Saint Mary’s College of California
Resident Advisor Leadership Program Position Description
Office of Residential Experience
The Resident Advisor (RA) is an integral member of the Residential Experience staff. The RA is directly responsible for the functions of their floor/hall within the Saint Mary’s College residential community and is directly supervised by the Resident Director (RD). The RA is assigned to a living group and is responsible for fostering a sense of community and promoting a quality environment for all residents. Further, RAs must complete assigned administrative tasks in an effort to maintain good communication between residents and the greater Saint Mary’s community. All RA responsibilities support the development and growth of the residential community and student learning.
The RA Scholarship, under the Department of Education regulations, must be viewed as financial aid and therefore is taken in consideration with a student's entire financial package. The RA Scholarship and other need-based grants cannot exceed a student's financial need. Students should contact their financial aid counselor to discuss if and how the RA scholarship will impact their financial aid package.
Minimum Qualifications
§ Full-time undergraduate student at the College.
§ At least sophomore class standing.
§ Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 at the time of application, and maintain this minimum GPA while a RA.
§ Have lived on campus for at least two (2) semesters at the College. Prior residential living at another college will be considered.
§ Be in good academic and discipline standing with the College.
§ May not hold both a Resident Advisor and Associated Students of Saint Mary's College Executive or Orientation Leader position concurrently.
§ Hold the term of position (August 13, 2017 through May 29, 2018) for Fall, January & Spring Semesters. (Permission may be granted for January Term travel based upon application, but is not guaranteed; a maximum of 5 RA’s may travel.)
§ Successful enrollment and completion of the Exploring Leadership Course (EDUC 085). Course must be completed prior to acceptance of the RA position.
Community Development
§ Work with residents to create an environment where mutual regard of the rights and privileges of residents exists, including respect for individual values and beliefs, a sense of belonging and unity, and a common desire to jointly undertake tasks and activities.
§ Plan and implement programs that promote inclusive excellence in the context of the Residential Curriculum.
§ Plan and implement programs that promote the educational aims of the College and its mission.
§ Role model through actions and words a respect for human dignity and an appreciation for people of all races, ethnicities, genders, religions, abilities, and sexual orientations.
§ Identify and encourage student leadership, participation, and interaction on the floor/hall/campus via activities and programs that meet the needs of the residents and are based on the mission of the College: Liberal Arts, Catholic, and Lasallian.
§ Be alert to the personal and social needs of the members of the residential community and make appropriate referrals for students who may need special assistance with personal, health, study, career or educational concerns.
§ Assess residents’ needs and wants on a regular basis; organize community gatherings to share information regarding programs, services and resources available on campus and through the Office of Residential Experience.
§ Promote an atmosphere for individual and group development by creating and holding social and educational programs in the residence hall/floor.
§ Create opportunities and encourage connections among students and faculty/staff.
§ Act as a mediator between residents when necessary.
§ Model appropriate conduct both on- and off-campus by personally abiding by all College policies and the Code of Conduct.
§ Respond consistently and fairly to all violations of College policies and the Code of Conduct.
Housing
§ Ensure a safe hall environment by monitoring security, fire prevention and proper maintenance.
§ Process all paperwork in conjunction with the management of the residence halls (e.g. check-in, check-out, open and closing of the residence halls, room changes, room inventories and inspections, floor rosters, etc.).
§ Assist in the daily maintenance and cleanliness of the residence halls by submitting work orders, conducting regular Health and Safety Inspections, keeping staff informed, etc.
§ Be familiar with and be able to explain housing and maintenance procedures.
§ Assist in building evacuations during fire alarms or other emergency situations.
Administrative Responsibilities
§ Maintain confidentiality concerning position related information, relationships with staff, and student information.
§ Support the student discipline process by documenting alleged violations of College policies, community agreements and/or the Code of Conduct and students in distress.
§ Participate in the RA Availability (8:30p.m.-7:30a.m.) schedule. Responsibilities include open-door approachability, making regular rounds of the building/floor, reporting maintenance concerns, checking-in with the RD, encouraging community development and interaction, and responding to emergencies and crisis situations (i.e. emotional distress, psychological distress, maintenance issues) by contacting appropriate College personnel.
§ Provide accurate, timely, and detailed information (e.g., Student Contact Reports, Facilities Forms, and Program Planning and Evaluation Forms) to the appropriate office.
§ Collect mail/materials daily from Residential Experience box and distribute to residents when necessary.
§ Maintain communication with the RD regarding concerns or issues arising from interactions with residents.
§ Confer with the RD, who is the mentor and direct supervisor of the RA, on all aspects of RA work through regularly scheduled meetings.
§ Attend and participate in all RA trainings and meetings specified in the 2016-17 RA Calendar, as well as professional development programs, off-campus retreats, Weekend of Welcome activities and Fall Move-in.
§ All RAs are expected to stay until 8 p.m. during all hall-closing dates unless otherwise notified.
§ Assume other duties as assigned.
Benefits
§ Furnished single room with Internet access, basic cable, telephone service, and a small kitchen. With the exception of a few RA rooms, RA’s also receive a full private bathroom.
§ Educational Leadership Scholarship of $3150 per year. If a RA resigns or is removed from the position, the scholarship will be prorated to cover only the time in the position. Additionally, if a RA is granted permission to travel in January Term, his/her scholarship will be reduced according to the time not served in the position.
§ Access to the Resident Advisor Workroom, including a computer and shared study and workspace.