Employment Opportunities
What is an RA?
A Resident Assistant (commonly shortened to "RA") is a trained student leader, within a college or university, charged with supervising a residence hall. The RA selection and training processes are usually quite rigorous and intense.
Commonly RAs are the most direct liaisons between a school's student affairs administration and its student body. Tangible benefits of the RA position are generally intended as means of improving/increasing the RA's ability to identify and address the needs of their residents, as well as a way to compensate for the increased responsibility and demands on time that the RA agrees to accept by virtue of the position. The benefits of being a Resident Assistant at Southeastern include room and board. Arguably more important are the intangible benefits of the RA position, which include training in crisis-management, negotiation and advocacy, advertising, time-management, etc. RAs are often prepared, by virtue of the demands of their position, to make successful transitions from the college environment to the job market, since they can demonstrate leadership training, management skills, and community involvement as part of their collegiate experience.
Typically RAs are assigned "duty" periods during which they must patrol a residence hall or campus area to ensure that any maintenance or facilities-related issues are addressed, that institutional policies are being observed, and generally to ensure that the residence hall is an environment supportive of the educational pursuits of the students. An RA is also expected to be available to offer support for students encountering issues such as roommate conflicts, depression, and alcohol or drug abuse on a day-to-day basis.
RAs often are required to plan and facilitate events for the residents in order to enhance the living community within the hall. These programs can take almost any form, ranging from community service projects, to social events such as watching movies, to educational programs where a topic is explored or a skill (eg: cooking, laundry, time-management, etc.) is taught. These programs are usually designed to build community between residents, help resident develop academic skills, hone leadership skills, or simply encourage personal growth and understanding in a particular area.
Overall, RAs are typical undergraduate college students who have chosen to accept a heightened degree of responsibility for enhancing the college environment, while taking the opportunity to influence the overall well being and Southeastern experience for the resident student population.