Position Overview:
The Residence Education department at UC Merced is committed to fostering vibrant, inclusive living communities that enhance the academic and personal growth of our students. Guided by the UC Merced "Principles of Community," our department focuses on creating a supportive environment where residents can thrive. Central to our mission is the Residential Curriculum, built around our E3 Vision to Educate, Equip, and Empower students. Through engaging programs, meaningful connections, and transformative learning experiences, we aim to prepare residents for success on campus and beyond
The Resident Assistant (RA) position is a unique leadership opportunity at UC Merced, designed for students passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive residential community. As an RA, you will play a crucial role in enhancing the living and learning experience for residents, promoting the UC Merced "Principles of Community." This position focuses on community development, student support, programming, and emergency response, providing RAs with valuable skills and experiences to thrive in their academic and professional journeys.
RAs serve as peer leaders, mentors, and role models, fostering a positive and engaging residential environment. This position requires strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and a commitment to the overall well-being and development of fellow students. The RA role is a live-in position, with duties that extend to nights, weekends, and university holidays.
Key Responsibilities
Community Development
- Foster safe, inclusive learning communities aligned with UC Merced's "Principles of Community" to enhance students’ university experience.
- Coordinate ongoing formal and informal activities, including interactive meals, to help residents connect within housing and across campus.
- Promote resident involvement in programs offered by other campus organizations.
- Facilitate opportunities for residents to provide feedback on programs and services; channel feedback to appropriate sources.
- Enforce behavioral standards, role-modeling positive conduct and expectations.
- Collaborate with the Residence Hall Association (RHA) Advisor to support Community Council efforts.
- Serve as a liaison for Living-Learning Communities, academic initiatives, and educational opportunities with campus partners.
Programming and Resident Education
- Plan, implement, and evaluate programs to support residents' academic and personal success, following the Residence Education programming model.
- Collaborate with campus departments/offices to facilitate educational programs and activities.
- Participate in a 3-week RA summer training and regular in-service meetings throughout the year.
- Schedule, complete, and log individual resident conversations as directed by the Residence Education Model.
- Lead monthly (or as scheduled) community meetings to deliver announcements and gather resident input.
Resident Support and Resource
- Establish strong rapport with residents, being approachable and available, especially during evenings and weekends.
- Act as a communication bridge between residents and Residence Education professional staff.
- Counsel and advise residents on academic, personal, and policy matters; refer students to appropriate resources when needed.
- Educate residents on university policies, enforce compliance, and document incidents of concern via Incident Reports.
- Support winter intersession projects and major events like Bobcat Day.
Emergency Response and Conflict Resolution
- Participate in after-hours primary and secondary on-call duty rotation (including weekends and holidays) to address emergencies and resident concerns.
- Mediate conflicts and provide counseling to resolve issues, referring students to campus resources as needed.
- Coordinate with UCM Police, Fire Department, Counseling, and Health Center to address student crises.
Administration
- Attend all required meetings, trainings, and in-services as scheduled by supervisors.
- Ensure timely and accurate submission of reports and forms, including weekly updates, programming paperwork, and incident documentation.
- Practice sound budget management for programming, adhering to UC purchasing guidelines.
- Adhere to Title IX, Clery, and CANRA reporting mandates.
- Serve on departmental or campus committees as assigned.
- Maintain student privacy in accordance with FERPA and departmental guidelines.
Expectations of Role:
The Resident Assistant (RA) position is a critical, student-centered role within the UC Merced residential community. RAs are leaders, mentors, and role models who work to foster a supportive and inclusive living environment for residents. The position requires a commitment to the community's overall well-being and active engagement in the residence halls.
RAs are expected to dedicate an average of 18 hours per week to their responsibilities. This weekly average reflects a balance of the following duties:
- On-Call Coverage: Serving as the first point of contact during scheduled duty shifts to respond to resident concerns, emergencies, or incidents.
- Office Hours: Holding designated hours in the residence hall office to be available for resident questions, community needs, or administrative tasks.
- Programming: Planning and implementing events and initiatives that align with the Residential Curriculum, promoting connection, awareness, transformative learning, and service.
- Administrative Tasks: Completing incident reports, attending staff meetings, and fulfilling other responsibilities as assigned by supervisors.
It is important to note that the 18-hour average per week is not a fixed schedule. Some weeks may require a higher time commitment due to community needs, training, programming deadlines, or high-volume incidents, while other weeks may have lighter responsibilities.
RAs are expected to manage their time effectively, communicate proactively with their supervisors about workload, and prioritize the needs of the residential community. This role provides an invaluable opportunity to develop leadership, interpersonal, and professional skills.
Qualifications
- Must be a full-time UC Merced student with a minimum cumulative and semester GPA of 2.5.
- Maintain good financial and disciplinary standing with the University.
- Demonstrated leadership and communication skills; experience in clubs/organizations preferred.
- Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a diverse campus community.
- Ability to manage time effectively, work independently, and meet multiple priorities.
- Must live on-campus during employment and be available for nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Must pass a background check (Live Scan).
- Must not hold any other on-campus employment during RA term.
RAs must attend all required trainings and meetings. Key dates include:
Overview of Fall 2025 Dates
- July 26th – RA Move-in
- July 27th - August 20th: RA Pre-Service Mandatory Training
- August 21st – August 24th – Fall Semester Move-in
- August 25th – September 1st – Welcome of Week
- August 27th - Fall Instruction Begins
- September 1st – Labor Day
- September 14th – RA In-Service
- October 12th – RA In-Service
- November 11th– Veteran’s Day
- November 16th – RA In-Service
- November 27th – November 30th – Thanksgiving Break
- December 7th – RA In-Service
- December 13th – December 19th – Finals
- December 20th – Fall Housing Ends
- December 21st – RAs Departure @ 5pm
Overview of Spring 2026 Dates
- January 11th – RAs Return @ 5pm
- January 12th – January 16th – Spring 2024 RA training
- Thursday, January 15th – new resident move in
- Sunday, January 18th – Spring 2025 housing term begins
- January 19th – MLK Jr. Day
- January 20th – Start of Instruction
- February 8th – RA In-Service
- February 16th – President’s Day
- March 8th – RA In-Service
- March 23rd – March 26th – Spring Break
- March 27th – Cesar Chavez
- April 18th – Bobcat Day (Date subject to Revision)
- April 26th – RA In-Service
- May 4th – RA In-Service
- May 11th – May 15th – Finals
- May 16th – Housing move out
- May 17th – RA Agreement Ends, 5pm
