Introduction
Resident Advisors in Theme Communities fulfill all aspects of the Traditional Resident Advisor position description, but approach the work through the lens of their Theme by engaging with their residents and programming around the particular topic area that their community is built upon. Whether it’s a resident’s first time on campus, or they’re a returning student looking for a community made up of others who share their passions, serving as a Theme Resident Advisor is an exciting opportunity to enhance the resident’s experience and your own.
Time Commitment
The Resident Advisor role commitment is 20 hours per week. The 20 hours include but are not limited to building connections with residents, facilitating interactions and activities for and with residents, one on one meetings with the Hall Director, Monday night staff meetings, and working at the Community Center. Theme Resident Advisors take on the same time commitment as traditional Resident Advisors, while also meeting the Theme specific responsibilities listed below. Michigan Housing recognizes that Resident Advisors have other academic, personal, and professional time commitments as well. A Resident Advisor’s Hall Director is available to discuss strategies to help balance the Resident Advisor responsibilities with other time commitments as needed.
Responsibilities
- Attend Theme specific Resident Advisor Training
- Assist in actualizing the Theme Community mission through student interaction, programming and assessment
- Fulfill all Theme engagement responsibilities as directed by the Theme Communities Program Manager.. Examples of which could include but are not limited to:
- Hosting one Theme program a month, taking students to one pre-existing on-campus event a month, tracking attendance at Theme events, meeting individually with Theme residents once per semester, etc.
- Communicate and work collaboratively with the Theme Program Manager and Theme Campus Partner(s) to plan, promote and implement Theme events
- Attend monthly Leadership Team meetings with the Theme Program Manager, Theme Campus Partner(s), and Hall Director
- Assist in Theme marketing and recruitment for the following year
- Assist in the recruitment of Theme Resident Advisors
ELIGIBILITY
Preference will be given to individuals who have previously been part of the specific Theme or have connections to the topic area. However, any candidate interested in working as a Theme Resident Advisor is encouraged to share their interest and their application will be considered.
Must meet eligibility requirements as outlined in the Traditional RA position.
COMPENSATION
Compensation includes room and board. The meal plan included is to be used as a tool to connect with residents.
Please consult with the Office of Financial Aid to determine how the position compensation may impact your award package.
Currently, there are specialized Resident Advisor positions in the following Theme Communities:
- 1st Gen
- Adelia Cheever Program
- Innovation
- International Impact
- LiveWell
- Living Business
- Multicultural Housing Community
- Second Year Experience
- SubFree
- Sustainable Living Experience
Prior to applying to be a Theme RA, please visit the Theme Community webpage to review the community values, the student population it supports, and FAQs to identify the specific Theme(s) you are interested in.