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Senior Resident Assistant

Senior Resident Assistant, Academic Year 2025-2026

This application opened on November 18th, 2024. Click here for the application. You must have been a Blue Resident Assistant to apply for this position.

Applications are due January 6th, 2025 at 10 AM. 

 

Please note that this position is only available for current hall staff.

Please read the job description before submitting your application. Read more about the application procedure here and the requirements for working with us.

Sample Job Description 2025-2026

The mission of Residential Life is to facilitate student transitions into the intellectual and social communities of the University of California, Berkeley and to promote personal wellbeing and respect for the community needs of all residents. Residential Life’s vision reflects a commitment to the intentional creation of effective and innovative programs aimed to empower students with the skills to become engaged campus and global citizens, and active agents of social change. The Residential Life department will accomplish this mission through a combination of community building activities, student empowerment programs, and personal conversations.

 

The Senior Resident Assistant (SRA) is responsible for developing and maintaining an atmosphere that promotes residential communities through excellence in academic integration and personal development opportunities for students. In addition to executing these responsibilities, SRAs are leaders to the Gold and Blue RAs in their community and support their supervisor with the administration of their Unit. As an employee of Residential Life, each SRA will adhere to, administer, and enforce policies and procedures as outlined in the Residential Life Student Staff Manual, the Residential Code of Conduct, the UC Berkeley Campus Code of Conduct, University of California Personnel Policies and Procedures, and the University of California Policies applying to Campus Activities, Organizations, and Students.

 

The SRA’s role is to connect with the members of the residential community, as directed by the Residential Student Experience Model. The Residential Student Experience Model outlines the framework used by the residential staff that will engage students through one-on-one conversations, community meetings, and programs that target the needs of the community. The SRA serves as a resource to both residents and staff while upholding the goals and policies of Residential Life. All responsibilities listed will be carried out under the supervision of the RD or SRD. The SRA serves as an advisor to the leadership programs of the Unit, including, but not limited to Hall Association, Theme Programs, as well as promoting and supporting the strategy efforts of the Resident Assistant (RA) and Theme Program Resident Assistant (TPRA). All responsibilities listed will be carried out under the supervision of the Resident Director (RD) or Senior Resident Director (SRD).

 

Ethics Statement

As a representative of the University of California, Berkeley and a member of the Residential Life staff, the Resident Assistant is expected to respect the personal integrity of all community members and assure they be treated in a manner that is fundamentally fair. Staff should refrain from engaging in any behaviors, attitudes, relationships, or actions that:

  • Would be considered harassment on the basis of gender, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, citizenship, age, and / or ability
  • Would impinge on a resident’s or another staff member’s dignity, moral code, privacy, self‐worth, and academic, physical, psychological, and / or emotional well‐being
  • Would seek unjustified personal gains, unfair advantage, unearned goods or services

 

Terms of Contract

This is a part-time (19-hours per week) contract appointment, with a maximum duration of 1 year. This position is not renewable, however eligible Resident Assistants will have the opportunity to apply for other Residential Life Hall Staff positions for the following academic year. More information will come regarding the requirements and process for applying for these positions. 

 

Continued employment within the Department of Residential Life is contingent upon a satisfactory job performance evaluation by the supervisor. Satisfactory job performance evaluation is defined as meeting expectations as defined by the job evaluation in all areas of the job description. Meeting these expectations qualifies Resident Assistants to apply for future positions within the department.

 

Essential Duties

Mentorship & Leadership (15%) 

