Be an RA!
We’re excited you’re considering a Resident Assistant (RA) position. As a role model and representative of Westfield State University, becoming an RA offers a unique and rewarding leadership experience. You’ll have a direct impact on students and the community.
Before moving forward with the RA Application, it’s important you understand the commitment and expectations of this position. Be sure to talk to current RAs and Hall Directors, read through this page, and ask any questions before applying!
Outside of asking for the names and contact information of references, we will also collect some general information and your answers to some short answer questions.
We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will reach out to you to schedule an interview and/or a group process activity as we anticipate positions becoming open.
Apply on your under "Applications"
RAs receive a free single room in the hall to which they are assigned and a free unlimited meal plan regardless of hall placement. RAs with vehicles will receive a free parking pass.
The Resident Assistant (RA) leadership position performs diverse responsibilities, acting as a role model, peer counselor, event planner, resource/referral person, administrator, and crisis responder. Individuals in this dynamic position should have a desire to help others and be comfortable serving as a role model and representative of the Department of Residential Life. This leadership position will require RAs to engage with residents to build community and to address concerns. The RA works as a member of a team under the direct supervision of the Hall Director and functional supervision of the Head Resident Assistant.
LEADERSHIP POSITION REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS OF RAs
1. RAs must be enrolled as full-time students at Westfield State University at time of application and during the time holding the leadership position. Candidates not meeting this requirement can be considered on a case-by-case basis.
2. RAs must have completed at least two full-time collegiate semesters at an accredited institution.
3. RAs must be in good standing with the Student Conduct Office and the Office of Residential Life at the time of application, and remain in good standing throughout their time in the leadership position.
4. RAs must be in good academic standing both at the time of hire and throughout their time serving in the position (Preferred to have and maintain a minimum cumulative and semester GPA of 2.4).
5. Preference will be given to RAs who have lived on-campus at Westfield State University for at least one, and preferably two, semesters before beginning the position. In cases of related experiences, candidates not meeting the residency requirement may be considered for RA positions.
6. RAs are expected to be active members of their community and must maintain availability in their halls, including sleeping in their assigned rooms and responding to any situations that arise. The RA leadership position is a live-on position, and RAs are expected to live in their rooms and sleep in their rooms most nights.
7. Aside from academic commitments, Residential Life duties should take priority over other jobs, athletic teams, and involvement in clubs/organizations. Secondary jobs and extracurricular activities combined should not exceed a maximum of 20 hours per week and must be approved by the supervisor at the beginning of each semester. Due to the nature of our program, students may not hold leadership positions as both Orientation Leaders and Resident Assistants, CAB Executive Board members and Resident Assistants, or SGA Executive Board Members and Resident Assistants.
8. RAs will hold a minimum of three (3) community hours each week, at the front desk of their assigned residential building.
9. All scheduled trainings and departmental meetings are mandatory. August training will begin no more than three weeks prior to the start of fall semester classes. Winter training will begin no more than one week prior to the start of spring semester classes.
10. There will be monthly departmental meetings that RAs are expected to attend. RAs will also be expected to attend weekly staff meetings, as scheduled by their Hall Directors. RAs should not take classes or commit to other activities at this time.
A. Community Building
1. Serve as a resource and role model to students and be available and accessible to respond to their needs and concerns; when appropriate, refer students to campus offices for more assistance.
2. Meet community development expectations and produce programs/events for assigned section based on the expectations provided by the Residential Curriculum Model.
3. Hold three (3) office hours each week in the RA office.
4. Get to know residents in assigned section collectively and individually, including names, room numbers and other basic information. Check in weekly with each resident.
5. Be aware of roommate and section dynamics; mediate conflicts as they arise.
6. Build relationships and maintain open lines of communication with relevant stakeholders as designated by Residential Life.
B. Safety and Security
1. Communicate and enforce University policies and Residence Hall regulations, address and document violations of these regulations in a timely manner.
2. Work scheduled duty shifts by remaining in one’s assigned residential area, at the desk, being available and accessible in the building, assuming responsibility for completing detailed rounds and responding to emergencies. This includes additional coverage as needed for events including, but not limited to professional athletic events, campus, local, or world community events and major University programs. Residential area may include multiple residence halls.
3. Monitor and maintain awareness of the physical residence hall facility and promptly report concerns or issues appropriately.
