First-Year RA Position Description
GVSU Resident Assistants
Resident Assistants (RAs) are returning students who assist in the support and development of residential students through community building, program facilitation, crisis response, policy enforcement, conflict mediation, and resource referral. Candidates must demonstrate strong leadership skills and a willingness to learn and engage. RAs are provided a scholarship for room and board as well as professional and personal development opportunities.
If you have any questions about the position, you are encouraged to reach out to your RA, Community Director, or [email protected].
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REQUIREMENTS & ELIGIBILTY |
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ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY: New and returning staff members must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 throughout the contract term. |
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CONDUCT STANDING & BACKGROUND CHECK: Candidate eligibility is contingent upon a review of criminal and University conduct background. Previous conduct or judiciary incidents do not immediately disqualify candidates from the position. |
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HOUSING CONTRACT: Candidates must have a completed housing contract by the time of offer acceptance and are held to its terms. If an RA departs mid-year, they are still responsible for and held to the terms of the HRL Housing Contract |
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STUDENT STANDING: Candidates must have completed at least one year at a college or university prior to the start of the position. |
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STUDENT STATUS: Candidates must be enrolled full-time for their academic program. |
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TIME COMMITMENT |
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & PROGRAMMING: RAs are expected to be present within their living centers, engage with residents, focus on the needs of the community, and build relationships. RAs plan and facilitate events for the community in alignment with the residential curriculum and individual community development plan |
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DUTY ROTATION: RAs are expected to participate in a weekly on-call duty rotation in their communities on weekday evenings, completing rounds and being present for residents. RAs are also expected to participate in on-call duty rotations on some weekends and holidays. |
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STAFF & ONE-ON-ONE SUPERVISOR MEETINGS: RAs will meet once weekly with their community staff and supervisor. Additionally, each RA will meet weekly or bi-weekly with their supervisor in one-on-one meetings. |
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ADMINISTRATIVE ASSIGNMENTS: RAs are expected to submit reports, complete surveys, and document policy violations in a timely manner, typically on a weekly basis. |
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ANCILLARY ASSIGNMENTS: RAs are assigned additional professional development responsibilities. Examples include intramural sport team management, social media management, and staff development. |
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IN-SERVICE TRAINING SESSIONS: RAs attend monthly professional development sessions, held on Fridays. |
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FACILITIES/OPENING & CLOSING: RAs are expected to assist in the facilities and administrative duties related to the regular operation of their building. RAs will perform room condition reports, health and safety inspections, and assist in reporting facilities issues in their building. RAs are also responsible for assisting in the opening and closing of buildings for the Fall and Winter semesters. |
RAs are responsible for:
- various reporting and response related to health & safety, occupancy, and student engagement.
- assisting with general community administration via ancillary assignment responsibilities such as the management of social media or intramural sports.
- attending community and department-wide staff meetings.
RAs are responsible for:
- serving on an on-call duty rotation in assigned community.
- maintaining a safe and secure community through credential management.
- responding to residential and facilities crises and policy violations
- adhering to and reporting:
- Federal law violations (Title IX, Clery, FERPA, & more)
- Residential policy violations as defined in the Community Living Standards
- University policy violations as defined in the Statement of Students Rights and Responsibilities
RAs are responsible for:
- participating in Pre-Employment, Fall, Winter, and monthly in-service training sessions.
- participate in ongoing professional development via weekly staff meetings and one on one supervisor meetings.
- engaging with and learning about personal wellness.
RAs are responsible for:
- fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere for academic, social, cultural, and emotional growth.
- building relationships and encouraging residential student interaction and engagement.
- referring students to resources such as the University Counselling Center, Tutoring Center, or Laker Food Co.
RAs are responsible for:
- monitoring the physical facilities of their living centers, including public areas and lounges
- submitting work orders through our Facilities Management department as needed
- assist with the opening and closing of the living centers during semester transitions
RAs are responsible for:
- assisting with RA recruitment through information sessions, interviews, and other outreach efforts.
- assisting with social media management of community-specific marketing.
- promoting and speaking well of on-campus living.
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BENEFITS & ACCOMODATIONS |
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TRANSFERABLE SKILLS: RAs have the opportunity to learn an array of competencies related to the responsibilities of the position. These skills are applicable beyond your undergraduate experience. |
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LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS & NETWORKING: RAs have the opportunity to build strong, unique relationships with other RAs and professional staff members in this live-in position. RAs also have opportunities to meet and connect with staff, faculty, administrators, off-campus partners, and the West Michigan community. |
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING: RAs participate in hundreds of hours of conference-style training and professional development sessions. |
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PERSONAL WELLNESS: Wellness sessions are incorporated into training sessions and RAs are encouraged to participate in personal wellness opportunities throughout campus. |
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ROOM & MEAL PLAN: Resident Assistants are provided with an on-campus bedroom and meal plan. Specific assignments are subject to occupancy needs. |
RAs assigned to North Campus are provided one of the following:
- Single Traditional Style Room & Meal Plan
- Single Suite-Style Room (with shared bathroom) & Meal Plan
- Single One-Bedroom Apartment Style Unit & Meal Plan
- Single Two-Bedroom Apartment Style Unit* & Meal Plan
*RAs in Two-Bedroom Apartment Style Units may be assigned a roommate based on occupancy needs
RAs assigned to South Campus & Downtown are provided one of the following:
- Single Efficiency & Meal Plan (Calder Residence)
- Single Two-Bedroom Apartment Style Unit* & Meal Plan (Winter Hall)
- Two-Bedroom Apartment** & Meal Plan
*RAs in Two-Bedroom Apartment Style Units may be assigned a roommate based on occupancy needs
**RAs in Two-Bedroom Apartments may submit a roommate request. RAs who do not will be paired with a random roommate
Accomodations
ACCOMMODATION TERMS
Specific accommodations may change based on occupancy needs and university operations. RA placements are subject to change in response to fluctuation in personnel, occupancy, and other departmental priorities. Reassignment is possible and will be made at the discretion of HRL.
RA INTERVIEW & LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS
If you require accommodations during the interview process, please contact [email protected]. If you require accommodations in your assigned RA unit, you will be required to register your accommodation with Student Accessibility Resources and indicate your request in your application.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Federal regulations require the scholarship to be considered when determining financial aid eligibility. As a result, previously awarded financial aid funding may be adjusted in response to the application of the RA scholarship. Candidates are STRONGLY encouraged to consult with The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships about how the RA position scholarship may affect their financial aid status.