RESIDENT ADVISOR
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Resident Advisor (RA) position is an integral part of residential life at California State University,
Northridge. Employees will undertake one of the most exciting, rewarding, and challenging experiences of
their lives. Those involved in the program will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and gain a
better understanding of themselves and others.
Position Requirements
 Enrollment and attendance in classes at California State University, Northridge with a minimum of
12 undergraduate units or 8 graduate units. Enrollment in more than 15 undergraduate units or 12
graduate units must be approved by supervisor.
 Good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
 Good judicial and financial standing.
 Residency in on-campus housing during time of employment.
 Involvement in extra-curricular activities and employment beyond the RA job is limited to a total of
15 hours per week and must be approved by supervisor.
 One year of college enrollment required.
General Skills and Abilities Necessary
 Some leadership experience
 The desire to learn and grow
 Willingness and maturity to serve as a role-model and resource for peers
 An open mind and heart that allows you to make people from different backgrounds feel welcome and
included.
Benefits/ Perks
 Compensation is contingent upon an average of 20 hours per week of work.
 Invaluable and rewarding growth experience
 A single bedroom or studio apartment
 A monthly stipend or meal plan with dining dollars
Date-Specific Commitments
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Spring Leadership Training: Friday, April 21, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Summer Training: RA/Mentor move-in Friday, July 28, 2017 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Training will begin Monday, July 31, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. and will last through August 18, 2017. We will
need everyone available from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day (though, admittedly, most days we are
finished by 6:00 p.m.) for the duration of the training and orientation period. There will be no
exceptions.
LLC/TLC Freshman Move - In Day: Monday, August 21, 2017
G.R.E.A.T. Escape Freshman Welcome Program: Tues., August 22, 2017 – Fri., August 25, 2017
General Assignment Move - In Day: Saturday, August 26, 2017
Winter Training: Tuesday, January 16, 2018 – Friday, January 19, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
In-Services: Additional training/staff time on Mondays, typically once a month from 4:00 p.m. -5:00
p.m.
Staff Meetings: Every Monday from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (during term of employment). Classes
must be scheduled around this commitment as well as any and all other commitments unless approved
by supervisor.
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES
A. Resident Education
 Facilitate the Community Standards Process which includes: facilitation of weekly floor meetings,
knowledge of the Community Standards Model, mediation skills, diplomacy, patience, and maturity.
 Create and maintain floor decorations and bulletin boards.
 Be familiar with university and community resources and be able to refer students when appropriate.
 Facilitate residents’ leadership development by role-modeling, supporting, and participating in resident
leadership initiatives and groups.
 Be knowledgeable about and able to educate residents on oppression issues.
 Create education and social programs to help develop community.
 Connect on an individual level with residents on one’s floor and throughout the residence halls.
B. Human Relations
 Facilitate the safety and well-being of residents.
 Mediate conflict between members of the community.
 Attend, participate in, and encourage resident involvement in the residence halls, on-campus, and in
the community.
 Interact and build relationships with residents by serving as a mentor and source of support while also
balancing appropriate boundaries in the RA-resident relationship.
 Serve as a role model for standards of community living, academics, social justice, and leadership.
 Complete a sociogram that details the residents on your floor and specific knowledge points about
them.
C. Administrative Duties
 Work regularly scheduled duty nights, including vacation, holiday periods and weekends (on average,
every third weekend).
 Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings and scheduled in-services.
 Check mailboxes and email daily.
 Be a resident advocate and provide feedback regarding resident interests (e.g. academic success, judicial
concerns, navigating University structures).
 Attend bi-weekly departmental committee meetings as assigned.
 Hold two scheduled lobby hours each week to be entirely available to residents.
D. Policy Enforcement and Response
o Initially respond to behavioral infractions and complete related conduct paperwork in a timely manner.
o Interpret and enforce University and Residential Life Policy (discipline, business, and facilities policies
included).
o Provide initial crisis intervention and emergency response.
E. Perform and participate in other duties as assigned by the department.