Community Assistant & Resident Assistant Position Description

The CA/RA are members of the Office of Housing & Residence Life (HRL) at Washington and Lee University (W&L) that serve under the direct supervision of the Director and Associate Director of Housing & Residence Life and the indirect supervision of the residence life leadership team and class deans. CA/RA appointments are only for the academic year for which the CA/RA is hired. HRL fosters respectful and safe living environments that are conducive to a student’s holistic growth and well-being, their sense of belonging, and the university’s tradition of honor. CA/RAs will support the W&L residential experience by offering growth opportunities that support selt-discovery, citizenship, and future planning.

Expectations and Responsibilities

Academic Connection

• Identify and promote key academic calendar dates (i.e., add/drop, registration/advising, etc.) and functions.
• Model academic integrity and success. Serve as a resource and referral agent as appropriate.

Professionalism and Role Modeling

• Serve as a highly visible campus leader and representative of HR and W&L.
• Remain in good social and academic standing with the University throughout recruitment and appointment.
• Uphold high standards and live in accordance with the policies outlined in the Student Handbook, the Housing Agreement, and the HRL Staff Manual. This includes on the internet and social media accounts.
• Avoid amorous, dating, or sexual relationships with any student(s)/resident(s) or another CA/RA directly under their purview. Pre-existing relationships prior to employment must be declared to supervisors.
• Maintain positive and professional relationships with all students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Use discretion and be responsible about participation in situations where alcohol is present or consumed. Act as a prosocial bystander at all times. Avoid official CA/RA responsibilities if impaired and ask for additional support as appropriate

Individual Helping and Referral

• Advise residents with academic, personal, and social matters within the limits of their training and capabilities and serve as a resource and referral agent for residents.
• Read and become familiar with resource material presented in HRL training, the Student Handbook or other University policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Community Development

• Advise residents in developing a meaningful community that supports and promotes mutual respect, belonging, and healthy living standards.
• Facilitate community meetings as planned or on an as needed basis.
• Facilitate roommate meetings, contract negotiations and resolve conflicts, revise contracts as the need arises.
• Plan, implement, and assess social and educational programs in accordance with the Residential Experience Model (REM).
• Support HRL and university wide initiatives in the spirit of collaboration.

Policy Enforcement and Reporting

• Communicate and enforce all University and HRL regulations and policies in a fair and consistent manner.
• Facilitate a climate that promotes individual responsibility and protects the rights of the individual and the community.
• Maintain student privacy as part of the conduct/resource referral system.
• Submit clear and timely reports with regard to policy or criminal infractions, Title IX, hazing, etc.

Emergencies, Health, and Safety

• Assume on-call responsibility as scheduled or designated by HRL leadership and as outlined in the Residence Life Staff Manual.
• Serve as essential personnel as needed in times of emergency response (i.e., severe weather, crises response, etc.).
• Complete health and safety inspections as planned each semester and as needed based on concerns.
• Educate residents on fire and personal safety, as well as evacuation procedures in the event of an emergency.
• Appropriate use and timely return of residential keys and card access.

Administration

• Attend full HRL training, area specific meetings, team bonding and development, and in-service programs. These vary based on need and training topics. Excused absences considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Complete and follow-up on HRL paperwork, which includes but may not be limited to programming paperwork, incident reports, housing paperwork, and work orders.
• Report facility concerns in a timely manner and assist with room condition consultations, check-outs, and key audits.
• Support sustainability initiatives to reduce waste, promote recycling and composting where applicable, and conserve energy.
• Refrain from speaking to media outlets on matters related to HRL or W&L without the express permission of a professional staff member.

Outside Commitments

• Review all significant academic or extracurricular commitments with supervisor. Prioritize and manage time effectively.
• Restrict other employment on or off campus without prior permission from a professional staff member.

Qualifications

• Enrollment as a current, full-time (12 credit hours) Washington and Lee student.
• Completion of at least one semester as a full-time student at W&L by the start of appointment
• Achievement and maintenance of a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA; and maintain good conduct and academic standing at the time of application and throughout the recruitment and appointment period
• Students seeking to take over 15 credit hours must discuss with a professional staff member