Resident Assistant Position Description

The following is the newly updated resident assistant position description for the 2012-2013 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 2012 - May 2013

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

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

Time Commitments

• 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)
• Holds no other employment off campus (and has limited opportunity for additional employment on 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.

• 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

Skills, knowledge, and abilities

Ability to influence, motivate and educate others. Good judgment, knowledge of self, problem solving skills, understanding of residents, time management, flexibility, and good communications skills.

Remuneration

In addition to a significant learning experience for students. RAs also receive a monetary award of $2,375 and a single room at a double room rate.