  • Serve as a peer mentor and resource for Resident Assistants and Theme Program Resident Assistants to support their responsibilities of community development and Residential Student Experience Model implementation
  • Mentoring RAs through the Residential Student Experience Model
    • Mentor the Resident Assistants and Theme Program Resident Assistants in financial management related to program strategy implementation. These include, but are not limited to:
      • Review Event Purchasing Forms and provide feedback as necessary
      • Providing programming and financial updates to the Resident Director/ Senior Resident Directors
    • Support and promote programs offered by Health Workers, Resident Faculty, Theme Programs, and other departments
    • Provide context and knowledge of Residential Student Experience Model standards and curriculums to hall staff team
    • Coordinate and support unit-wide programs and events in alignment with the Residential Student Experience Model, under the supervision of the Resident Director or Senior Resident Director. These include, but are not limited to:
  • Mentoring RAs through Welcoming / Closing and Building Orientations
    • Supporting Move-In / Move-Out, Residential Life welcome programs during Golden Bear Orientation (GBO), Homecoming, and other unit wide programs throughout the academic year
    • Serve as a peer mentor during GBO programming efforts by assisting in creating and distributing marketing materials with residential staff
  • Co-facilitate and attend weekly hall staff meetings which will take place every Tuesday from 7PM – 9PM.
  • Attend the Senior Residential Student Leaders Council Meeting once a month on Tuesday from 5pm-6:15pm
  • In partnership with the Resident Director or Senior Resident Director, assist with facilitating ongoing community needs assessments in support of the Residential Student Experience Model
  • Present/facilitate during Hall Staff Training including: Fall, Spring, and any scheduled continuing education professional development sessions
  • Support Resident Assistants with lower-level roommate conflict mediation, community issues, and/or concerns at the discretion of the Resident Director or Senior Resident Director.

 

Community Development (15%)

  • Be visible and available on the floor or building in order to understand the needs of the residential community and encourage the personal, social, and academic development of students
  • Throughout the semester, conduct bear chats with residents, as required by the Residential Student Experience Model under the supervision of the Resident Director or Senior Resident Director
  • Encourage personal, social, and academic development of residents by spending a significant amount of time getting to know students
  • Be available to assist students, implement activities, plan strategies, community chats, etc.
  • Support and encourage residents in the development and continued engagement in an effective Hall Association. This may include but is not limited to: recruitment of residents for hall association, promotion of election process, and attendance at some association meetings and events
  • Provide academic, personal support and referrals and demonstrate some knowledge of campus resources
  • Work cooperatively and take initiative in engaging with students to reflect a community that displays respect for the rights and privacy of others and promotes consideration of individual needs. 
  • Cultivate an inclusive environment in which residents feel welcomed to engage and contribute to the living community
  • Model ethical behavior through personal and academic pursuits and adhere to all residence hall policies
  • Demonstrate appreciation of differences and assist students in developing an understanding of diverse backgrounds, cultures and lifestyles
  • Respect and treat all individuals fairly and equitably by being open and understanding of all religious identities, abilities, sexual orientation, gender expression, cultural & ethnic identities, and citizenship status

 

Residential Student Experience Model Implementation & Engagement (10%)

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the Residential Student Experience Model learning goals and outcomes
  • Implement community programs as directed by the Residential Student Experience Model and the Resident Director or Senior Resident Director. Examples of these programs include but are not limited to: Community Chats, Bear Chats, Community Activities. 
  • Support, promote, and attend Unit, System-wide, and Campus programs as required by the Residential Student Experience Model under the supervision of the Resident Director or Senior Resident Director. 
  • Complete all program assessment tools as directed by both the Residential Student Experience Model and the Resident Director or Senior Resident Director for the purpose of tracking and assessing all programs
  • Support programs organized by the Residence Hall Assembly (RHA) and Hall Association under the advisement of Resident Director or Senior Resident Directors
  • Use of Virtual engagement for job related responsibilities must be approved in advance by the Resident Director or Senior Resident Director

 

Safety/ Risk Management Responsibilities (35%)

