A resident assistant (also variously known as a resident advisor, resident mentor, peer advisor, community advisor, or senior resident), commonly shortened to RA is a trained peer leader who supervises those living in a residence hall or group housing facility. The majority of RAs work at colleges, universities, or residential mental health and substance abuse facilities.
An RA has many roles and responsibilities, including, but not limited to, acting as a para-counselor for students, being a familiar first resource for students with academic or institutional questions, and enforcing residence policies. Typically, but not exclusively, the RA goes through a rigorous training process. An RA must balance his/her own schedule and priorities with the needs of the students he/she is supporting. Above all, a resident assistant must be an example and uphold professional and personal accountability as outlined by the institution.
Read more about Resident Assistant: Job Benefits, Job Duties and Responsibilities, Notable RAs