C. Administrative Responsibilities
1. Use departmental reporting system(s) to submit required paperwork within the timelines given.
2. Distribute information to students in a regular and timely manner.
3. Post new door tags and bulletin boards for assigned section within the timeframe set by the supervisor.
4. Assist with residence hall housing operations procedures including opening/closing procedures including holiday & semester breaks, scheduled Health and Safety Inspections and assisting with verifying hall evacuation following fire alarms.
D. General Responsibilities
1. Maintain a professional working relationship with all members of the department and University staff.
2. Attend weekly or bi-weekly individual supervision meetings with direct supervisor.
3. Resolve staff conflicts that may arise in a prompt, direct, constructive, and confidential manner.
4. Display a professional attitude. A Resident Assistant may be subject to higher standards than a person in the general student population.
5. Assist with Department functions as directed or needed.
6. Complete other duties as assigned by the supervisor and/or the area of Residential Life.
E. Compensation Received
RAs receive a free single room in the hall to which they are assigned and a free unlimited meal plan regardless of hall placement. RAs with vehicles will receive a free parking pass.
This leadership position helps build the following skills identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) to set students up for post-collegiate employment success:
Career and Self Development The Resident Assistant role serves as a competitive student leadership position that requires ongoing self-reflection, accountability, and personal growth. RAs participate in comprehensive training programs, ongoing professional development opportunities, and regular individual supervision meetings that support continual learning. Through consistent feedback from supervisors, peers, and residents, RAs refine their skills and expand their self-awareness. The position also encourages relationship-building with Hall Directors, Area Coordinators, campus partners, and fellow RAs, while cultivating transferable competencies in leadership, conflict management, and crisis response that prepare students for future careers.
Communication Resident Assistants engage in frequent verbal and written communication with residents, supervisors, campus partners, and emergency personnel. They facilitate community meetings, conduct intentional one-on-one conversations, and communicate University policies and expectations clearly and respectfully. RAs regularly use active listening skills when addressing student concerns, mediating conflicts, or responding to crises. Additionally, they prepare professional written documentation, including incident reports, program proposals, and community-wide communications.
Critical Thinking The RA role requires students to assess complex and sensitive situations and determine appropriate, timely courses of action. RAs apply University policies and procedures using sound judgment while considering context and student well-being. During emergency situations, they prioritize safety, gather critical information, and coordinate responses with professional staff and emergency services. The position also demands effective time management and the ability to balance multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced residential environment.
Equity & Inclusion Resident Assistants play a central role in fostering inclusive residential communities that honor and respect diverse identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences. Through required equity- and inclusion-focused trainings and facilitated discussions, RAs develop cultural humility and inclusive leadership skills. They are prepared to respond to bias-related incidents with care and intentionality, while also designing and implementing programs that promote belonging, access, and equity within the residence halls.
Leadership As visible leaders within the residential community, RAs serve as role models who influence community culture and behavior. They motivate and support residents while reinforcing shared community standards and expectations. The role provides hands-on experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and initiatives aligned with departmental goals. RAs also collaborate closely with peers and professional staff to advance the mission and objectives of Residential Life.
Professionalism Resident Assistants are held to high standards of professionalism as live-in University representatives. They demonstrate reliability through consistent duty coverage, punctuality, meeting attendance, and availability to residents. RAs manage confidential and sensitive information responsibly and ethically. The position reinforces accountability, integrity, and the ability to balance academic obligations with professional responsibilities.
Teamwork The RA position emphasizes collaboration within a structured residential staff team that shares responsibility for community success. RAs work closely with desk staff, facilities personnel, campus police, and student support services to address resident needs. Through team meetings and daily interactions, they navigate interpersonal dynamics, resolve conflicts constructively, and contribute individual strengths toward collective departmental and community outcomes.
Technology Resident Assistants use departmental software systems to document incidents, submit reports, and communicate updates in a timely manner. They rely on digital tools to promote programs, manage schedules, and maintain effective communication with residents and staff. The role requires adaptability as RAs learn and utilize evolving technologies that support housing operations, safety systems, and student engagement.
RAs are required to spend adequate time within their sections and residence halls to be visible, available and accessible to students in the community. While we understand you have other commitments, we believe you are a student first and an RA second.
