Residence Life Employment
Being a resident advisor (RA) is a great experience that can open doors to other opportunities on Bridgewater’s campus as well as after graduation. The resident advisor position is one that is recognized in many different professions as a position that provides experience and skills needed to be successful. RA's gain skills in leadership, conflict management, program planning, crisis management, teamwork, problem solving, customer service, administration, and much more. Becoming a resident advisor is a unique and priceless experience and now is your chance to get involved!
What is an Resident Advisor (RA)?
Resident advisors work in our residential communities as live-in paraprofessional staff members. The primary responsibilities of this position are community development within their assigned residential community, observing resident behaviors & actions to ensure campus policies are being followed, and safety & security of the residential communities. This position is a 10-month position, running from August to May. Students return early in August to complete RA training, Football move-in and move-in weekend. They are also required to remain on-campus until Graduation to help with check-out in May. RAs are required to have a 2.5 cumulative GPA and be in good standing with the college.
Applications are available below. Please click on the links below to get started.
First Time RA applicants should be prepared to answer the following short answer questions when completing the application. They should also have contact information for 3 references, including their current resident advisor.
- Discuss a program idea you would like to implement as a resident advisor. Make sure to include your target audience, plans for advertising, and how you would make the program successful.
- Define community and its importance to the residence hall. Describe your ideal residential community. If selected, what steps would you take to create this community?
- What are the qualities that you feel a good resident advisor must possess? Provide examples of how you have demonstrated those qualities in past leadership roles. Identify some areas for your individual growth related to these qualities. How would you use these qualities to help the residents make the most of their experience?
- Describe a past experience and how you have made a significant contribution and impact on another individual. How did that individual learn and grow? How has this experience helped you prepare for this position?
- In residence life, we are constantly changing and adapting to meet the needs of our evolving student population. How do you adapt to change? How do you stay motivated and committed in a sometimes unpredictable environment?
Please contact Catherine Straube, 2013-14 Recruitment and Selection Coordinator, with any questions at cstraube@bridgewater.edu or 540-244-4270.
