Resident Assistant - University of California, Berkeley

Residential Living
Resident Assistant Job Description
The Mission of Residential Living is to create safe and inclusive living learning communities that foster holistic education and global
citizenship. Residential Living’s Vision reflects a commitment to the intentional creation of effective and innovative programs aimed at
developing students to be engaged campus and global citizens, and active agents of social change. The Resident Directors and the
live-in student staff they supervise accomplish this through a combination of educational events, community building activities, student
empowerment and personal conversations.
The Resident Assistant is responsible for developing and maintaining an atmosphere that promotes residential communities through
excellence in academic integration and personal development opportunities for students. As an employee of the Office of Student
Development, each RA will adhere to, administer, and enforce policies and procedures as outlined in the Residential Living Policies and
Procedures Manual, University of California Personnel Policies and Procedures, "Bear Necessities" and the "University of California
Policies applying to Campus Activities, Organizations and Students Handbook".
The RA's role encompasses programming, administration, and staff responsibilities, and consequently, flexibility is required. The RA
serves as a resource to both residents and staff and upholds the goals and policies of Residential Student Service Programs. The
responsibilities listed will be carried out under the supervision of the Resident Director.
Essential Functions
Community Development (35%)
Encourage personal, social, and academic development of students by spending a significant amount of time on the floor or
building area and getting to know students. Be available to assist students, implement activities, plan programs, attend hall
association meetings, floor/area meetings, be visible in your community, etc.
Assist your community in establishing programs that aid in the development of a positive living/learning environment. Initiate,
plan and implement a minimum of 10 Community Development Activities with residents.
Support and encourage students in the development of an effective Hall Association. Attend Hall Association meetings. Work
with theme floor representatives to establish a positive community.
Demonstrate knowledge of campus resources in order to provide academic, personal support and referral.
Act as a mediator in conflict situations when needed (i.e. roommate, noise, theme program, etc.).
Work cooperatively with students to ensure an environment on the floor or building area that displays respect for the rights and
privacy of others and promotes consideration of individual needs in a group living environment.
Respond to student behavior that is inappropriate and/or in violation of campus policies and procedures (i.e., behavior that
endangers the health and safety of residents or results in damage to University property). Confront the action that is in
question, document incident(s) within 24 hours and utilize residence hall and University conduct procedures.
Create an inclusive environment in which the entire residence hall can interact and contribute to the living community.
Serve as a constructive and positive role mode for personal behavior and academic pursuits and adhere to all residence hall
policies. Display appreciation of differences and assist students in developing an understanding of diverse cultures and
lifestyles. Respect and treat all individuals fairly and equitably by being open and understanding of sexual orientation, and
cultural & ethnic diversity issues.
Community & Educational Programming (30%)
Fulfill programming requirements as set forth by the Resident Director and the Program Assistant. Initiate, plan and implement
at least four programs per semester.
Assist in the coordination of student transition and orientation during hall opening and fall and spring welcome week.
Conduct opening night program for new residents outlines residential services and resources and addresses residential policy.
Present a fall semester program which fosters positive roommate relationships.
Support and promote Academic Services. Work with the APC to build a positive living/learning environment.
Participate in major hall or area functions and encourage residents to participate in campus and community events.
Address community issues and generate area discussions at regular floor meetings as determined by the RD.
Staff & Administrative Responsibilities (25%)
Attend and participate in all staff training programs.
Attend weekly hall staff meetings or unit meetings prepared with weekly reports. Hall staff meetings will be on Tuesday
evenings from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Time commitments may vary.
Participate in all individual, staff, group and theme program evaluation processes.
Complete administrative tasks as needed in a timely and efficient manner.
Perform regularly scheduled duty shifts. Resident Assistants are on night duty an average of 5-6 weeknights per month and 2-
3 weekend nights per month as well as providing coverage during some vacation and holiday periods. Night duty begins at
5:00 p.m. and ends the following day at 8:00 am. Duty includes, but is not limited to, performing rounds twice a night,
addressing policy violations, responding to emergencies, and providing security monitor breaks in a timely manner.
Ensure that the RD is informed and updated on all aspects of your work. This responsibility will entail being in phone and/or
email contact and meeting regularly with the RD and Program Assistant to share job-related information, receive feedback and
develop job-related skills.
Additional Duties (10%)
Disseminate campus information and provide regularly updated bulleting boards as directed by the RD.

Participate in hall staff selection process (i.e., panel and group interviews).
