Resident Assistant (Student)

American University•Washington, DC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Resident Assistant (RA) is an undergraduate or graduate part-time student staff member of Housing & Residence Life and a member of the University’s Division of Student Affairs. The RA fulfills a vital role in the residence hall community by connecting residents to resources, providing advice on how to navigate the collegiate experience, and creating enriching living environments. The RA reports to the Community Director (CD) and is expected to work closely with other staff members (other RAs, Desk Assistants, Living Learning Communities, Themed Communities, etc.) within the building, as well as across campus.

Requirements

Full-time enrollment as an undergraduate or graduate student (minimum 12 credits and a maximum of 17 per semester for undergrad & minimum 9 credits and a maximum of 12 per semester for graduate students).
If a Resident Assistant wishes to drop below the minimum credit hours, they must receive written permission from the Director of Residence Life in order to retain the RA position.
Complete one (1) semester of full-time undergraduate education by the start of employment.
One (1) semester living on campus at American University.
Cumulative GPA at or above 2.5, and term GPA at or above 2.5 (GPAs must be maintained from the date of application until the date of separation)
Must not have been found responsible for violating a serious conduct policy, residence hall regulations, or University Policy (must be maintained from the date of application to the date of separation).
All applicants must attend an information session by December.

Responsibilities

Serve as the leader in developing and facilitating an environment on the floor and in the Residence Hall in which students can grow and learn socially as well as academically.
Plan and implement learning and engagement opportunities for residents as part of the Eagle Flight Plan, focusing on leadership, self-discovery and community responsibility.
Advise and refer their residents to campus resources to aid in supporting their academic, personal, and social well-being.
Complete Clawed Chats for their floor/community aimed at developing and building a rapport and relationship with the residents that live in these areas.
Submit at least two (2) “Of the Month” award nomination per semester through the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH).
Serve in a community-wide on-call rotation. RAs can expect to be on call regularly, including some weekends. The RA on call must remain in their residential community and be available to respond to emergency concerns. RA on call shifts occur every night from 8 pm - 8 am , and on weekends from 8 am - 8 pm.
RA on-call responsibilities include staying in the residence hall to be accessible to residents, responding to any issues that arise, and monitoring the residential environment by (1) Completing community rounds to maintain the safety and security of the building. (2) Ensuring external doors and windows are locked and secured. (3) Reporting communal facilities concerns. (4) Documenting potential policy violations. (5) Acting in the capacity of a Desk Assistant should a coverage issue arise (paid hourly) during on call hours. (6) Providing support and resources to students in need. (7) Granting students access to their rooms if locked out (“lockouts”).
RAs are required to serve on call during university breaks and holidays. These include Thanksgiving Break and Spring Break. RAs may also be directed to serve on call during unexpected university closures.
When serving on call, RAs are not permitted at any point to leave their assigned residential community.
RAs serving on call are not permitted to take the RA on call phone off campus. RAs are expected to return the on-call phone to its designated location when no longer serving on duty.
In the event of a significant residence hall or campus emergency, RAs are expected to assist, if needed.
Support department-wide initiatives.
RA recruitment and selection information sessions, tabling, and interviews.
Other university and departmental events that may require staff assistance.
Conduct regular administrative tasks on behalf of Housing & Residence Life, including the completing of Room Inventory Forms (RIFs), documenting potential policy violations, and reporting facilities concerns.
Complete Health and Safety Inspections for their floor/community at least two (2) times a year.
Complete accurate and detailed incident reports, Equity/Title IX(ETIX) reports and other important reports immediately using either the ETIX link or Guardian software.
Help prepare for check-ins, checkouts, openings, and closings. RAs are expected to assist with these duties prior to and at the conclusion of the fall and spring semester.
Resident Assistants are required to serve 3 hours each week as a Desk Assistant in their assigned community, which is included in their compensation package. RAs are permitted to work additional hours at the front desk at the Desk Assistant hourly wage rate.
Resident Assistants are required to participate in scheduled online or in-person training prior to the start of the fall and spring semesters.
Resident Assistants are also expected to participate in ongoing development through in-service meetings. RAs are expected and required to be at all components of fall and spring training. No Resident Assistant is excused.
Resident Assistants are required to attend weekly staff meetings. RAs are not permitted to schedule classes or other commitments during this time. RAs are also expected to participate in regular one-on-one supervisory meetings.
After academic commitments, the RA position will be the staff member’s priority. Housing & Residence Life, in consultation with the RA involved, reserves the right to limit time commitments that may interfere with their job performance. Outside commitments include other student leadership/organization positions, additional jobs, non-academic credit internships, etc.
Resident Assistants are permitted to maintain outside commitments with prior approval from your direct supervisor. Academic student internships are limited to three (3) credits per semester. Resident Assistants must submit a written request about any additional job, internship or University leadership responsibilities detailing the anticipated time commitment to their direct supervisor within 48 business hours of receiving the offer.
Prior approval is required for participating in other University Leadership positions (e.g., Orientation Coordinators/Leaders, Student Government , etc.). Due to conflicting responsibilities, RAs are not permitted to be hired as Desk Coordinators, or to be elected or appointed members of the Residence Hall Association.