Resident Advisor Job Description

Our Mission

To create an atmosphere within the University of Vermont residential system that facilitates the growth and development of all students. This includes providing a safe and secure environment that fosters healthy, inclusive community building among all residents - supporting and emphasizing academic success. We are committed to and intentional about providing students a range of experiences within their living environment. Desired outcomes of these experiences include:

 The Development of a Sense of Belonging  The Acquisition of Knowledge and Skills  The Development of Critical Thinking Skills  The Ability to Make Ethical Choices  The Assumption of Self Responsibility

The Resident Advisor (RA) is a peer advisor and educator who works with residents to assist them in addressing needs within the residence hall and the university community. The RA works with students and administrators, learns to articulate rights and responsibilities for both the individual and the University, and balances his or her own pressures of academic and personal responsibilities. To support and guide the Resident Advisor, professional staff members work to create a safe, secure environment that fosters the educational mission of the University and enhances the personal development of students.

Under the supervision of the Residential Education Team Staff, Resident Advisors will fulfill the general requirements and responsibilities of the job as outline in the “Resident Advisor Job Description” and in the “Resident Advisor Employment Agreement.”

Mentor  Develop reciprocal relationships with residents

 Utilize active listening skills and assist residents with individual concerns

 Communicate residents’ concerns to support staff and maintain confidentiality

 Support students in resolving conflicts

 Display sensitivity to all lifestyles

 Celebrate diversity

 Know and adhere to the University Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Housing and Meal Plan Contract Terms & Conditions

 Clarify University policies and procedures for students

 Consistently confront violations of University policy

 Refer residents to university resources

 Encourage residents to get involved with the community on and off campus

 Display personal balance of academics, campus involvements, and relationships  Engage in self reflection and identity exploration

Community Facilitator  Foster a community supportive of the Department’s Philosophy Statement on Diversity and the University’s Common Ground values of Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Openness, Justice, and Responsibility

 Encourage residents to take an active role in developing community

 Facilitate conversations about the rights and responsibilities of community living

 Keep the community informed of complex and university announcements and events

 Support Hall Council by attending at least one meeting per month

 Support the Inter-Residence Association

 Support NRHH

Educator  Support and dialogue about residents’ differences in opinions, cultures, and life experiences.

 Implement the Community Development Curriculum to offer inclusive programming that meets the needs of the community and complex

 Create learning opportunities in the physical environment

 Utilize online resources for responsibly connecting to residents

 Actively confront situations of intolerance and bias that result from lack of respect

Crisis Manager  Know and implement appropriate crisis response protocols while on or off duty

 Support individuals and communities during and after crises

 Provide accurate, timely documentation of crises occurring in the community

Administrator  Be an available resource to residents at the front desk on a rotating basis

 Participate in preparing the halls for opening and closing

 Facilitate routine Health & Safety inspections

 Report and follow up on maintenance concerns

 Submit paperwork accurately and in a timely manner

 Act as a representative of the Division of Student & Campus Life and Department of Residential Life supporting the departmental mission

 Access and respond to communication via email and RetNet daily Team Member  Accessible, available, and visible in the community and complex

 Share duty coverage for the complex

 Actively participate in weekly staff meetings, in-service sessions, and training activities

 Actively participate in discussions and allow others’ voices to be heard

 Create and adhere to staff community standards

 Provide and receive constructive feedback

 Present a positive attitude in carrying out RA responsibilities

 Recognize the accomplishments of community members and coworkers

 Be supportive of other staff members and their decisions

Other Duties As Assigned