What are the responsibilities and job description for the Residence Life-Resident Assistant position at Columbus State University?
About Us
Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.
Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.
Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!
Job Summary
Resident Assistants (RAs) are paraprofessional staff members for the Department of Residence Life. An RA is the closest and the most vital link with the residents of the community, serving as a liaison between the Department of Residence Life and the students. The RA serves under the supervision of the Residence Life Coordinator (RLC) of their assigned community. This position is one that requires organization, flexibility, adaptability, enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment. The basic tasks of the RA position involve community building, serving as a resource for the residents, working on a team, working the front desk, and serving on call. Additional responsibilities are provided in the RA conditions of employment, RA training manual, and expectations set by your individual supervisors.
Responsibilities
DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS WITH RESIDENTS
Establish significant relationships with individual Residence Life community members. Exhibit genuine concern and interest for residents by being available, approachable, and accessible. Interact with residents both individually and in groups. Follow up with residents concerning academic and personal success, as well as issues related to community life. Communicate established connections with residents through intentional interactions to the RLC of the community.
PROVIDING LEADERSHIP FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A POSITIVE COMMUNITY
Fulfill residence life programming requirements. To ensure successful work performance and support, RA's must be visible within in their assigned community. Educate the residents on the need for civility within a community. Be respectful to and show respect for those who are from different backgrounds and cultures through programming, community building, and intentional interactions.
CREATING A CULTURE OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS RA's
Will assist with programming for the Residence Life academic initiative. Create and maintain an environment conducive to academic success. Act as a role model by maintaining a 2.5 or above GPA.
SERVING AS A RESOURCE AND REFERRAL AGENT FOR COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSITY
Be cognizant of current students, building and campus issues. Act as an initial source of support for students who are experiencing personal or academic concerns. Proactively initiate conversations with students who demonstrate concerns. Have knowledge resources available on campus for students. Facilitate the Roommate Agreement process; assist students who request mediation of roommate conflicts and/or refer students to the RLC. Maintain frequent communication with Residence Life staff and respect confidentiality concerning content and process of such discussions. RA's are expected to report and/or respond to any incidents, situations, or concerns which they observe or which is reported to them.
ACTING AS A STAFF MEMBER OF THE RESIDENCE LIFE TEAM
Attend all scheduled training programs prior to and throughout each academic semester. Participate in regular staff meetings, in-service training, one-on-ones. Administrative responsibilities including but limited to roster checks, fire drills, bulletin boards, health and safety inspections, and door / hall decorations.
SERVING ON CALL AND WORKING COMMUNITY FRONT DESK RAs
Will periodically serve as secondary on call person within their community and will assist with situations when needed.
Additionally, RAs will work at their community front desk for 6 hours per week and perform duties including but not limited to lock outs, answering the phone, student check-in / check-outs, room changes, etc. These 6 hours are not paid but are part of their compensation package for housing. Any additional hours that the RA may sign up for outside of these 6 hours, will be paid at $8.00 per hour. Additional hours are not guaranteed but may be available based on community needs.
Required Qualifications
A two-semester commitment (Fall and Spring) is preferred.
Proposed Salary
For more information, please contact John Wright at 706-507-8710 or wright_john5@columbusstate.edu. For additional information about Columbus State University, visit www.ColumbusState.edu. For specific information on the Department of Residence Life here at CSU, visit www.life.ColumbusState.edu.
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Institutional Values
Excellence: Actively engaging outstanding methods in teaching, academic discovery, creative pursuits, student success, cultural enrichment and the overall campus community.
Creativity: Pursuing distinction through inquiry and innovation, challenging convention and focusing on solutions.
Engagement: Dynamic civic involvement and participation of students, faculty, staff and alumni in the university experience.
Sustainability: Advancing fiscal responsibility, well-being, innovation, lifelong learning and environmental stewardship.
Inclusion: Cultivating and championing a campus environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds, ideas, perspectives and practices.
Servant Leadership: Leading through ethical empowerment and service.
Conditions of Employment
Requirements
All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties:
All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond. Additionally, all members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of Columbus State University to recruit, hire, train, promote, and educate persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.
Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.
Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.
Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!
Job Summary
Resident Assistants (RAs) are paraprofessional staff members for the Department of Residence Life. An RA is the closest and the most vital link with the residents of the community, serving as a liaison between the Department of Residence Life and the students. The RA serves under the supervision of the Residence Life Coordinator (RLC) of their assigned community. This position is one that requires organization, flexibility, adaptability, enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment. The basic tasks of the RA position involve community building, serving as a resource for the residents, working on a team, working the front desk, and serving on call. Additional responsibilities are provided in the RA conditions of employment, RA training manual, and expectations set by your individual supervisors.
Responsibilities
DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS WITH RESIDENTS
Establish significant relationships with individual Residence Life community members. Exhibit genuine concern and interest for residents by being available, approachable, and accessible. Interact with residents both individually and in groups. Follow up with residents concerning academic and personal success, as well as issues related to community life. Communicate established connections with residents through intentional interactions to the RLC of the community.
