Resident Assistant (RA)

Washburn University • Topeka, KS

10d • $1,575 - $1,785 • Onsite

About The Position

The Resident Assistant (RA) is an undergraduate student selected to be a key member of the Residential Living team. Living with a group of 25-60 residents, the RA plays a vital role in guiding students through their campus experience. As a leader, mentor, and role model, the RA demonstrates compassion and commitment to each resident's health, safety, and well-being. The RA position focuses on peer mentoring and enhancing the residential community by fostering a sense of belonging, providing academic support, and ensuring the safety of all residents. Success in this role requires adaptability, strong interpersonal skills, good time management and the ability to complete administrative duties. RA's are integral in creating an environment that encourages student and community growth and development.

Career competencies or skills you will gain as a Resident Assistant include:

Critical Thinking: Develop the ability to independently analyze and resolve problems, mediate conflicts, and effectively connect students with appropriate campus resources.
Communication: Enhance proficiency in oral, written, and non-verbal communication to collaborate with colleagues, professional staff, and campus partners when engaging with residents. Demonstrate strong communication skills in composing clear, concise, and comprehensive incident reports.
Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with fellow Resident Assistants and professional staff to problem-solve, complete tasks, organize events, and foster a supportive, healthy living environment for residents.
Leadership: Act as a peer mentor and a primary point of contact, offering support through approachability and leading by example in daily actions and professional conduct.
Professionalism: Exhibit dependability and accountability while maintaining appropriate behavior and demeanor in all professional settings.
Equity and Inclusion: Cultivate supportive mentorship relationships with residents that encourage personal growth, self-respect, and accountability, while creating a positive, inclusive, and safe environment for all residents. Engage with students and visitors of diverse backgrounds with respect and professionalism.
Technology: Leverage technology to address workplace challenges, streamline processes, and improve communication. Utilize digital tools for effective communications and the completion of detailed, well-written incident reports.
Career and Self-Development: Strengthen interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution and crisis management. Develop critical skills in time management, communication, responsibility, and independent problem-solving.

About Washburn University:

Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of just over 7,000 students, a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to Great Colleges to Work For® program.

Requirements

• Maintain a required minimum 2.75 semester and cumulative GPA.
• Time commitments, either on or off campus (outside of Academics and the Resident Assistant position) must be below 15 hours/week or approved by the Resident Assistant's supervisor.
• Must be enrolled in no less than 12 credit hours and no more than 18 credit hours during both the fall and spring semesters at Washburn University.
• Understanding of FERPA and Confidentiality.
• Understanding of Washburn University Resources of support.
• Ability to communicate with and relate to individuals.
• Must work successfully on a team and be self-motivated to problem solve independently.
• Must be able to handle and address conflict through mediation.
• Be comfortable responding to emergency calls.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Washburn University and Residential Living policies.

Nice To Haves

• Problem solving skills and conflict resolution.
• Teamwork and Collegiality.
• Strong work ethic.
• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Initiative and Leadership.
• Detail-oriented.
• Adaptable.
• Interpersonal skills (relates well to others).
• Creativity.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate a supportive environment for social connections, academic success, personal development, and well-being support for all residents through implementation of the Residential Engagement Model (REM) that includes door decorations, meaningful interactions, passive programming, monthly newsletters, floor gatherings, and building-wide programming, etc.
• Address and report residential living and student conduct violations as well as health and safety violations in a timely manner.
• Participate in weekday night duty, weekend duty, and break duties; complete round reports.
• Be a role model and mentor in all aspects of the campus life and help connect residents to other campus opportunities and resources.
• Participate in the opening and closing of the buildings each semester transition (fall opening and closing, fall break/Thanksgiving break, spring opening and closing, Spring break) including hosting mandatory hall meetings.
• Serve as a representative of, and liaison between the Residential Living Office and residents.
• Communicate with residents and professional staff clearly and in a timely manner.
• Check residents in and out as needed throughout the semester.
• Attend mandatory Fall Resident Assistant training in August and Spring Resident Assistant training in January.
• Attend all weekly Resident Assistant staff meetings on Sunday nights from 6pm - 8pm.
• Attend bi-weekly 1:1 meeting with supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned by Residential Living professional staff.
• Assist in duty coverage during weekdays, weekends and holidays.
• Be available in your residence hall 15-20 hours per week.
• The appointment as a Resident Assistant is intended to be for the entire academic year (August - May).
• May be asked to complete projects and assignments as directed by supervisor.

Benefits

• A private double room and full meal plan are provided based on the residence hall/building which the RA is assigned.
• A stipend totaling $1,575 - $1,785 for fall and spring semesters distributed in 21 pay periods bi-weekly.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed