Resident Assistant (RA) Opportunities in Harmony Hall

Resident Assistants (RAs) play a vital role in maintaining the safety and security of the 212 students living in Harmony Hall. In addition to ensuring a secure environment, RAs support students as they transition to campus life and navigate the Penn State system.

RAs work in partnership with residence life coordinators to foster a positive, inclusive community that promotes student growth and development. They are also responsible for planning and implementing year-round programs that reflect the interests and needs of Harmony Hall residents.

These programs are often coordinated with the Office of Student Activities and the Athletic Department, offering students opportunities to engage both on campus and through trips to cultural and recreational destinations throughout the Pittsburgh area.

Interested in Becoming an RA?
For more information, please contact:
Amy Gartley, Associate Director of Student Affairs
📞 724-773-3956

Resident Assistant (RA) Position Responsibilities

Resident Assistants (RAs) are student leaders who play a critical role in creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive living-learning environment. Below is a detailed list of responsibilities and expectations for the position:

Personal Conduct and Academic Commitment

  • Serve as a role model by upholding all University, Commonwealth, federal, and local policies, laws, and regulations.

  • Maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA to demonstrate academic commitment.

  • Arrive on campus before residents each semester and remain through the end of the final exam period.

Community Development and Student Support

  • Assist in orienting new residents to campus life and community standards.

  • Facilitate activities and events to help residents adjust and engage.

  • Educate residents on University policies and hold them accountable.

  • Support students in developing:

    • Responsibility for self and environment

    • Identity, self-esteem, and decision-making

    • Conflict resolution and respect for others

  • Refer students to appropriate campus resources when necessary.

Communication and Visibility

  • Maintain regular contact with residents through:

    • One-on-one and group meetings

    • Email and digital communication

    • Posting flyers, signs, memos, and announcements

  • Be visible, approachable, and available, especially in the evenings.

Academic and Educational Support

  • Encourage and support a positive academic environment in the residence hall.

  • Share academic resources and promote study-friendly spaces.

  • Provide informal academic support and guidance.

Diversity and Inclusion

  • Promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for all residents.

  • Engage in and role-model behaviors that support diversity through:

    • Programs

    • Conversations

    • Educational opportunities

Crisis Response and Safety

  • Respond to emergencies and ensure appropriate University staff or outside agencies are involved when needed.

  • Document and report all incidents and safety concerns thoroughly and promptly.

Programming and Campus Involvement

  • Develop programs based on resident needs and interests.

  • Encourage involvement in campus-wide activities.

  • Coordinate planning, promotion, and evaluation of events.

Administrative and Staff Responsibilities

  • Attend and actively participate in:

    • Weekly staff meetings

    • One-on-one check-ins

    • Staff development and training sessions

  • Share on-call and weekend duty responsibilities with other RAs.

    • Respond to after-hours issues, including emergencies.

  • Complete all required paperwork and reports, including:

    • Weekly updates and incident reports

    • Program proposals and evaluations

Collaboration and Professional Relationships

  • Foster positive relationships with fellow RAs, coordinators, and staff.

  • Maintain regular communication with Residence Life staff and provide updates on student and community concerns.

  • Serve as a liaison with:

    • Office of Student Affairs

    • Office of Residence Life

    • Housing and Food Services

    • University Police and other key campus departments

Other Duties

  • Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the mission and goals of the Office of Residence Life.