When you move into your dorm, one of the first people you’ll meet is your Resident Assistant, or RA. But who are these individuals, and what exactly do they do? Let’s give you a glimpse of what to expect.
The primary role of a Resident Assistant is to build a strong residential community. This is achieved through various responsibilities and roles that the RA fulfills. Some of the common duties of an RA include:
- Programming: Organizing events and activities to foster a sense of community.
- Mentorship: Acting as a mentor for students, providing guidance and support.
- Resource: Being a familiar first point of contact for students with academic or institutional questions.
- Policy Enforcement: Ensuring residence policies are followed.
- Problem-Solving: Assisting residents with issues and referring them to counseling resources if needed.
As someone who was an RA for three wonderful years, I can attest to the importance of this role. One year, my residence hall even won “Hall of the Year” because of the strong community we built. Don’t hesitate to utilize your RA—they are there to help and are chosen for their ability to foster community and inclusivity.
Many RAs are inspired to take on the role because of their own positive experiences with a former RA. In my case, I became an RA because my RA was not only a great person but also a great friend. He always took the time to help me with any questions I had. Given my social nature and passion for helping others, becoming an RA was a natural choice for me.
Remember, RAs are students too. They have their own academic responsibilities and must maintain a certain GPA to keep their position. So, there might be times, especially during finals week, when you don’t see them around as much.
Don’t be intimidated to approach your RA. They are there to welcome you and make your transition to dorm life as smooth as possible. Get ready for the warm welcomes and the exciting community events that await you this fall semester!