Resident Advisors
The position of Resident Advisor (R.A.) is one of the most challenging yet rewarding leadership opportunities in Residence.
The RA is a supportive community leader for students in Residence. They assist residents; provide events and activities that engage students and help students get involved in the residence community. RA’s help create a positive residence experience for all students.
Six large areas of expertise that the Resident Advisors works in including being a Helper, Programmer, Community Standards Maintainer, Administrator, Staff Member, and Community Developer.
Helper
Some of the Helper duties that an RA serves includes:
The RA knows each resident on their floor.
The RA makes all efforts to be aware of campus activities, friends, previous experiences, academic and personal interests, and future goals of their residents.
The RA strives to recognize each resident in the Residence.
The RA is accessible to the residents through the RA office.
The RA effectively responds to students' needs, questions, and concerns.
The RA maintains confidentiality with regard to student and staff issues.
The RA continually strives to develop their communication skills.
The RA addresses problems and potential problems in a timely and responsible manner and refers students to appropriate campus and community resources.
The RA assists individuals with personal, social, and academic concerns in an atmosphere of support and confidentiality.
The RA attempts to recognize and suggest possible outlets for the talents and interests of individual residents.
The RA helps mediate roommate problems or issues that arise.
The RA recommends and assists in roommate changes if so required and approved by the Residence Management.
Programmer
The RA plans and carries out structured programs based on a designed programming calendar that is created collectively by the RA team and the Residence Life Coordinator.
The RA works with the Residence Life Coordinator to assess community needs and to address those needs through monthly programming requirements.
The RA plans, implements and evaluates a minimum of one individual social program per week and two individual educational programs per semester.
The RA encourages and participates in programming in the Residence and on the floor.
The RA creates an educational bulletin board once per month.
The RA utilizes peer educators in programming and community development.
The RA supports the Social Orientation Staff and campus-wide events through regular attendance and participation at meetings and programs.
The RA identifies potential leaders and encourages all residents to be involved in floor, residence, and campus activities.
The RA works with other Residence staff to plan, implement and evaluate one building wide off campus social / educational event once a month.
The RA incorporates faculty members and staff into programming efforts within the Residence.
Community Standards Maintainer
The RA is responsible for explaining Conestoga College Residence policies and procedures to residents and/or directing residents to appropriate people or departments.
The RA educates residents about their responsibilities as floor/community members.
The RA enforces residence policies fairly and consistently.
The RA reports damages, thefts, and violations of policy to the Residence Life Coordinator or Front Desk staff.
The RA submits incident reports accurately, completely, and immediately.
The RA communicates with the Residence Management on any behavioral concerns and informal disciplinary actions taken.
The RA follows all Conestoga College and Residence policies, as well as all local, provincial, and federal laws in the residence and on campus.
The RA encourages students to respect the rights of others and emphasizes individual responsibility and self-regulation with regards to personal behaviour.
The RA communicates to students their rights and responsibilities as residents.
The RA educates students with regard to personal safety, including theft and fire prevention.
The RA confronts students who violate the Community Living Standards and brings all concerns directly to the Management to have it dealt with in a timely fashion.
The RA gives VERBAL warnings ONLY to residents that are violating the Rules and Regulations of the Residence.
Administrator
The RA completes various administrative tasks on a regular basis, including duty reports, room change forms, incident reports, and Property Event Request Forms.
When on duty, the RA remains in the residence, tours all floors regularly, and responds to students as needed.
The RA holds regular floor meetings discussing community concerns, planned activities, and other issues outlined by Management.
The RA remains on campus, as requested, to assist with the closing of the residence during Winter and Spring semesters.
The RA keeps residents informed of campus, building wide, and floor events and programs. This includes keeping bulletin boards up to date.
Staff Member
The RA attends regular weekly staff meetings and any other meetings as requested by the Residence Management.
The RA maintains daily communication with the Residence Management.
The RA meets individually with the Residence Management as required.
The RA maintains a good working relationship and helps out other Residence staff, including housekeeping and maintenance staff, and other RAs.
The RA attends monthly in-service training programs scheduled by the Residence Life staff.
The RA attends Residence Life Staff Training in August, Conestoga College Training (two weeks before start of classes), and any on going training provided by the Residence, Campus Living Centres, or Conestoga College .
The RA supports all residence staff on both professional and personal levels.
The RA is evaluated on job performance once per semester (minumum).Community Developer
The RA creates an environment that is conducive to personal and interpersonal development.
The RA knows all residents of the floor and establishes a rapport that makes individuals feel comfortable expressing concerns and ideas.
The RA is to be available and accessible to students, spend adequate time on the floor, and regularly interact with their floor/community.
The RA conducts regular floor meetings (One floor meeting per month) that allow for social interaction, exchange of ideas, and discussion of challenges.
The RA encourages students to take an active role with in-house matters through self-government and responsibility.
General Responsibilities
The RA works a minimum of ONE (1) RA Duty Shifts per week (number of shifts will depend on level of RA).
The RA serves as a role model for others, conducting himself in accordance with the values of a mature and responsible individual.
The RA adheres to Conestoga College and Residence Life policies set forth in student handbooks provided by both the Residence and Institution.
The RA serves as a liaison between the Residence Life staff and residents by communicating information from various offices to the residents and interpreting student reactions to the Residence Life staff.
If you are interested in becoming a Resident Advisor, visit the Residence Life Coordinator at Front Desk or via e-mail ( rlcconestoga@stayrcc.com ).