Resident Assistants (RAs) play an integral role in building community, mentoring residents, and managing residential communities. RAs are student leaders expected to uphold values of leadership, social justice, and sustainability. Key responsibilities include developing relationships with residents, connecting students, addressing issues, and serving on-call. RAs receive benefits like a private room at a discounted rate, stipend, and bookstore discount in exchange for their commitment to residents.

1. Resident Assistant – Position Description 2013-14
Resident Assistants (RAs) are integral to the residential experience. RAs are charged with building community
and serving as mentors and role models for residents. RAs also serve an important role in the overall
management of a residential community. Due to the essential nature of the RA role, RAs are held to a high
standard and are expected to consistently uphold the duties of their position. Resident Assistants fulfill these
roles in the following ways:
Commitment to leadership, social justice and sustainability
 Residential Life is committed to leadership, social justice and sustainability as values that are important to
our work. RAs are expected to display a commitment to the awareness of these values.
 RAs are considered to be leaders, within their residential community and the larger Clemson community
 RAs must demonstrate a commitment to social justice through interactions with residents.
 RAs should engage in sustainable practices supported by Residential Life and encourage residents to do so.
Community Development
 RAs are in a position to assist residents in the residential community. RAs should be visible and available in
order to best fulfill this role. RAs may request time away from their supervisor.
 RAs will develop relationships with residents and are expected to have one-on-one interactions with
residents on a regular basis.
 RAs are responsible for connecting students within the residential community and should encourage
interactions between and amongst residents.
 RAs are responsible for creating an environment that is conducive to students’ academic success.
 RAs should develop standards and expectations for their community. Residents should be able to provide
ideas and feedback about the ways that community standards are developed.
 RAs provide support to the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and community council(s) to focus student
involvement and leadership on campus.
Resident Assistants will be provided with a meal plan to be utilized as a tool to fulfill their RA position. RAs are
expected to eat with residents, program in the dining hall, bring faculty in for meals with students, and provide
secret shopper feedback to Dining Services as a requirement of this plan.
Mentoring & Role Modeling
 RAs should encourage students’ academic success. Recognize students who are doing well and be prepared
to provide resources for students who are in need of assistance.
 RAs will be trained to know about University resources and services that can assist residents. RAs should
assist residents by connecting them to resources or services that can enhance their resident experience.
 RAs are expected to role model adherence to the Clemson Code of Conduct and Housing policies. RAs are
also responsible for holding residents accountable to these policies.
 RAs are Housing employees. As such, RAs represent the image of University Housing & Dining and Clemson
University. RAs should act as appropriate representatives and role models.
 RAs are members of the Clemson community, and as such, should uphold the Clemson values of integrity,
honesty, and respect.

2. Community Management
 RAs will meet weekly with their supervisor(s) and with their staff to ensure good communication about the
community and goals/tasks associated with the position.
 RAs are responsible for checking the condition of rooms/apartments. This includes opening and closing, as
well as semester checks for fire safety requirements.
 RAs provide coverage at community desks and are expected to work 3 hours per week.
 RAs will serve in an on-call rotation for their community. Being on-call provides opportunities to build
community thru informal interactions with residents and is also essential in providing for the safety and
security of our residents. RAs are required to serve on-call during University breaks; break days are
scheduled for extra pay at $50 per day.
Remuneration and Benefits
 Stipend: Most positions are paid a stipend of $3,523.50 for the academic year. Any differences for
specialized positions will be noted in that particular position’s letter of appointment. Work hours may vary
week to week.
 Employment Period: Resident Assistants are paid on a stipend basis with stipend amounts divided equally
amongst pay periods falling within the dates of employment.
 Resident Assistants are provided a private room at the double occupancy rate. In the event of higher than
expected occupancy, RAs may be assigned a temporary roommate.
 Resident Assistant rent is discounted by 15% from the student rate.
 Resident Assistants receive a 10% discount at the University Bookstore.
If you have questions about your eligibility, or need more information about the Resident Assistant position,
please contact raselection@clemson.edu.