Other duties held by RAs outside of community building and programming can include ordering supplies, managing a budget, and determining need for maintenance, repairs, and furnishings.
This often requires writing reports, keeping accurate records, completing timely follow-up, and maintaining good communication.
RAs are usually required to meet with their building coordinator weekly or bi-weekly to discuss their residents, planned programming, and any other issues or subjects that could affect the ability to perform their administrative responsibilities.
The RA may also assist with public relations and housing needs such as submitting facilities concerns for review and collecting information about resident move out.
Many institutions require RAs to participate in a 'on duty' rotation where they actively walk through and monitor communities throughout the night.
While completing these nightly rounds, enforcing community standards, such as quiet hours and alcohol and drug policy are frequent occurrences.
Monitoring floor activity and helping with conflict resolution between residents is another important security related duty of the RA.
As more institutions take on a curricular approach and put learning at the forefront of their practice, many RAs are encouraged to have an educational-based conversation with students and focus on restoration and not reprimand them.
Finally, while completing their nightly walk throughs RAs are often asked to check on the physical security of residence halls, ensuring doors are locked and there are no facilities concerns that need to be addressed.
This refers to assisting residents in making a smooth transition into campus life by getting them involved in traditional activities in their institution such as homecoming events, for example.
This may be through RAs teaching skills such as how to do laundry or cook, or bringing in additional resources such as career centres to support residents in learning how to make a cover letters or excel at job interviews.
Active Program Ideas: Mocktails (alcohol safety), Condom Olympics (sex ed), DIY air fresheners with baking soda and essential oils (Hygiene), DIY Tote bags from old t- shirts (Sustainability), Ice-cream Social (Icebreaker), BJ's and PJS- Ben and Jerrys (Sex education), Paint Nite (Alcohol safety).
RAs assume leadership roles in creating a positive and friendly atmosphere for students of varied backgrounds.
At Illinois, RAs are compensated with waived fees for housing and meal plans, and are given a monthly stipend of roughly $105.00.
[21] The job of an RA is to create a community among their residents that is inclusive, welcoming, and comfortable environment for students who are living in university housing.
At the National University of Singapore, there are cluster leaders,[23] resident assistants,[24] and members of the Junior Common Room Committee (JCRC).
Positions similar to resident assistants are much rarer in the UK than the USA, reflecting British universities taking much less direct interest in their student's personal, social and sporting life than their American equivalents.
Such positions do not generally much focus on improvement of student life, and are instead more directed towards pastoral care of residents along with practical responsibilities.