RA Position Description

**IMPORTANT: This information is for the 2013-2014 academic year. Current RAs looking for the 2012-2013 academic year position description should consult the RA manual.**

The following is the newly updated resident assistant position description for the 2013-2014 academic year. You can also download the updated RA position description (PDF) if you prefer.

Position summary

The Resident Assistant at Cornell lives in the residence hall and serves as a leader, helper, and resource person for students.  The RA serves as a critical link between the students on his/her floor, the Assistant Director, and the Residence Life Office.  The position requires being a representative of the College and a representative of student issues in the hall and across campus.

Term of employment

August 2013 - May 2014

Principal duties and responsibilities

Serves as a resource to residents

• Knows and interacts with all students on the floor
• Communicates and promotes the mission and policies of the Residence Life Office, Division of Student Affairs, and Cornell College
• Knows, abides by, and enforces all rules, regulations, and policies of the residence halls and of Cornell (including The Compass, the Residence Life Handbook, and the Residence Hall Agreement)

Develops community

• Creates an environment where the needs and concerns of diverse populations of students are appreciated
• Promotes an environment that is conducive to academic and social development
• Supports hall council activities and events
• Promotes and supports Cornell College events and activities

Provides initial support to residents

• Assists student with academic, personal and social concerns, making timely referrals as necessary
• Mediates roommate conflicts
• Responds to crisis situations
• Works with Facility Services and/or CampusSafety staff to resolve maintenance issues and safety concerns

Required skills, knowledge and abilities

The ideal RA will be able to take initiative and think critically and creatively to solve problems and to make decisions. He or she will be able to communicate with and relate to a diverse group of students to understand their individual needs and to help those students connect with the appropriate resources on campus. The ideal RA must be able to work successfully on a team as needed, must be self-motivated to work independently as needed, and must be flexible in living and working in constantly changing and unpredictable environment.

Because of the nature of the RA role, we recognize that not all candidates will possess all of these skills at the time of application.  As such, we look for candidates who demonstrate a commitment to learning and openness to receiving training and feedback from their supervisor and/or peers.

Time commitments

Refer to our list of important dates for specific obligations.

• Participates in all trainings, staff meetings, committee assignments, openings, and closings during the year
• Helps with major on-campus events (examples include New Student Orientation and Commencement)
• Serves in a regular duty rotation (including Homecoming, Thanksgiving and Spring Breaks, and block breaks)
• Has limited opportunity for additional employment on or off campus
• Does not student teach or participate in off-campus internships during first block (in particular for new RAs and RAs on first-year floors)
• Does not student teach or participate in off-campus internships during eighth block
• Is not away from campus for more than one block without prior approval from Residence Life

Qualifications

• Achieved sophomore status or the equivalent of two semesters of academic work by August 2013
• Achieved a cumulative 2.5 GPA (both during the application process and throughout employment)
• Be in good conduct standing with the College and be able to pass a criminal background check

Remuneration

In addition to a significant learning experience for students.RAs receive a room credit award of $2,375 toward a single room billed at a double room rate (candidates are encouraged to meet with a member of the Financial Assistance staff to determine the impact, if any, on their financial aid).