resident assistant 25-26
Resident Assistant Job Description 25-26
The Resident Assistant (RA) position is an integral part of Student Housing and Residence Life (SHRL) at Cameron University. RAs are responsible for enhancing the quality of life in the residence halls by fostering community, providing academic support, and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. The RA position requires individuals who are flexible, responsible, and capable of handling both administrative tasks and leadership duties, as well as supporting residents' personal growth and academic success. RAs create a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages cooperative living, independence, and positive student experiences.
Compensation
• Housing Waiver (fees not included)
• Meal Plan
• Stipend: $200 per month (August 2025 to May 2026)
Position Requirements
The RA position is open to students who meet the following criteria:
• Enrollment: Must be enrolled as a full-time student at Cameron University.
• GPA Requirement: Must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to apply for and retain the position.
• Housing Experience: Must have lived in on-campus housing for at least one semester (at any college or university). Note: The current semester counts as one semester, e.g., first-year students are eligible if they live in the residence halls for both the fall and spring semesters and wish to apply for the following academic year.
• Credits: Must have obtained 12 college-level credits by the end of the semester prior to beginning employment (e.g., by the end of the spring semester for a fall position).
• Work Commitment: The RA position is equivalent to 20 hours per week.
Position Responsibilities
RAs are responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:
• Community Development: RAs facilitate floor and building activities that support the academic, social, and personal development of residents. They encourage positive community engagement and host floor meetings to build a sense of belonging.
• Resource and Education: As peer mentors, RAs connect residents with university resources, including counseling, academic support, and wellness programs, to enhance their campus experience.
• Facility Management: RAs assist with maintaining the physical condition of the building, ensuring common areas are safe, clean, and well-maintained. They complete regular room inventories and safety checks.
• Policy Enforcement and Safety: RAs educate and enforce university and housing policies. They play an essential role in maintaining safety and security within the residence halls by responding to incidents, mediating conflicts, and addressing policy violations.
• Emergency Response: RAs are the first responders to emergencies within the residence halls, providing assistance, directing residents to safety, and reporting incidents to the appropriate authorities. RAs are assigned duty shifts during which they remain on-call for emergencies.
• Administrative Tasks: RAs complete various administrative duties, including filing reports, conducting surveys, assisting with check-ins/check-outs, and ensuring accurate documentation of hall activities.
For a more detailed description of responsibilities, please refer to the Resident Assistant Manual.
Time Commitment
The RA position is designed to be flexible but requires significant time and commitment to meet the needs of residents. Key time commitments include:
• Desk Shift: RAs are assigned a weekly desk shift, typically 6-8 hours, to assist residents and manage administrative tasks.
• Duty Shifts: RAs are scheduled for duty nights and a duty weekend, including holidays. During these shifts, RAs are responsible for providing security, responding to emergencies, and addressing resident needs.
• Opening/Closing of Halls: RAs play an important role during hall openings and closings (e.g., Winter Break, Spring Break). They are expected to arrive early and stay late during these times to ensure smooth operations.
• Blackout Dates:
o SHRL Student Staff Training and Fall Opening: July 28, 2025 – September 1, 2025
o SHRL Student Staff Training and Winter Opening: January 4, 2026 – January 17, 2026
o Winter Closing: December 1, 2025 – December 16, 2025
o Spring Closing: April 27, 2026 – May 20, 2026
o Monthly Intersession Meetings
o RAs attend weekly staff meetings (2 hours) and one-on-one (1 hour) meetings with their supervisor.
Note: These dates are subject to change based on organizational needs and development.
Termination, Appeals, and Probationary Period
The RA position is subject to continuous evaluation. Failure to meet the required standards may result in probation or termination of employment.
• Academic Performance: RAs must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 throughout their employment. If an RA’s GPA falls below this requirement, they will be placed on probation and given a specified period (usually one semester) to improve their academic performance. Failure to meet this GPA requirement at the end of the probationary period may result in termination of employment.
• Job Performance: Unsatisfactory job performance, including failure to complete assigned duties, unprofessional conduct, or failure to meet community expectations, may result in probation or immediate termination. Continuous failure to meet expectations will lead to reassignment or termination.
• Conduct and Policy Violations: RAs must comply with all university and housing policies. Violations of these policies, including but not limited to those related to conduct, safety, and substance use, may result in probation or immediate termination. RAs must act as role models both on and off campus and maintain professionalism at all times.
• Probationary Period: New RAs will undergo a probationary period during their first semester in the role. During this period, their performance will be evaluated regularly. If performance issues arise, the RA may be placed on probation and given a chance to address the issues before permanent removal from the position.
• Appeal Process: In the event of termination or other disciplinary action, the affected RA has the right to appeal the decision. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Director of SHRL within 5 business days of receiving the termination notice. The Director will review the appeal and any relevant documentation, and a final decision will be made. The decision of the Director is final and binding.
Housing and Meal Plan Charges
In the event of termination or voluntary removal from the RA position (for any reason), the RA will forfeit any housing waiver and meal plan provided by the university, and will be responsible for reimbursing the university for these costs. This includes any charges incurred from the date of termination or withdrawal from the role onward. The RA’s housing and meal plan charges will be transferred to their student account, and payment will be expected in accordance with university policies.
Confidentiality
As part of the RA role, individuals may have access to sensitive information related to residents' personal lives, academic progress, and other confidential matters. RAs are expected to maintain strict confidentiality regarding all matters related to residents and housing operations. Failure to adhere to confidentiality standards may result in disciplinary action, including termination of the RA position.
Compliance with University Policies
All Resident Assistants are expected to adhere to university policies, including but not limited to the Cameron University Student Code of Conduct, Housing and Residence Life Policies, Resident Assistant Manual, and all applicable laws and regulations. Any actions that violate these policies may result in disciplinary action, including removal from the RA position.
RAs are not only responsible for following these policies themselves but are also expected to model and enforce them within the residence halls. They must create and maintain a community that respects the rights of all students and ensures a safe and welcoming environment.
Amendment of Agreement
SHRL reserves the right to amend or update this document at any time to reflect the needs of the university or the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life. Any changes will be communicated to the Resident Assistant, and the RA will be required to acknowledge receipt and understanding of the amended terms.
How to Apply?
The requirements for the role include submitting a student employment application, current resume, and transcript to SHRL at housing@cameron.edu. Additionally, applicants should respond to the following questions:
1. How long have you lived on campus?
2. Why do you want to be a Resident Assistant?
3. What is an issue you see in Student Housing and Residence Life? How would you address/improve it?
4. What other activities are you involved in on campus? How would this impact your role as a Resident Assistant?
Submit before February 21, 2025, for priority consideration. After this date, the department will notify you if you are selected for an interview.
