Resident Assistants

The Resident Assistant (RA) at the University of Portland is an important member of a residence hall staff team, which is charged with providing guidance and support for all residential students in the assigned residence hall. The RA assists in the development of a positive community environment, invests in the lives of students both educationally and spiritually, and serves as a leader in the hall community through a ministry of presence and role modeling. 

What Does a Resident Assistant Do?

Each resident assistant is assigned to a specific residence hall floor or wing, typically within the residence hall where they previously lived as a student. There are two major areas in which resident assistant strive to support their communities through their day-to-day work.

Community Development

Under the direction of the hall director, resident assistants assist in developing an inclusive community and a culture of communal responsibility in their hall that promotes the academic, social, and spiritual components of Holy Cross residentiality. RAs build rapport with residents through daily interactions and provide a consistent presence as a role model and resource. RAs assist in the planning of programming and community events in the hall and support the development of signature events unique to their hall community. They assist students with academic, social, spiritual, and personal matters, and they are aware of campus resources, referring students to other offices for additional support. RAs recruit and actively support residents for hall leadership opportunities. They attend weekly celebration of Mass and assist with other spiritual activities, such as the annual Hall Spiritual Retreat and Bible studies. RAs understand and follow University policies and procedures, as well as educating students and consistently enforcing regulations.

Hall Operations & Administration

Resident assistants maintain regular on-call duty hours in rotation with other resident assistants in their assigned residence hall. This includes weeknight and weekend duty during fall semester, Thanksgiving break, spring semester, and Easter Break. They respond to problems and concerns brought forward by students and manage crisis situations through immediate action, sound judgment, and appropriate referrals. They assist with building and safety issues, including submitting maintenance requests in a timely manner. RAs attend and actively participate in hall staff training, development, and formation. They meet weekly with the hall director and attend all weekly staff meetings. RAs typically also complete other projects and duties assigned by the hall director or the Office of Residence Life.

Who Can Be a Resident Assistant?

We seek qualified candidates who have the education, experience, and skills detailed below:

• Must be a junior or above and enrolled as a student in good standing with the University of Portland during the duration of their employment. RAs must maintain a semester GPA of 3.0 and not exceed 18 credits per semester. RAs whose GPA fall below this may be put on probation or released from their position.
• Employment is for a nine-month period beginning with fall training and concluding with the completion of tasks related to end of the year hall closing. During breaks, RAs are required to be present until the vacation period officially begins and return by the time it officially ends. RAs will return to campus early during winter break to fulfill training expectations. Both semesters, RAs must stay until the day after the last residents leave the building.
• Must be willing to commit a significant portion of time to both position responsibilities and academic study. It is important for RAs to be present to their communities during evening and weekend hours. Therefore, RAs may not be employed in another job or participate in major extracurricular/co-curricular activities without the approval of their hall director. A waiver of five hours of additional on-campus employment may be available by special petition to the director of residence life.
• Complete the American Red Cross or American Heart Association Standard First Aid and the American Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR classes by August 31 and hold a current certification throughout period of employment.
• First-year RAs will be required to enroll in a one-credit leadership course titled LDR 375 (formerly LDR 392) – Residential Learning and Leadership. This course will complement RA training, reflection, and formation. Three sections of this course will be offered for Fall 2018. There is no program fee or textbook rental fee associated with this course.
• Must have prior experience living in University of Portland residence halls.
• Experience related to or exhibited aptitude in advising, community development, faith development, educational programming, and conflict resolution is essential.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and leadership skills required.
• Must have superior interpersonal skills and be able to develop effective rapport with a variety of personalities.
• Must be available to work nights and weekends for assigned hall duty and to respond to critical situations.

The RA position provides a room and board scholarship during the period of employment. When available, RAs will be assigned a double room at single occupancy.

Apply to be an RA: RA applications,along with a resume, cover letter and (for new applicants) letters of recommendation, were due January 19, 2018.