RA JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities of a Resident Assistant will vary in each area based on the differing needs of each community. RAs are expected to demonstrate professionalism, commitment to the goals and values of Binghamton University, initiative, dependability, and a positive attitude. The RA reports to Residence Directors or Community Directors in their area. Specifically, the RA is responsible for the following:

Community Development

• Foster and maintain a positive sense of community among residents
• Assess and respond to the needs of your residents on a continual basis
• Facilitate events which build community and meet the needs of your floor, hall, and area
• Plan appropriate numbers of events each semester per the established program requirements
• Support the programming efforts of colleagues
• Develop informational bulletin boards as required

Information, Communication, and Resource Referral

• Post necessary notices and flyers in your hall
• Communicate maintenance and housekeeping policies and procedures
• Be familiar with campus and community resources
• Inform residents of all pertinent campus information and deadlines
• Be knowledgeable and communicate safety and emergency procedures
• Keep Resident/Community Directors informed of what is happening in your community

Advising and Counseling

• Know your residents - be aware of their personal, social, and academic concerns
• Assist your residents with personal and academic concerns
• Refer any resident whom you perceive needs professional attention to your supervisor
• Be visible, available, and approachable to residents
• Be familiar with campus counseling services and health services
• Be sensitive and adhere to the regulations regarding confidentiality

Meetings

• Attend all staff meetings and trainings
  • Typically include:
    • Weekly staff meeting
    • Weekly hall government meeting
    • Weekly Area government meeting
    • Monthly staff training
    • Fall and Winter staff training
• Resident Assistants are required to meet with his/her supervisor individually on a regular basis

Maintenance and Safety

• Report needed repairs according to established procedure
• Conduct a basic inspection of your community each week
• Maintain a record of all reported maintenance problems and follow up with your supervisor
• Conduct Health and Safety Inspections as required, generally twice per semester
• Understand and inform residents about safety, emergency and fire evacuation procedures

Limit-Setting and Residential Safety

• Know, enforce, and be able to explain the policies and the student conduct system as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and Housing License
• Establish behavioral standards and emphasize common courtesy and consideration for others
• Refer and document recurring student conduct matters to your supervisor
• Immediately report and document in a timely manner all incidents and situations which threaten the health, safety, and security of residents
• Respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis
• Model appropriate behavior at all times (please note that failure to adhere to Student Code of Conduct policies may result in termination)

Duty Responsibilities

• Work a specified duty shift according to your area’s specifications (handle emergency situations, resident issues, perform rounds, inspect maintenance and facility concerns)
• Be sure to thoroughly document and report any incidents

Administrative

• Complete assigned paperwork and administrative tasks in a timely manner
• Assist in occupancy and roster updates
• Assist in maintaining furniture inventory and control; complete room condition reports
• Assist with opening and closing of your residential community

Time Away

• It is important that you are available to residents in your area
• Areas will determine specific procedures for time-off requests
• A weekend is the period from Friday afternoon to early Sunday evening
• A maximum of 50% staff can be away in any one weekend (as determined by supervisor)
• Plan to spend no more than two weekends / four days total away per month

Remuneration

• A single room and all services associated with that room rate
• A meal plan is provided each semester