How to Become a Resident Assistant
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 resident 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 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 residents develop academic skills, hone leadership skills, or simply encourage personal growth and understanding in a particular area.
Overall, RAs are 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.
Qualifications
* Full time enrollment in a degree program
* Be in good academic (not on academic probation), financial (not in arrears with
your University account) and judicial (not on conduct probation or have any outstanding
sanctions) standing with the University
* Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
* Have two semesters of residence hall living experience at Southeastern or another
college/university
* Have successfully completes at least 24 credit hours of academic course work
Conditions of Serving as a Resident Assistant
* RAs shall complete all training programs required by University Housing. These
training programs include but are not limited to: Fall training, Spring Training,
and In-Service Education.
* RAs are required to report prior to other students arriving and stay after the
residence halls close.
* RAs may be expected to work through University holidays including, Fall Break,
Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break, Mardi Gras and Easter.
* All new RAs must have taken or be enrolled in Education 204 their first semester
of as a RA and complete the course with no less than a C or 70%.
* The RA position is considered the RA’s primary responsibility outside of class
and academics. Other activities such as clubs, organizations, theater, band, etc.
are to be secondary to academics and the RA position. These activities should be limited
in order to fulfill all RA responsibilities.
* RAs must seek Area Coordinator and Assistant Director of Residential Life approval
to hold an executive position in any other University organization.
* RA shall no accept additional employment on or off campus, except as follows:
- Student teaching and internships as approved by the AC and Assistant Director of University Housing
- Employment required by or related to the RA’s major course of study as approved by the AC and Assistant Director prior to accepting employment
- Off Campus employment after the RA has served at least one semester as an RA. Employment must be approved by the Area Coordinator and Assistant Director of Residential Life. Employment can not exceed 6 hours during the week.
Remuneration
* Remuneration for the RA position is in the form of a room and default meal plan.
* RAs are required to perform 4 hours of office/ desk duty per week
