INTRODUCTION
Resident Advisors in Theme Communities fulfill all aspects of the Traditional Resident Advisor 2023-2024 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 (Theme RA) is an exciting opportunity to enhance the resident’s experience and your own.
TIME COMMITMENT
The RA 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 (HD), Monday night staff meetings, and working at the Community Center. Theme RA’s take on the same time commitment as traditional RA’s, while also meeting the Theme specific responsibilities listed below. Michigan Housing recognizes that RAs have other academic, personal, and professional time commitments as well. A RA’s HD is available to discuss strategies to help balance the RA responsibilities with other time commitments as needed.
THEME RA RESPONSIBILITIES
- Attend Traditional and Theme specific RA Training
- Assist in actualizing the Theme Community mission through student engagement, programming and assessment
- Fulfill all Theme engagement responsibilities as directed by the Program Manager for Theme Communities (Program Manager) and HD. Examples of which could include but are not limited to:
- Hosting monthly Theme programs, taking students to on-campus events related to the Theme, tracking attendance at Theme events, meeting individually with Theme residents once per semester, etc.
- Theme RA will be expected to develop creative and inclusive programming for primarily Theme residents as well as non-Theme residents that may live on their floor
- Communicate and work collaboratively with the Program Manager and Theme Campus Partner(s) to plan, promote and implement Theme events
- Attend monthly “Theme Team” meetings with the Program Manager, Theme Campus Partner(s), and HD
- Attend bi-monthly Theme RA meetings with fellow Theme RAs and Program Manager
- Assist in Theme marketing and recruitment of incoming students for the following year
- Assist in the recruitment of new/ returning Theme RA’s for following academic year
ELIGIBILITY
Preference will be given to individuals who have previously lived and participated in a Theme Community or have connections to the topic area. However, any candidate interested in working as a Theme RA 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 RA 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
- Transfer Year 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.