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Resident Assistant Position Description

In addition to the following description, please also review Qualifications, Minimum Expectations, and Compensation.

Resident Assistants (RAs) are key student leaders who help advance the vision and mission of the Division of Student Affairs in the areas of artistic and intellectual curiosity, personal well being, professional competency, leadership development, and engagement in and contribution to the larger community. RAs must have a commitment to the enhancement of the quality of residential life at Carnegie Mellon and a strong belief in the potential the residential experience has to affect students and to complement their academic experience. RAs are ultimately responsible for:

  • Fostering opportunities for residents to explore and achieve their optimal social, physical, spiritual, and emotional health and well-being.
  • Providing support to residents around personal and academic issues.
  • Providing access to programs and resources that facilitate professional skill development and encourage career exploration.
  • Developing supportive relationships with individual residents and creating strong floor and house communities.
  • Educating residents about campus wide programs, resources and opportunities.
  • Educating residents about and enforcing community standards and university policies.

The responsibilities of the Resident Assistant are carried out under the supervision of a Housefellow and a Community Advisor. The RA job is divided into five roles: Educator, Peer Advisor, Community Role Model, Emergency Responder, and Administrator. The RA training, in-service programs and the RA’s supervisor will assist the RA in successfully understanding and fulfilling each of these roles.

Educator

RAs create, plan, and carry out programs and activities for their floors and house communities. RAs serve as educators by passing on information regarding healthy living, academic skills, and personal wellness to their residents. RAs create opportunities in the community for discussion and facilitate a diverse and comprehensive range of ideas, experiences and opinions. RAs serve to educate their residents about campus-wide programs through house bulletin boards, electronic communication, and personal contact.

Peer Advisor

RAs provide support to their residents around personal and academic issues. Although Resident Assistants serve as peer advisors, they are not expected to handle serious counseling situations alone; in such cases, RAs work with Housefellows, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or others to get their residents connected with the professional resources available on campus. In their role as peer advisors, RAs also serve as mediators helping students resolve roommate conflicts and personal disputes.

Community Role Model

RAs must be informed about Carnegie Mellon community standards and policies, role model these policies, educate others, and confront and enforce violations. RAs also serve as role models in a broader sense, by being an example of students who are involved on campus and living well-balanced life styles.

Emergency Responder

RAs provide direct response to emergency situations which may arise in the house community. In many emergency situations, the RA’s role is to seek immediate assistance from Campus Police and the Housefellow on duty, as well as offer support for the individuals involved in the situation.

Administrator

RAs are required to assist with administrative and housing procedures such as the opening and closing of the residence halls. RAs also complete forms and reports, maintain floor bulletin boards, and carry out a rotational duty schedule.