This document outlines the duty protocol and crisis response procedures for resident advisors (RAs) during their duty shifts. It details check-in procedures, visibility expectations, radio usage, communication methods, and emergency response steps. For any incident, RAs should first contact the area coordinator (AC) on duty for guidance. In life-threatening situations, RAs should call 911 and security, as well as notify the AC. RAs are expected to document all incidents in reports and get backup from other staff if unsure how to respond. Above all, RAs are told to trust their instincts and ensure student safety.

1. Duty Protocol & CrisisDuty Protocol & Crisis
ResponseResponse
Fall Resident Advisor Training

2. Duty BasicsDuty Basics
Check in at REH office in East every night
at 8:00 pm
Weekday coverage from 8:00 pm-8:00
am – you must be in your building(s)
Weekend coverage is 24 hours – the
8:00 AM-8:00PM shift the next day is split
between you and your duty partner

3. Visibility & CommunityVisibility & Community
DevelopmentDevelopment
Perform social rounds
Keep your door open when you are in
your room
Perform a full walk-through of the
building(s) roughly every hour
Leave a note on your door with your
location and return time if you are not in
your room
Host/attend programs (with your AC’s
permission)

4. RadiosRadios
Keep them with you at all times
Keep them on until the AC on duty signs
you off
Radios remain off from 8:00 am – 8:00
pm on Saturday and Sunday
Return them to Res Ed & Housing by
NOON on the following day or pass
them off to the RA assuming duty during
the day on a weekend

5. Radio ProtocolRadio Protocol
Keep radios on Channel 2, unless you
need to reach Security (Channel 1)
Don’t use names or confidential
information over radios – use phone if
needed
Avoid non-work-related conversations

6. CommunicationCommunication
The AC on duty and/or Security may
contact you in the following ways when
you are on duty:
◦ Your radio
◦ Your room phone
◦ Your cell phone
◦ In-face by coming to your building/room

7. When you are on duty, the AC onWhen you are on duty, the AC on
duty will…duty will…
Greet you at check-in, hand out your
radios and debrief you on any important
information you may need to know that
evening.
Be available via radio, the AC Duty
Phone, or their apartment landline for
consultation at any time.
Stop by your building(s)…especially on
the weekend

8. Crisis/Emergency Response BasicsCrisis/Emergency Response Basics
Remain calm and breathe
NOTIFY (follow the phone chain
appropriate for the incident)
Document the situation in an Incident
Report
Maintain discretion and responsibility
Practice self care

9. Who Do I Call???Who Do I Call???
In the event of…
 A life-threatening medical emergency
 Violent behavior of any kind
 The threat of immediate violence or someone brandishing a weapon
 A bomb threat
 The death of a student
 Any time you are concerned for the immediate health or welfare of another person,
including yourself
1) Call 911
2) Call Security
3) Call the AC on Duty

10. Who Do I Call???Who Do I Call???
In the event of…
 A fire or smoke emergency
1) Activate the nearest pull
station and evacuate
2) Call 911
3) Call Security
4) Call the AC on Duty

11. Who Do I Call???Who Do I Call???
In the event of…
 A psychological emergency
 If you hear about or are directly informed of a sexual assault
 You see drugs or drugs paraphernalia
 The need for an emergency repair
 A power failure
 Non-compliance (that is not threatening or violent)
1) Call the AC on Duty
2) Follow her/his directions

12. Who Do I Call???Who Do I Call???
In the event of…
 Evidence of arson
 The discovery of a bias-related incident
1) Call Security to initiate an
investigation of the incident
2) Call the AC on Duty

13. Who Do I Call???Who Do I Call???
Any time you are not sure what to do…
 If possible and appropriate, contact a fellow RA for advice or back-up
 Call the AC on Duty for consultation

14. Contacting the AC on DutyContacting the AC on Duty
Use your radio
Call the AC Duty Cell Phone
Call their home landline
ONLY if you have not gotten a response
within a reasonable amount of time, call
Security

15. Special ResponsesSpecial Responses
Shelter in Place
Evacuation
Power Outage
Natural Disaster
Dangerous Person on Campus
Follow instructions from Professional
Staff Members and/or Security

16. Go with your gut…Go with your gut…
Remember that our goal is to ensure that
residents are safe
You must respond to each and every situation
If you suspect that something is an emergency, do
not hesitate to respond accordingly!
Ask for help or back-up if needed
At her/his discretion, the AC on Duty may give
you instructions over the phone/radio instead of
appearing on the scene for every incident. If you
strongly feel that you need her/him on the scene,
express that.