  • Follow and respond to all emergency procedures as directed by the S/RD or outlined in the Hall Staff Manual
  • Act as a mediator in conflict situations when needed (i.e. roommate, noise, etc.)
  • Respond to community concerns in a timely matter, as outlined in the Hall Staff Manual
  • Document the incident(s) within 12 hours of it occurring while following all protocols and procedures
  • Confront and respond to student behavior, as needed, that is inappropriate and / or is in violation of campus policies and procedures (i.e. behavior that endangers the health and safety of residents)
  • Perform regularly scheduled duty shifts. The amount of duty varies between communities and is discussed at the beginning of the academic year, with approximately 6-10 shifts per month.
    • Weekday Night duty begins at 7:30pm and ends the following day at 8:00am
    • Weekend Night duty begins at 7:30pm and ends the following day at 9:00am
    • Day Duty shifts begin Saturdays at 2:30pm and Sundays at 9:00am. Day Duty shifts end at 7:30pm. This also can include weekday Holiday duty beginning at 9:00am and ending at 7:30pm 
    • Duty includes, but is not limited to, performing community walks, addressing policy violations, responding to emergencies, and checking in and communicating with the Residential Safety Ambassadors when necessary 
    • Disseminate and communicate all announcements and policies as directed by the Resident Director or Senior Resident Director on behalf of Residential Life and UC Berkeley to the residential community
    • Hall Staff must pick up and return the duty phone on time, check in via text during each duty shift, and ensure that the duty phone has cellular service during their shift.
  • Hall Staff must provide coverage during some academic and administrative holidays, including, but not limited to, Fall (Nov), Winter (Dec-Jan) and Spring Break (Mar). 
  • Hall Staff may be expected to provide additional support and staffing during times of emergency management and crisis response as needed. Examples of this include (but are not limited to) the following:
  • Due to ongoing public health concerns, rounds and some other duty related responsibilities may be modified accordingly. As public health guidance changes our protocols may shift in order to respond to current best practices.  
  • Assist RD on Duty coordinating response and support for residents in need of temporary space
  • Execute ongoing fire watch area monitoring in emergency situations at the instruction of the supervising Senior/Resident Director or Senior/ Resident Director on Call. 
  • Hall Staff support in the execution of the annual Fire Drill of their area/unit in the Fall semester

 

Administrative Responsibilities (10%)

  • Completing HR onboarding requirements and trainings required both the department and campus
  • Complete administrative tasks in a timely and efficient manner
  • Attend regular one-on-one meetings with the Resident Director or Senior Resident Director
  • Ensure that the Resident Director or Senior Resident Director is informed and updated on all aspects of your work as an RA. 
  • Attend and actively participate in Fall and Spring Hall Staff Training, including all scheduled meetings and training sessions. 
  • RAs must be available every Tuesday from 7-9pm for weekly hall staff / unit meetings. Meetings may be conducted virtually, as a decision by the S/RD. Academic conflicts (i.e. a class, with academic verification, etc) need to be submitted through the hall staff accommodation request process. 
  • Participate in all individual, staff, and group evaluation processes
  • Participate in the hall staff recruitment and hiring process (i.e., panel and group interviews)

 

Staff Dynamic/ Supervisory Relationship (10%)

  • Share feedback with peers as well as with RD or SRD that is appropriate, constructive, and solution oriented.
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude when interacting with fellow staff members/supervisor, & community partners.
  • Communicates needs and questions with supervisor in a timely manner.
  • Attends regular one-on-one meetings with the RD or SRD in a punctual and prepared manner.
  • Upholds Unit Expectations as established and maintained during hall staff training.

 

Additional Duties (5%)

  • Ensure that the RD or SRD is informed and updated on all aspects of your work as an SRA. This includes phone and / or email contact and meeting regularly with the RD or SRD  to share job-related information, give / receive constructive feedback, and develop job-related skills.
  • Attend and present in fall and spring student staff training sessions, and all scheduled in-service training
  • Participate in all individual, staff, and group evaluation processes
  • Senior Resident Assistants must be available every Tuesday from 7-10pm for weekly hall staff meetings.
  • Complete additional duties as assigned to meet the evolving needs of the residential community
    • Community Collaterals as assigned by RD: Custodial Appreciation, Resident Faculty program, Recognition, Team Development, to meet the evolving needs of the residential community, team development
  • Welcoming & Closing Responsibilities/ Building Orientation
    • Participation in the preparation for and implementation of opening / closing of the halls during Fall and Spring Semester which may include, but is not limited to: inspection of resident rooms and inventories, occupancy checks, administrative, programmatic, logistical, and physical preparation of floors / suites, hall / area, and unit
    • Prepare and facilitate Building Orientations on all move in dates (Fall and Spring)
    • Facilitate welcome meetings and programs both during and following Golden Bear Orientation (GBO) to assist students in connecting to resources in residence and across campus.
    • During move-in and GBO, ensure that students are engaged and connected to all GBO programs/events
    • Foster a sense of belonging and connection to the UC Berkeley community as students transition to campus and throughout the academic year
  • Complete additional duties as assigned to meet the evolving needs of the residential community

 

Expectations

  • Senior Resident Assistants are expected to model ethical behavior for all residence hall policies and procedures. Failure to demonstrate ethical behavior may result in personnel action up to and including release from employment.
  • Maintain positive working relationships with other hall staff, as well as staff of the Dean of Students Office and partners at Residential & Student Services Programs
  • Follow expectations when communicating / engaging with residents in person, in writing, virtually, and / or social media as outlined in this job agreement, the Residential Life Student Staff Manual, the Residential Code of Conduct and the UC Berkeley Campus Code of Conduct
  • Report maintenance issues or concerns in a timely fashion in order to maintain the physical condition of the residence halls. Provide immediate follow-up on reported problems
  • Be responsible with special staff privileges (i.e. use of office, phones, keys, office equipment, etc.)
  • Maintain confidentiality and objectivity in all matters related to students and staff (including adherence to FERPA, HIPAA, federal and state regulations)
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Resident Director or Senior Resident Director and the administrative staff of the Dean of Students Office and partners at Residential & Student Services Programs
  • Share feedback with peers and Resident Director or Senior Resident Director that is appropriate, constructive and solution oriented
  • Share feedback, needs, and / or concerns at an appropriate time and place as outlined by Residential Life
  • Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability when navigating changes and transitions within Residential Life
  • Communicate and demonstrate an ability to hold self, peers, professional staff accountable that contributes to a solution based resolution
  • Provide assistance and response to Emergencies that arise in the Residential Communities as they occur
  • Balance academic demands and other commitments with the duties and responsibilities of the hall staff position that contributes to the success of the team dynamic  

 

Key & Access Control Policy for Hall Staff

  • Hall Staff member’s job responsibilities will at times require the use of Master Keys, Staff-Issued Keys, Staff-Issued Fobs, and access via Cal1Card and / or access code. Master keys should only be used for lockouts, work-related room entry, and emergency situations. Staff keys & fobs should only be used for the work-related tasks they were intended for such as room entry and detex alarm management. Master keys and staff-issued keys & fobs should never be taken out of the Residential Unit, and should be kept secure and on your person while out of the LoxTop Box or the staff member’s assigned residential room. 
  • Hall Staff will not give any person, including other Hall Staff, access to keys from the LoxTop Box or the LoxTop Box itself. Each Hall Staff member must individually tap into the LoxTop Box to retrieve or return keys, as each key set is tied to their Cal1Card and access code. Hall Staff should not transfer key sets from one person to another person for any reason without approval of the Administrator on Call via calling the Resident Director on Duty
  • Failure to comply with this policy will result in the engagement of the Performance Management process

 

Qualifications

Required:

  • Undergraduate student possessing a minimum 2.300 cumulative GPA and good standing with the University at the start of position and throughout the period of employment. Please note that GPA does not round up, any GPA below a 2.300 (2.299 or below) will make you ineligible for this position
  • Full-time academic status (12-13 units per semester) during the period of employment
  • Previous experience as a Residential Life Live-In Staff member (RA / TPRA / SRA) in UC Berkeley Residential Life

 

Preferred:

  • Previous experience in advising, peer mentoring, and / or supervision
  • Previous leadership experience in the university environment
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • The ability to utilize residential tools to facilitate community among individuals
  • Understanding or willingness to learn about the principles of an inclusive, socially-just community

 

Terms of Employment

Expectations 

  • SRA positions are non-renewable positions through one academic year. Candidates who wish to continue with the Department of Residential Life must apply to other positions through a distinct process.
    • Abide by all Housing and Residential Policies as outlined by the Residential and Campus Code of Conduct. Failure to abide by these policies may result in personnel action up to and including release from employment. 
  • Maintain the required 2.300 minimum GPA throughout the term of employment. RAs must submit a copy of an official grade report to Residential Life. Grade reports must be submitted to the Department of Residential Life at the end of each semester when requested by the department. 
  • Maintain full-time academic status (12-13 units per semester) throughout the term of employment. Exceptions must have prior approval of the Resident Director or Senior Resident Director and Assistant Director
  • The period of employment for this live-in position commences with the start of student staff training (see below for details) and concludes Sunday, May 17, 2026 with the closing of the residence halls
  • Active participation in Fall and Spring Training. Please note we are including the earliest possible training start
    dates. Any changes to training dates will be communicated in advance

    • SRAs & Blue Hall Staff Fall Training will begin, as early as Monday, August 4th, 2025.
    • Gold Hall Staff Fall Training will begin, as early as, on Monday, August 11th, 2025.
    • Spring Training for all staff begins as early as Monday, January 12th, 2026.
  • Please note no Fall Training academic exemptions will be granted. 
  • Active participation in all ongoing system-wide and area staff continued training programs is mandatory for all student staff
  • RAs are expected to work during some evenings, weekends and holidays. This includes providing the hall coverage during vacation and holiday periods (which may include Fall Break, Spring Break, and Winter Break among others). 
  • A commitment of approximately 19 hours / week is expected (some weeks may be more, whereas others may be less, depending on time of year, events, issues in the hall, etc.), which includes but is not limited to, engaging with residents, required meetings, duty coverage, program implementation and attendance, being visible and available to residents, and addressing the specific needs of the community
  • Assist with and be present for the implementation of Cal Day and Hall Association Executive Events
  • All extended hall absences (more than 24 hours) must be arranged in advance with the Resident Director or Senior Resident Director. Absences will not be approved the first and last two weeks of each semester
  • Resident Assistants are restricted to no more than fifteen hours of outside commitments (i.e. club participation, additional employment, both on and off campus). Exceptions must be discussed and approved in advance by the Resident Director or Senior Resident Director
  • Continued employment is contingent upon a satisfactory job performance evaluation by the supervisor and supervising assistant director. Satisfactory job performance evaluation is defined as meeting expectations as defined by the job evaluation in all areas of the job description. Failure to meet expectations may result in release from your employment
  • Hall Staff must comply with any protocols required of University employees. Additionally, all student staff will be subject to any requirements, restrictions, policies, or changes that apply to the general student resident population.

 

Compensation 

  • Resident Assistants will receive room and board during the period of employment as compensation
  • Living arrangements may range from a single room in traditional residence halls, a single room in a suite or an apartment, or a shared apartment space, depending on the departmental need
  • Resident Assistants will receive a meal plan. Unused points after the vacancy of the position will not be transferred to the student

 

Background Check Requirement

This position is subject to a criminal background check. This position meets the following background check criteria: 

  • Possession of building master or sub-master key access to residences and certain other facilities
  • Works in a safe and responsible manner while not putting self or others at risk. This includes complying with applicable policies and regulations; using personal safety gear; observing warning signs; learning about potential hazards; and reporting unsafe conditions

 

Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California

The University of California, in accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services. The University also prohibits sexual harassment. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in University programs and activities.

 

Inquiries regarding the University’s student-related nondiscrimination policies may be directed to the Director of the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD).  Email: ask_ophd@berkeley.edu, or telephone: 510 643-7985. Complaints of discrimination should be directed to OPHD, as above.  

 

Student-related discrimination complaints can also be brought to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, San Francisco Regional Office, 50 United Nations Plaza, Mail Box 1200, Room 1545, San Francisco, CA 94102, Email: ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov(link sends e-mail); Telephone: 415-486-5555, FAX: 415-486-5570; TDD: 800-877-8339

 

*/IIPP Requirements/*

Provides health and safety training, guidance on safe work practices, provides proper equipment, observes work practices and correct methods, and investigates accidents. Works in a safe and responsible manner while not putting self or others at risk. This includes complying with applicable policies and regulations; using personal safety gear; observing warning signs; learning about potential hazards; and reporting unsafe conditions.