Some students work at coffee shops, retail stores and on-campus jobs to make money. Most of these jobs you clock out at the end of the day and continue your day-to-day life without really thinking of work.
One of the hardest is the role of a Resident’s Assistant.
A study done about the role of RAs stated: “The resident assistant (RA) position was one of the most demanding assignments on a college campus.”
It also said it was a 24-hour job, which I agree with. Sometimes it can feel like you’re always “on” because you’re always accessible.
Residents can reach you by email, see you around campus and sometimes even come to your door which is encouraged by having open door hours.
And that’s just the beginning. At USD you have one night every two weeks that you’re on duty. This requires you to carry the duty phone and be no more than 15 fifteen minutes away from your residences hall.
Then on top of regular duty are power weekends. These duty shifts start on a Thursday and extend until Sunday at 5 p.m. so you’re on duty for the entire weekend. Typically you have two power weekends a semester and any extra duty days that everyone is expected to pick up.
This is not the same for all RAs everywhere, or even every single RA on our campus (sorry Brookman RAs.)
But it still can be a lot of work, especially at 2 a.m. when there’s an incident you have to document. Dealing with some incidents can last up to a few hours and involve law enforcement.
It’s not fun writing reports until 4 a.m., getting residents in trouble and then trying to repair that strained relationship.
As RAs we’re expected to be friends with our residents, but not too close. How are you supposed to walk that line when you genuinely become friends with your residents? Personally, I think it’s one of the hardest things about the job.
On top of the previously mentioned, we plan programs for those who live on our floor and our entire building. This is very time consuming, considering you have to come up with ideas that meet a certain curriculum.
Planning programs is the most creative part of the job, therefore my favorite. But it does take a lot of time, effort and energy on top of everything else.
Burnout is prevalent in the housing realm. The previous tasks I listed are only some of the expectations of RAs. All of these responsibilities on top of being a full-time student (which is a requirement of the position), is a lot.
The study “Investigating the Correlation between Burnout and Spirituality among Resident Assistants at Liberty University” suggests burnout results from emotional stress on an employee.
Not to mention that outside of the compensation of room and board and meal plan, RAs don’t get paid.
Most RAs I know have outside jobs, not to mention heavy involvement in their campus organizations. RAs are usually motivated, have strong work ethics and are hustling constantly.
I’m honestly amazed by my coworkers, because not many realize how much work we do outside our RA jobs. Most people only see us as enforcers of housing policies and not students too.
Working in housing is absolutely not for the faint of heart and those who do deserve more respect.
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FAQs
Working as an RA can be a challenge. Since you're basically on call at all times, it can feel overwhelming for some. However, it can also be a rewarding experience. Resident assistants have to exercise a variety of skills to do their job, including leadership, crisis management and communication.
Is it worth being an RA in college? ›
This can significantly reduce or eliminate the financial burden of living on campus. Meaningful Contribution to the Community: RAs play a vital role in creating a safe and supportive living environment for their residents. They contribute to the overall well-being of the dorm community and foster a sense of belonging.
Does being an RA look good on a resume? ›
When employers see your resume, having an RA position listed can be a huge bonus. It shows that you have likely learned time management, effective communication, and strong leadership skills.
Do RAs live alone? ›
This housing can be either a single room, one-bedroom apartment, or two-bedroom apartment (shared space, own bedroom). Multi-bedroom Apartment RAs have a single bedroom in this shared living space and may share with two other roommates in the other bedroom(s).
Why do people become RA in college? ›
RAs can be an invaluable resource to college students, especially for first-year students making the transition to living on their own. They hold many responsibilities, including facilitating dorm activities and helping resolve conflicts between roommates. RAs also help to ensure that residents follow all campus rules.
What is the point of being an RA? ›
A resident assistant or resident advisor (RA) works in college dorms to assist students, ensure safety of residents and promote engaging social experiences.
Does being an RA affect financial aid? ›
Becoming a Resident Assistant (RA) does not change your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is calculated based on your family's financial circ*mstances. The difference between your cost of attendance and EFC is your financial need, which determines the amount of aid you are eligible for.
What skills make a good RA? ›
Resident Assistant Qualifications/Skills:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to get along with residents of various cultures and backgrounds.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Excellent leadership and public speaking skills.
- Proven organization and logistical skills.
Develop leadership qualities
Serving as an RA gives you a great opportunity to build leadership skills, since you'll be responsible for your residents. As part of this role, you'll be expected to make sure residents follow residence hall rules and regulations.
How do you stand out in an RA interview? ›
The most important thing is to be yourself and focus on positive qualities. Never apologize for your lack of anything. Another important point is to be sure that for every answer you give, you back up everything you say with examples. If you talk quickly, count to 3 before answering questions right away.
The RA is a student leader within the Office for Residential Education and reports directly to a RCC or GRCC. RAs must be full-time students who are comfortable with a community living experience.
Do RAs have a roommate? ›
RAs receive single rooms or apartments and are expected to use this not only as a living space but also as a space for resolution of conflicts as they concern residents. The RA, therefore, must be afforded a degree of privacy that cannot be maintained in the presence of a roommate.
Can graduate students be RA's? ›
Qualifications to be an RA:
have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA and maintain a 2.5 semester GPA (3.0 for graduate students)
What challenges do you anticipate facing in the resident advisor position? ›
Handling sticky situations between residents is one of the most challenging parts of the job since it requires RAs to mediate conflict and come up with solutions that work for everyone – usually under a great deal of pressure.
Are resident assistant positions competitive? ›
Then you might want to give the more academic path a try). There are many other variables to be considered. These positions are often quite competitive, so be sure to have a backup plan for your finances.
What should I wear to a college RA interview? ›
The recommended attire for RA Interviews is business casual. Appropriate business casual attire can include: slacks, khakis, dresses, skirts, or non-ripped jeans; and open-collar or polo shirts, sweaters, dress shirts, or blouses. You do not need to wear a suit, tie, or other business professional outfits.
Can you be an RA without being a student? ›
Qualifications to be an RA:
During the academic year you are an RA, you must: have full-time student status.
How do I prepare for a college RA interview? ›
The most important thing is to be yourself and focus on positive qualities. Never apologize for your lack of anything. Another important point is to be sure that for every answer you give, you back up everything you say with examples. If you talk quickly, count to 3 before answering questions right away.
