RESIDENT ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION


 The Resident Assistant (RA) is an integral member of the Department of University Housing Staff. The RA lives and works with a group of 30 to 60 students in one of six residential communities. The RA accepts the diversity of beliefs, values and interests of UGA students. The position involves personal advising; management of a floor of students; administrative duties including community desk duty and room inventory. The position calls for a person with a degree of maturity, flexibility and effective communication skills for confronting behavior or infractions and conducting programming. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Interest in working with students in advisory capacity in a residential community. 
  • Must be a sophomore or above at time of employment. 
  • Minimum cumulative UGA grade point average of 2.2 by the end of Spring Quarter or at the time of employment if hired during the year. 
  • Minimum of one quarter residency in University of Georgia Housing preferred, but not required. 
  • Be available for a full academic year (September to June) if hired to begin service in September. 
  • Be a student in good standing at the University of Georgia. 

REQUIREMENTS OF THE RESIDENT ASSISTANT

  • An RA must carry an academic load of at least eight hours and no more than 17 hours during the first quarter of employment. No exceptions will be granted the first quarter. In subsequent quarters of employment, a minimum load of eight hours must be carried. Any exception for subsequent quarters must be approved by the supervisor. 
  • An RA must not engage in other employment or hold an assistantship while serving as an RA. 
  • An RA must limit time away from campus and the community to one weekend per month. 
  • An RA must complete ECP 400, a five-hour credit series, with a grade of "C" or better. 
  • The RA will remain in the assigned community on scheduled duty nights which generally begin at 5PM. While on duty, the RA will remain near a phone, except to make security rounds of the building(s). The specifics of duty vary from community to community as stipulated by the Residence Life Coordinator. 
  • The RA will work the community desk a minimum of three hours each month. 
  • An RA is expected to abide by, support and enforce the Department of University Policies and Regulations. 
  • An RA is expected to review their participation in extracurricular activities with their supervisor prior to involvement. 
  • An RA is expected to perform other duties as assigned within the guidelines of the Department of University Housing. 

OVERVIEW OF OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

TIME COMMITMENT

The RA position is the RA's principle non-academic activity. Extracurricular activities should not conflict with the time needed to perform effectively as an RA throughout the entire year. The RA is expected to be available and accesible to students on the hall/neighborhood throughout the year in addition to regular duty nights. The time commitments vary from week to week, but the RA works on average twenty hours per week.

PEER COMMITMENT

The RA should be aware of student needs and provide appropriate consultation and referral. The RA is expected to:
  • Listen to others with an attitude of concern and support. 
  • Refer situations to the supervisor if needed. 
  • Explain referral options to the student seeking help. 
  • Recognize the limitations of the training and experience as a peer helper. 
  • The RA will regard any personal information about residents as confidential to protect the rights of the residents and increase trust and credibility as a peer helper. 

DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMMING

The RA is expected to promote a community atmosphere for individual and group development by encouraging and facilitating programs in the residence hall. In promoting a learning atmosphere, the RA is expected to assess the residents needs, actively encourage involvement in extracurricular activities especially hall government, the Residence Hall Association, Conduct Review Board, etc.

STAFF TRAINING

The RA is expected to attend all staff training sessions and retreats in the hall, colony, community or area. The RA will have to return at least two weeks before fall quarter begins for fall training. Training is on going throughout the year and the RA is expected to take advantage of 1-3 in-service opportunities per quarter that would help enhance their job performance.

If you have more questions concerning the RA position please contact any of the communities in the University of Georgia Housing Department.

"The great thing about being a Resident Assistant is that you get to meet many interesting people and sometimes make friends for life"


 
 
 
 
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The Department of Counseling & Human Development Services
 is housed in The College of Education