Serving as a source of guidance and ensuring that policies are followed are a few of the things that a Resident Assistant can expect to do. “This role can be both challenging and rewarding, and RAs often get out of the experience what they put into it,” said JoAnna Verlezza, Associate Director of Residential Life for the Pleasantville campus. “Those interested in the position should have a genuine desire to support their peers, serve as a resource, and contribute to a community that is engaged, inclusive, and safe.”
RAs have a variety of responsibilities, including training, 1-on-1 conversations with Residents, and working as a team.
They must also execute the Residential Life Curriculum. Verlezza states that the Residential Life Curriculum involves “hosting programs, designing Bulletin Boards and social media posts, creating a safe environment, serving as policy enforcers, and managing crises. As RAs carry out their duties, they must balance their work as an RA with their other responsibilities.”
RAs have their supervisors to help them with time management. “At the start of the semester, Resident Assistants (RAs) meet with their supervisors to discuss any anticipated outside commitments,” Verlezza said. “During this conversation, they review the RA’s time management skills and identify strategies for balancing these commitments with role expectations.”
Throughout the semester, RAs will also receive support from their supervisors. Verlezza states, “Residence Directors (RDs) continue to check in with their RAs to monitor how they are managing their responsibilities and provide support as needed.”
Verlezza highlights what students have learned and gained from being an RA. “They report feeling more prepared for their next steps, particularly their first post-college position. Many also note increased confidence, stronger social skills, and an improved ability to balance competing priorities.”
In addition to skills development, being an RA has allowed students to create connections with staff and peers. Verlezza states, “RAs consistently emphasize the significance of their staff team, highlighting the deep connections they formed with their peers.”
To become an RA, students must be enrolled full-time and attend an informational session. In addition, students must have and maintain a 2.75 semester and cumulative GPA. Students in the final year of a 5th-year program and graduate students are eligible, but Residence Hall community experience is preferred.
If you have any questions about becoming an RA, you can contact JoAnna Verlezza at [email protected].