At Wesleyan, our Resident Advisors build a strong sense of community among students on campus. Largely due to the exemplary leadership of the students holding these positions, the role of the Resident Advisor (RA) seems to be expanding. A glance into the life of an RA reveals these women as major contributors to today’s Wesleyan experience.
A team of 13 RAs – one per floor -- is responsible for maintaining the safety and security in the halls, in addition to ensuring the satisfaction and happiness of students living there -- not to mention maintaining individual status as exemplary students in the classroom! Within a single day, each RA may be cast as friend, confidant, mediator, mentor, or advisor. She must fulfill her role as an administrator or policy enforcer, as well as emergency responder. Through excellent training, self-reflection, leadership development, and ongoing supervision, each RA is equal to the task. Many go above and beyond their call of duty to truly make a difference in the lives of Wesleyan’s students.
At Wesleyan, we truly believe that life outside of the classroom is intended to complement the academic mission of the college – it’s not just all about fun and games. Students typically spend an average of 15 hours per week in the classroom, leaving significant time outside of the structured class environment. Wesleyan RA’s utilize that down time by providing social and educational programs, plus some additional academic programs. Not only does an RA make a difference through her role on campus, but the leadership role is excellent preparation for life after Wesleyan. On a daily basis, an RA has no idea what she may encounter and often is forced to change roles within a matter of moments.
A day in the life of an RA is filled with unpredictable situations that require quick response, critical thinking, and compassion in the midst of adversity. The combination of traditional and on the job training prepares these leaders for real world experiences and they leave our campus with transferable skills marketable and valuable to any employer.
Resident Advisors
Resident Advisors are undergraduate students who have participated in an extensive selection and training process. They are available as a resource for students in every building and are trained to handle emergency situations or concerns.
RA General Duties:
- Provide assistance, support, and leadership to individual students and student groups in the residential community
- Promote educational growth and development among resident students
- Foster interpersonal skills, appreciation of differences, and responsibility within the community environment among resident students
- Clearly communicate and consistently enforce policies within the residential communities
- Ensure that our residential communities are safe places to live
- Create an environment that is conducive to academic pursuits and complements the academic mission of Wesleyan College
If you are interested in becoming a Resident Advisor, please look for application materials available late January.
Summer Conference Assistants
Summer Conference Assistants (SCAs) are recruited and selected during the spring semester of each year. SCAs work with the Residence Life Staff to oversee the implementation and direction of camp and conference participants that reside on campus at Wesleyan College during the summer months. The SCA position provides students with a leadership opportunity in addition to serving Wesleyan and our visitors.
SCA General Duties:
- Checking conference residents in and out at the beginning and end of each conference or camp
- Responding to emergency situations
- Providing assistance to summer conference guests and summer residents
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A Day in the Life of a Resident Advisor is no ordinary day. Read More!
Contact our Director of Residence Life.
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