Resident Advisor

The Resident Advisor (RA) position is responsible for assisting in the development of a program and an environment in which the student may realize maximum educational, cultural and social advantages. RAs foster a sense of belonging and build community by getting to know residents, planning hall activities while maintaining a secure environment by addressing policy violations. Most importantly, RAs genuinely care about their residents and have a desire to help their peers succeed. 

What Qualities Make a Successful RA?

Common characteristics include: personal warmth, social maturity, a sincere desire to assist in students’ personal development and transition to college, openness to new experiences, willingness to be challenged, capacity to deal with change, ability to manage personal emotions, ability to deal with a wide range of human emotions and work with a variety of personalties and lifestyles without judgment. RAs should possess patience, a sense of humor, strong communication skills and the ability to complete paperwork in a timely manner. 

How to Become a RA?

The Office of Housing and Residence sees the Resident Advisor position as an essential part of the residential experience. Our team is always looking for students who want to become student leaders on campus, willing to be change agents, and have an ability to hold their peers accountable. To become an RA, students will: 

1. Complete a Resident Advisor application by mid-December. 
2. If application is accepted, the student will be asked to enroll in a GNST-250 course in the Spring semester. This course is an 8-week, 1-credit course focused on leadership development, conflict management, and identity exploration. This course will be completed prior to Spring Break. 
3. Between January - March, students will complete a 30-minute interview with the Area Coordinators. 
4. After review of applications, status in the GNST-250 course, and interviews, students will be notified if they have been offered a position on the housing staff. 

Position Focus Areas

• Community Development
• Event & Activity Planning
• Leadership Development 
• Facility Management 
• Crisis Management 
• Communication 
• Accountability 

Qualifications & Eligibility

• Must be currently enrolled, full-time student student of Emory & Henry College.
• Must have a cumulative 2.5 grade point average to be eligible for application. 
• Must not have a conduct or honor sanction that is equal to or more stringent than probation during the application, appointment, and employment period. 
• Must return to campus prior to official opening of both the fall and spring semesters.
• Must remain after the official closing of both the fall and spring semesters as contracted. 

Compensation

Resident Advisors received $2,750 stipend per semester which is considered the base housing rate. Students have the choice of receiving this stipend directly or placing the amount to their student account to cover their housing costs. 

Interested in becoming a Resident Advisor? Email housing@ehc.edu and we will get you connected to the process! 

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