Residence Advisor

Resident Advisor Position  

TO APPLY:  Please join the Residence Life Portal in OurCampus to access the application for the Resident Advisor position. Applicants must attach a current resume to the application.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The interview process will take place as applications come in, so there is no need to wait until the deadline to apply. 
 

Resident Advisors (RAs) are student staff members in the Office of Residence life charged with fostering relationships among and delivering services to an assigned community of residents. Resident Advisors create a welcoming environment that is conducive to learning and developing personal connections. The successful RA is able to commit time and energy to being a visible and positive role model. They must also be willing to confront and resolve conflict as well as exhibit an enthusiastic approach to programming.
Reporting to a Head Resident Advisor, the Resident Advisors articulates the philosophy and policies of the Office of Residence Life and the College to their residents, and in turn, represent the needs of residential students to the administration. Through this experience, the student staff member will gain valuable leadership skills and experience.

I. General Responsibilities of the RA position
In order to be effective in the role, the RA must dedicate a significant numbers of hours to
the responsibilities listed below. The time commitment is not easily quantifiable. It is a
position which necessitates adjustments in personal schedules.

A. Community Organizer: establish and maintain an atmosphere within the section/hall
that is conducive to study, sleep/rest, and positive interpersonal interactions.
• get to know residents through formal and informal conversations
• lead community meetings to discuss hall happenings and updates
• organize and implement monthly programs

B. Resource and Referral Agent: become familiar with services offered on campus in
order to provide general information and connect students to these support mechanisms
as needed.
• be aware of information provided in the Student Handbook and on the College
website
• review regular communications provided by College offices
• identify students in need of specialized help and refer them appropriately
• advise residents, within the limits of training and capability, on personal, academic,
and informational issues
• disseminate information to residents on regular basis

C. Residence Hall Manager: assist in maintaining an orderly and safe living environment.
• review policies and general information contained in the Student Handbook and
Housing Contract.
• participate in a rotating duty schedule
• take immediate and appropriate action in response to all violations, emergencies
and/or safety and security concerns within the residence halls
• assist with residence hall openings and closing
D. Visible Presence: dedicate time on a regular (daily) basis to being present in the
residence halls to role model positive behaviors and remain available to residents
• return to campus prior to official opening and remain on campus through the official closing of the residence halls each semester
• be in residence each night throughout the semester; occasional overnight absences
are permitted; extended absences must be approved
•spend time informally in the common areas and leave room door open when possible
•be responsive to students and College staff via phone, email and campus mail
 

E. Administrator: complete administrative tasks and assist with projects during the year.
• meet regularly with supervisor and area staff
• submit regular reports, enter and follow up on work orders, and complete paperwork
 

II. Requirements:
• Registered as a full-time student at Lafayette College
• Have and maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average. Semester GPAs that
fall below the minimum average may result in employment action.
•Should a Resident Advisor receive a disciplinary sanction at any time after appointment,
or during the period of employment, their position may be terminated or other employment action may be taken.
• Prepared to give priority to the RA position over all other areas of activity (with the
exception of academic work).
•Must participate in all training sessions and scheduled full staff/area meetings.
 

III. Preferred Qualifications
•Ability to articulate the educational value of living in a residence hall.
•Willingness to embrace diverse cultures and backgrounds.
•Time management skills including the ability to balance commitments.
•Interpersonal and communication skills.
•Knowledge of College and residence hall policies.
•Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
•Ability to ‘think on your feet’.

IV. Compensation
• Room credit* • 7 meal credit* • 300 non-refundable Pard Dollars*

TO APPLY:  Please join the Residence Life Portal in OurCampus to access the application for the Resident Advisor position. Applicants must attach a current resume to the application.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The interview process will take place as applications come in, so there is no need to wait until the deadline to apply.