What does it mean to be an RA?

Charles Nies, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, UC Merced

“As a first generation college student, being an RA not only helped me connect positively with the university and supported my goals, but taught me life skills I needed to succeed and exposed me to career options I didn’t know existed.”

Alma Morales Alejandre

“What being an RA to me means that I’m not only an academic resource and emotional support system. It’s the bond I create with my residents which helps create a safe inclusive environment for them in their college experience.”

 

Juan Palacios

“Being an RA to me means I am an influential role model to my residents both academically and socially.”

Lupita Guerrero

“Being an RA means being a mentor friend and guide for a resident. It means being a familiar friendly face in a hall, that no matter what will always say hi and make you feel welcome! I believe an RA can impact the life of a resident greatly, because it is the first person they meet at school, and the person they can always come to whenever problems arise.”

Elle Palka

“Being an RA means that I am able to help students feel more comfortable at college, like the RA I had my first year”

Community Development

• 1. Strive to create safe and inclusive learning communities that practice the UC Merced “Principles of Community” and enhances students’ University experience.
• 2. Coordinate on-going formal and informal activities to help residents connect with others within housing and across campus. Coordinate interactive meals with residents.
• 3. Promote resident involvement in programs offered by other campus organizations.
• 4. Create opportunities for students to provide feedback and evaluation of our programs and services. Channel student feedback to the appropriate sources.
• 5. Role-model and enforce behavioral standards and expectations.
• 6. Support the Residence Hall Association (RHA), Community Council & National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) efforts.

Programming and Resident Education

• 1. Plan, implement, and evaluate programs and activities to support residents’ academic and life successes while attending UCM in accordance with the programming model.
• 2. Work cooperatively with other campus departments/offices to facilitate programs and activities.
• 3. Directly or indirectly support theme communities and housing options.
• 4. Participate in Leadership retreat and RA in-services

Resident Support and Resource

• 1. Get to know residents, be approachable and available, particularly in the evening hours and on weekends.
• 2. Serve as a liaison between the residents and professional Housing & Residence Life staff. Maintain open lines of communication.
• 3. Counsel and advise students on academic, personal, and policy interpretation matters within the purview of training. Refer students to appropriate resources as needed.
• 4. Abide by and confront all Housing & Residence Life and University policies and procedures. Educate residents about these policies and their rationale. Document policy violations and incidents of concern using an Incident Report.

Emergency Response and Conflict Resolution

• 1. Participate in an after-hour on-call duty rotation (includes weekends and holidays) to respond to emergencies and provide for resident needs.
• 2. Facilitate the resolution of conflicts through mediation and counseling. Refer students as appropriate.
• 3. Work cooperatively with UCM Police, Fire Department, Counseling, and Health Center to resolve student issues.

Administration

• 1. Attend all scheduled meetings, trainings, and in-services as scheduled.
• 2. Facilitate the accurate completion and submission of all forms and reports by established deadlines. Examples include, but are not limited to, weekly reports, informational reports, programming paperwork, room condition forms, roommate and suite-mate agreements, and damage investigations.
• 3. Practice sound budget management and follow UC purchasing guidelines.
• 4. Follow FERPA and CLERY reporting mandates to maintain confidentiality surrounding student records.
• 5. Serve on departmental and/or campus committees.
• 6. Serve 2-4 desks hours per week.
• 7. Other duties as assigned.