertinent campus information and deadlines.
• Be knowledgeable and communicate safety and emergency procedures.
• Keep the Senior Staff informed of what is happening in your community.

Advising and Counseling

• Know your residents. Be aware of their personal, social, and academic concerns.
• Assist your residents with personal and academic concerns.
• Refer any resident whom you perceive needs professional attention to your supervisor.
• Be visible, available, and approachable to residents.
• Be familiar with campus counseling services and University Life services.
• Be sensitive and adhere to the regulations regarding confidentiality as outlined in FERPA.

Meetings

• Attend all (weekly) staff meetings, training, and University 300 classes.
• Resident Advisors are required to meet with his/her supervisor individually on a regular basis.

Desk Expectations

• Desk duty is required of all Resident Advisors, and may include some holiday and break periods.

Maintenance and Safety

• Report needed repairs according to established procedure.
• Conduct a basic inspection of your community each week.
• Maintain a record of all reported maintenance problems and follow up with your supervisor.
• Conduct Health and Safety Inspections as required, generally twice per semester.
• Understand and inform residents about safety, emergency and fire evacuation procedures.
• Assist with the movement of furniture and other equipment as necessary.

Limit-Setting and Residential Safety

• Know, enforce, and be able to explain the policies and the judicial system as outlined in the Guide to Pride and License Agreement.
• Encourage students to take responsibility for their own actions.
• Establish behavioral standards and emphasize common courtesy and consideration for others.
• Refer and document recurring disciplinary matters to your supervisor.
• Immediately report and document in a neat, timely, and orderly manner all incidents and situations which threaten the health, safety, and security of residents.
• Respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis.
• Model appropriate behavior at all times (please note that failure to adhere to Guide to Pride policies may result in termination).

Duty Responsibilities

• Work a specified duty shift according to your area’s specifications (handle emergency situations, resident issues, perform rounds, inspect maintenance and facility concerns).
• Be sure to thoroughly document and report any incidents.

Administrative

• Complete assigned paper work and administrative tasks in a timely manner.
• Assist in occupancy and roster updates.
• Assist in maintaining furniture inventory and control; complete room condition reports.
• Assist with Opening and Closing of all Residential Communities.
• Professional Development; attend all formal and supplemental training. Training sessions may occur during times when school is not in session.

Time Away

• It is important that you are available to residents in your area.
• Areas will determine specific procedures for time-off requests.
• A weekend the period from Friday afternoon to early Sunday evening.
• A maximum of 50% staff can be away in any one weekend (as determined by supervisor).
• Plan to spend no more than one weekend away per month.
• You may be away 8 week nights per semester.
• Any absence later than 3 AM is considered a night away.

Remuneration

• $125 per month (minus taxes) & a free room is included with the position.