Resident Advisor in Pine HallAt — CSUF - Housing and Residential Engagement

Resident Advisors (RAs) are live-in student leaders who serve as mentors, community builders, and resources for students living in CSUF Housing. RAs are responsible for fostering inclusive, safe, and engaging residential environments that support the academic and personal success of residents. As paraprofessional staff members, RAs model Titan Pride and contribute to the mission of Housing & Residential Engagement by promoting community, learning, and student well-being.

tasks

Resident Advisor Internship Duties
1. Leadership & Professional Communication

Facilitate floor/suite meetings to establish expectations, provide community updates, and strengthen resident engagement.

Create and post bulletin boards, newsletters, or digital communications that disseminate important information in a clear and professional format.

Participate in weekly staff meetings and one-on-ones with supervisors, practicing agenda setting, active participation, and follow-through on commitments.

2. Conflict Resolution & Peer Support

Mediate and facilitate roommate/suitemate agreements and assist with resolving interpersonal conflicts.

Provide peer mentorship and guidance, supporting residents’ personal, social, and academic growth.

Respond to student concerns with referrals to appropriate campus resources (e.g., Counseling & Psychological Services, Title IX, Disability Support Services).

3. Program Development & Assessment

Plan, promote, and implement residential programs and events that align with Titan Pride Pillars (Wellness, Inclusive Excellence, Academic Success, Civic Engagement, Titan Pride).

Conduct program evaluations and assessments (attendance tracking, resident feedback, reflection logs) to measure impact and refine programming approaches.

Collaborate with campus partners (e.g., Career Center, Diversity Initiatives & Resource Centers, ASI) to co-sponsor programs that enrich the student experience.

4. Equity & Inclusive Excellence

Demonstrate inclusive leadership practices by intentionally creating welcoming spaces for diverse student populations.

Receive and apply training in cultural competency, identity development, and bias response, integrating these practices into daily interactions.

Engage in peer education by facilitating conversations around social justice, civic responsibility, and belonging.

5. Policy Enforcement & Safety Response

Serve in a duty rotation, responding to incidents, emergencies, and policy violations with professionalism and sound judgment.

Write detailed incident reports and duty logs, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with university policy.

Provide crisis response support, including lockouts, wellness checks, and referral to professional staff as appropriate.

6. Administrative & Professional Development

Assist with Housing operations such as move-in, move-out, and community-wide events, demonstrating organizational and logistical skills.

Complete all required documentation, reports, and training certifications in a timely and professional manner.

Engage in ongoing professional development through RA training sessions, reflection exercises, and supervisor feedback.

Translate internship learning into career readiness artifacts (résumé entries, reflection papers, ePortfolio submissions).

Training

Resident Advisor Internship Training & Development

Resident Advisors participating in this internship placement will engage in a structured training program designed to prepare them for their role and support achievement of the outlined learning outcomes. Training includes both initial orientation and ongoing professional development throughout the academic year.

1. Initial General Orientation (Mandatory)

Pre-Semester RA Training (1–2 weeks before the semester begins):

Overview of Housing & Residential Engagement mission, values, and expectations.

Campus resource fair and introductions to key partners (Counseling & Psychological Services, Title IX, Disability Support Services, Career Center, etc.).

Workshops in crisis management, conflict mediation, inclusive excellence, and student development theory.

Emergency response protocols, incident reporting, and campus safety procedures.

Team-building activities to establish trust and collaboration among staff.

2. Ongoing Supervision & Professional Mentorship

Weekly One-on-One Meetings with Supervisor: Personalized coaching, feedback, and reflection on progress toward learning outcomes.

Weekly Staff Meetings: Skill-building in communication, teamwork, and professional accountability.

Mid-Semester and End-of-Semester Evaluations: Formal feedback on strengths, growth areas, and progress toward internship goals.

3. Experiential Learning & Skill Development

Job Shadowing & Peer Modeling: New RAs observe senior RAs and professional staff during duty shifts, program facilitation, and conflict mediation.

Program Planning Workshops: Hands-on training in event design, assessment tools, and Titan Pride Pillar integration.

Role-Play & Scenario Training: Simulations of crisis response, lockouts, policy enforcement, and difficult conversations with residents.

4. Academic/Professional Integration

Training Literature & Resource Reviews: Exposure to readings on student development theory, cultural competency, and leadership models (e.g., The Circle Way, Social Change Model).

Reflection Exercises: Written and verbal reflections connecting RA experiences to professional competencies and internship learning objectives.

Career Readiness Workshops: Guidance on translating RA skills into résumés, cover letters, and interview preparation.

5. Continuous Professional Development

Monthly Skill-Building Workshops: Topics include conflict resolution, time management, mental health allyship, and civic engagement.

Optional Specialized Trainings: QPR Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Ally Training, Circle Way facilitation, and other CSUF-sponsored certifications.

Peer Learning: RAs engage in small group discussions to share strategies, challenges, and best practices.

Learning Outcome

RAs will be able to practice and refine professional communication (written, verbal, and digital) by facilitating meetings, documenting incidents, and engaging with residents, staff, and campus partners.

RAs will demonstrate the ability to mediate conflicts, use active listening, and apply problem-solving skills to support students navigating academic, personal, and interpersonal challenges.

RAs will design, implement, and assess residential programs that align with Titan Pride Pillars (Wellness, Inclusive Excellence, Academic Success, Civic Engagement, Titan Pride) and demonstrate measurable learning outcomes.

RAs will integrate inclusive practices and cultural awareness into their daily work by fostering a community where diverse identities are respected, celebrated, and supported.

RAs will be able to articulate the transferable skills gained from the RA role (leadership, crisis management, teamwork, event planning, mentorship) in résumés, interviews, and future career pursuits.