Relate student concerns relating to residence life to the appropriate units of Residential and Student Services Programs (i.e.
RD, AD, Dining Manager, Facilities Manager, etc.)..
Qualifications
Undergraduate or graduate student in good standing with the university and possessing a minimum 2.300 cumulative GPA
and good standing with the University at the start of position and throughout the period of employment. Please note that GPA
does not round up, any GPA below a 2.300 (2.299 or below) will make you ineligible for this position.
Full-time academic status (12-13 units per semester) during period of employment. Exceptions must have the prior approval
of the Resident Director and Assistant Director.
Minimum of one year residence in a college or university residence hall, or a similar group living experience such as a Greek
house, co-op, or theme program prior to term of employment.
Terms of Employment
The Resident Assistant is expected to serve as a role model for all residence hall policies and procedures. Failure to serve as
a positive role model may result in personnel action up to and including dismissal.
All new Resident Assistants must enroll in a one-credit ED98/198 course during the Spring 2012 semester. Employment is
contingent on the Resident Assistant receiving a grade of “P” in the course.
Maintain the required 2.300 minimum G.P.A. throughout the term of employment. The RA must submit a copy of an official
grade report to the Office of Student Development. Spring 2012 grade reports must be submitted by July 1, 2012 and the Fall
2012 grade reports must be submitted within the first week of classes of the Spring 2013 semester in order to ensure
compliance with the academic requirements of the position.
Maintain full-time academic status (12-13 units per semester) throughout the term of employment. Exceptions must have prior
approval of the Resident Director and Assistant Director.
The period of employment for this live-in position commences on August 5, 2012, two weeks prior to the opening of the halls
and ends in the afternoon on the date of the closing of the residence halls on May 18, 2013.
Active participation in staff training which occurs prior to the beginning of the Fall 2012 semester (two weeks prior to the
opening of the halls on August 5, 2012) and one week prior to the first day of instruction of the Spring 2013 semester as well
as on going system-wide and area staff in-service training programs.
Participation in the opening and closing of the halls prior to the beginning of the Fall 2012 semester, Spring 2013 semester
and throughout the academic year. Preparation for and implementation of opening and closing of the halls may include, but is
not limited to: administrative preparation, programmatic preparation, logistical preparation, and physical preparation of
floors/suites, hall/area, and unit for opening and closing.
The RA is expected to work during some evenings, weekends and holidays. This includes providing hall coverage during some
vacation and holiday periods (which may include Thanksgiving and Spring Break, among others). A commitment of
approximately 19 hours/week is expected (some weeks may be more, whereas others may be less, depending on time of
year, events, issues in the hall, etc.), which includes but is not limited to, required meetings, duty coverage, program
implementation and attendance, being visible and available to residents, and addressing the specific needs of the community.
Assist with and be present for the implementation of CAL Day and Room Draw.
All extended hall absences (more than 24 hours) must be arranged in advance with the RD. Absences will not be approved
the first and last two weeks of each semester.
Resident Assistants are restricted to no more than fifteen hours of outside commitments (i.e. running for ASUC, additional
employment). Exceptions must be discussed and approved in advance by the RD. Resident Assistants may only work one
Security Monitor shift per week.
Continued employment is contingent upon a satisfactory job performance evaluation by the supervisor. Satisfactory job
performance evaluation is defined as meeting expectations as defined by the job evaluation in all areas of the job description.
Resident Assistants who display psychological behavior which raises concerns about fitness for the position may be required
to complete an assessment of fitness and ability in order to continue in the position.
All hall staff must have telephone service in their room. Residential and Student Service Programs provide an allowance for
installation and monthly service charges. While RAs must have a telephone line, it is recommended that they have an
answering machine.
The RA will receive room (single) and board during the period of employment as compensation.
Expectations
Maintain positive working relationships with fellow hall staff, Office of Student Development staff, as well as Residential and
Student Services staff members.
Report maintenance problems in a timely fashion in order to maintain the physical condition of the residence halls. Provide
immediate follow-up on reported problems.
Do not duplicate or loan keys to unauthorized persons. Master keys are to be kept in their designated, secure location at all
times when not in use and are not to leave the building or area without authorization.
Be responsible with special staff privileges (i.e. use of office, phones, keys, office equipment, etc.).
Maintain confidentiality and objectivity in all matters related to students and staff.
Perform other duties as assigned by the RD and the administrative staff of Residential and Student Services Programs.