Resident Assistant at Harrisburg University – Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Resident Assistant (RA) Job Description

Position Responsibilities:

A Resident Assistant (RA) is a student staff member who reports to the Student Life team, working in University Affiliated Housing. These students are to serve as a direct resource for students at Harrisburg University Housing. RAs must be students who have completed at least twelve credits prior to the semester of appointment, must be a registered student throughout their tenure, must be in good standing with the University, a 3.0 GPA is preferred (2.5 minimum), must have lived in campus housing for one semester. While an RA, must reside in University Affiliated Housing. RAs can be placed in any building at the discretion of the Student Life Office. Because of the goals and nature of the job there are two categories of involvement. The job focuses on the importance of helping (People Involvement) and also the administrative duties. RAs must complete all assigned training activities during the course of their appointment.

“People” Involvement

The “people” side of the RA position reflects the true nature of your work. A sound RA is deeply connected with their apartment community and responds to student needs accordingly. While it would be impossible to list all of the various “people” related aspects of your position, some examples include:

Support the goals and values of HU in all of your actions, both on and off campus.

Serve as a positive role model to all students; adhere to the student code of conduct at all times.

Be open to all individuals, regardless of economic status, race, military status, political affiliation etc.; treat all people equally and with respect always; promote acceptance throughout your staff and student body.

Actively establish an academic and civically oriented community in your residential area.

Educate students and help them transition to be successful at HU.

Work diligently to help resolve issues that arise.

“Administrative” Involvement

While building relationships represents the backbone of this position, RAs are also expected to carry out various administrative duties. Examples of administrative responsibilities include:

Assist students regarding personal, social, and/or academic concerns or needs.

Develop positive and productive relationships with students, coworkers, and professional staff.

Make referrals to appropriate campus offices where applicable.

Report all maintenance and/or safety concerns to the appropriate personnel.

Address student conduct professionally and productively.

Inform your supervisor of incidents with students containing possible emotional, physical, or mental health concerns and provide appropriate documentation.

Support departmental programming initiatives and/or departmental committees.

Serve on-call in rotational duty schedule and maintain duty hours.

Conduct inspections and routine rounds of the residential areas.

Be highly available and visible beyond these hours to all students & staff.

Be receptive and open to other duties as reasonably assigned by the Housing Office.

Summary of RA Responsibilities:

Move into on-campus housing assignment early and attend RA Training during August 2026 (Mandatory - No Exceptions)

Assist with Move in for Fall 2026, in August 2026. (Mandatory - No Exceptions)

Serve as a role model for all students and adhere to the HU’s Code of Conduct.

Reside in on-campus housing, serving as a peer resource and policy enforcer for fellow housing residents.

Participate in the RA duty schedule, with assigned on-call, desk, mail, and/or roving shift(s) throughout the work week and occasional weekends.

Complete periodic check-ins with staff and report any emergencies immediately to professional staff on-call and necessary emergency personnel.

Attend RA meetings that are deemed necessary.

Plan and host events with your duty night team throughout the academic year to aid in student engagement and foster bonding between new and returning students within the HU community.

Communicate with professional staff in a timely manner and check your HU email account.

Assist with other University events.

Duties will be assigned based on housing events and student interactions, such as Wellness Checks, roommate mediations, or incident follow-ups.