PROVIDING LEADERSHIP FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A POSITIVE COMMUNITY
Fulfill residence life programming requirements. To ensure successful work performance and support, RA's must be visible within in their assigned community. Educate the residents on the need for civility within a community. Be respectful to and show respect for those who are from different backgrounds and cultures through programming, community building, and intentional interactions.
CREATING A CULTURE OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS RA's
Will assist with programming for the Residence Life academic initiative. Create and maintain an environment conducive to academic success. Act as a role model by maintaining a 2.5 or above GPA.
SERVING AS A RESOURCE AND REFERRAL AGENT FOR COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSITY
Be cognizant of current students, building and campus issues. Act as an initial source of support for students who are experiencing personal or academic concerns. Proactively initiate conversations with students who demonstrate concerns. Have knowledge resources available on campus for students. Facilitate the Roommate Agreement process; assist students who request mediation of roommate conflicts and/or refer students to the RLC. Maintain frequent communication with Residence Life staff and respect confidentiality concerning content and process of such discussions. RA's are expected to report and/or respond to any incidents, situations, or concerns which they observe or which is reported to them.
ACTING AS A STAFF MEMBER OF THE RESIDENCE LIFE TEAM
Attend all scheduled training programs prior to and throughout each academic semester. Participate in regular staff meetings, in-service training, one-on-ones. Administrative responsibilities including but limited to roster checks, fire drills, bulletin boards, health and safety inspections, and door / hall decorations.
SERVING ON CALL AND WORKING COMMUNITY FRONT DESK RAs
Will periodically serve as secondary on call person within their community and will assist with situations when needed.
Additionally, RAs will work at their community front desk for 6 hours per week and perform duties including but not limited to lock outs, answering the phone, student check-in / check-outs, room changes, etc. These 6 hours are not paid but are part of their compensation package for housing. Any additional hours that the RA may sign up for outside of these 6 hours, will be paid at $8.00 per hour. Additional hours are not guaranteed but may be available based on community needs.
Required Qualifications
- Must be enrolled as a student at Columbus State University; maintain a cumulative and semester GPA of at least 2.5; maintain good financial and judicial standing within the University; RAs are required to live on campus (all room assignments will be the decision of the RLC for each area); role model a standard of personal conduct commensurate with Residence Life standards.
- RAs may be allowed to hold additional on campus employment. This will be determined based on a case-by-case situation and must be approved by both their RLC supervisor and the Assistant Director for Community Development. Additional employment may not interfere with the RA completing their primary responsibilities.
- RAs are required to be present for all of Fall Training (July 21 ¿ August 5, 2025) and Spring Training (Dates to be Determined). RAs unable to attend part, or all, of Fall Training due to academic internships must notify the Assistant Director for Community Development by May 1, 2025. Please be aware that missing any part of mandatory Fall and/or Spring Training without approval from the Assistant Director for Community Development will impact an RA's ability to remain in the position.
- RAs are expected to abide by all federal, state, and local laws; abide by the rules and regulations of CSU and Residence Life, including, but not limited to those outlined in the Residence Life Community Guide and CSU Student Handbook.
A two-semester commitment (Fall and Spring) is preferred.
Proposed Salary
- Housing Waiver equivalent to the cost of a private bedroom bed space.
- $1000.00 stipend to be distributed in 4 equal payments (middle and end of both Fall and Spring), with progressive annual increases based on years of service.
- RAs hired after the beginning of a semester will have their stipend prorated based on their start date.
- RAs who work more than 6 hours per week at the front desk will be paid an hourly wage starting out at $8 per hour, with progressive annual increases based on years of service.
- RAs will also have many intangible benefits including, but not limited to becoming a leader, developing improved communication skills, learning to resolve conflicts, and helping others to grow as individuals.
- Resume
- Cover Letter
For more information, please contact John Wright at 706-507-8710 or wright_john5@columbusstate.edu. For additional information about Columbus State University, visit www.ColumbusState.edu. For specific information on the Department of Residence Life here at CSU, visit www.life.ColumbusState.edu.
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Institutional Values
Excellence: Actively engaging outstanding methods in teaching, academic discovery, creative pursuits, student success, cultural enrichment and the overall campus community.
Creativity: Pursuing distinction through inquiry and innovation, challenging convention and focusing on solutions.
Engagement: Dynamic civic involvement and participation of students, faculty, staff and alumni in the university experience.
Sustainability: Advancing fiscal responsibility, well-being, innovation, lifelong learning and environmental stewardship.
Inclusion: Cultivating and championing a campus environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds, ideas, perspectives and practices.
Servant Leadership: Leading through ethical empowerment and service.
Conditions of Employment
Requirements
All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties:
- A credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage;
- Pre-employment drug testing for positions with high-risk responsibilities.
- Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive a Columbus State University fleet vehicle or other vehicle designated as a fleet vehicle. A successful drug screening will be required as a condition of employment a randomly thereafter.
- Applicants for positions of trust may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. *
All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond. Additionally, all members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the policy of Columbus State University to recruit, hire, train, promote, and educate persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.
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