Residential Living Resident Assistant (RA) 2026-2027

Sul Ross State University•Del Rio, TX

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The Resident Assistant (RA) is a member of the Residential Living Staff, working as part of a team to establish effective working relationships with other University personnel. This role involves serving as a communication link between residents and staff, assessing building improvements, and assisting residents with their needs, adjustment to Sul Ross State University, and understanding of residence hall and University policies. RAs are expected to foster positive interactions, refer students to appropriate personnel, and act as peer counselors while maintaining confidentiality. Administrative duties include acting in the Assistant Director's absence, fulfilling office and on-call duties, and assisting with hall security and safety. RAs are also responsible for understanding and enforcing policies, establishing good communication with maintenance and custodial staff, reporting concerns and damages, and completing unit condition reports. Professionalism is key, requiring RAs to convey a positive attitude, act as a role model, and refrain from negative behavior or gossip. Additional expectations include attending weekly staff meetings and trainings, working during hall opening and closing, performing approximately 5 hours of front desk duty per week, and participating in an on-call rotation during evenings, weekends, and holidays. RAs must maintain full-time student status and prioritize RA responsibilities over other employment, which is limited to a maximum of 10 hours per week with written approval.

Requirements

Maintain a full-time status as students (at least 12 hours for Undergraduate & at least 9 hours for Graduate)
RA job responsibilities must take precedence over other employment commitments outside of the RA position
Allowed to hold other employment positions on- or off-campus for up to 10 hours maximum per week
Must obtain written approval from the Assistant Director of Residential Living before holding other employment outside of the RA positions (both academic and non-academic) that fall within or exceed the 10-hour limit
Adhere to laws and community standards
Be present for fall and spring trainings which occur before the halls are open to students
Be present and work through closing weekend for both the fall and spring terms

Responsibilities

Complete tasks delegated by the Assistant Director for Residential Living
Suggest and assist with projects contributing to the residence hall community
Inform the Assistant Director for Residential Living of any events or conditions that could potentially affect a resident, a floor, a hall, or the University
Serve as a communication link between residents and staff
Assess areas needing improvement in the building each night
Know residents in the assigned area of responsibility
Be aware of resident needs and assist them in meeting those needs
Be available to residents, interact with them daily, and assist in their adjustment to Sul Ross State University
Refer students to the appropriate personnel
Encourage and facilitate positive interaction and respect between residents
Help residents understand their rights and responsibilities in accordance with residence hall and University policies
Assume a fair share of both individual and group responsibility
Cultivate an effective working relationship with all members of staff
Keep lines of communication open between staff members
Maintain a comfortable, safe, and non-threatening atmosphere in which to work
Support other student staff within the Office of Residential Living, including but not limited to Office Assistants and Maintenance Assistants
Be friendly and cooperative to other personnel and appreciate their efforts
Be familiar with the roles and responsibilities assumed by other University personnel
Act in the Assistant Director for Residential Living absence, as designated
Be familiar with all procedures and protocols of hall and office operations
Fulfill office duty and on-call duty responsibilities whenever assigned
Assist in maintaining hall security and safety
Know and understand policies and procedures as they relate to residents and emergencies
Ensure problems or potential problems are addressed immediately and refer as necessary
Be a good listener, receptive and sensitive to residents when approached for assistance
Provide accurate information and referral to students who need further assistance
Aid residents in problem solving
Respect the confidential nature of the peer counseling role while also realizing it is necessary to share information with your supervisor
Establish good communication and relationships with custodial/maintenance staff
Teach residents how to report custodial and maintenance concerns
Regularly inspect public areas in the halls and complete the appropriate reports
Help investigate and follow up on residence hall damage
Complete Unit Condition Report during residence hall opening and closing, plus whenever students move in or out of a room
Report maintenance work needed in public areas
Report damage or theft of university property to the Assistant Director for Residential Living
Convey a positive attitude toward the RA position and its duties and responsibilities
Act as a positive role model both for fellow staff members and residents by not participating in questionable or unethical behavior
Refrain from gossip, complaining and negative comments about residents, the RA position, and other staff members
Take pride in your work, as it is a reflection not only of you but of your staff and Sul Ross State University
Attend weekly staff meetings and department in services (2 hours)
Be present for fall and spring trainings which occur before the halls are open to students
Be present and work through closing weekend for both the fall and spring terms
Work approximately 5 hours at the front desk of Office of Residential Living per week
Serve in an on-call rotation during various evening, weekends, and holidays throughout the semester
Align priorities so that the RA job responsibilities take precedence over other employment commitments outside of the RA position
Obtain written approval from the Assistant Director of Residential Living before holding other employment outside of the RA positions (both academic and non-academic) that fall within or exceed the 10-hour limit
Act as a role model by adhering to laws and community standards that this position requires the Resident Assistant to enforce