RESIDENT ADVISOR ROLE PROFILES

The volunteer Resident Advisors (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) are expected to achieve outcomes in the following areas: 

• Provide leadership and innovative programs in the broad areas of diversity; equity; inclusion; and sexuality. 

• Advocate within MRS in relation to the experience of women in MRS. 

• Educate the MRS community about services within Monash which are in place to support the rights of women, underrepresented groups, disability liaison services and the promotion and benefit of discrimination and harassment free environments. 

• To participate in the development of strategies and policies which improve the experience of all members of the MRS community in relation to diversity and inclusion. 

Resident Advisors (Environment & Sustainability) focus on driving cultural change amongst the residential community, promoting MRS’ sustainable goals to achieve tangible and measurable environment and sustainability outcomes. 

The aim is:

• To provide leadership to RAs and MRS residents on environmental issues and sustainable practices by promoting the MRS Environment & Sustainability Strategic Framework Focus Areas through the organisation of environment & sustainability functions/events and initiatives. 

• To encourage participation in environmental-related functions and events or information sessions. 

Resident Advisors (Gender Equality) develop and deliver educational programs and initiatives for the MRS community. The MRS Mission Goals highlight a commitment to providing a culture of respect, safety and support. The volunteer Resident Advisors (Gender Equality) are expected to achieve outcomes in the following areas: 

• Provide leadership and innovative programs in the broad areas of gender-based violence, 

• Advocate within MRS in relation to the experience of women in MRS. 

• Educate the MRS community about services within Monash that are in place to support the rights of women, underrepresented groups, disability liaison services and the promotion and benefit of discrimination and harassment-free environments. 

• To participate in the development of strategies and policies which improve the experience of all members of the MRS community concerning developing respectful communities. 

Resident Advisors (Sport & Wellbeing) develop and implement events and initiatives that engage residents through sport and have positive impacts on social and physical wellbeing.

The volunteer Resident Advisors (Sport & Wellbeing) are expected to achieve outcomes in the following areas:

• Provide leadership and innovative programs in the broad areas of sport & wellbeing

• Provide sporting & wellbeing opportunities to the wider MRS community

• Help create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment around sport & wellbeing initiatives offered at MRS

• Advocate within MRS in relation to the experience of women in MRS.

• Educate the MRS community about services within Monash which offers sport & wellbeing initiatives

• To participate in the development of strategies and policies which improve the experience of all members of the MRS community in relation to sport and wellbeing (if required).

Resident Advisors (Pride* Community) play a pivotal role in actively shaping and celebrating the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community within the residential services. As individuals who proudly identify with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, or queer (LGBTIQA+) spectrum, Pride Community RAs are passionately committed to supporting and uplifting their peers.

Key areas for outcomes:

• Leadership & Innovation: Pride Community RAs are at the forefront of providing leadership and crafting innovative programs that foster LGBTIQA+ inclusivity.

• Advocacy: They serve as advocates within Monash Residential Services (MRS), voicing the experiences and needs of the Pride community.

• Education: A significant part of their role involves educating the MRS community about the array of services at Monash designed to support the rights of underrepresented groups, including disability liaison services, and promoting environments free from discrimination and harassment.

• Policy Development: Pride Community RAs contribute to the creation of strategies and policies aimed at enhancing the experience of all MRS community members, with a focus on cultivating a safe and respectful environment for the Pride community.

Note: In this context, “Pride” is embraced as an inclusive term representing people of diverse genders and sexualities.

Each year a number of MRS residents choose to remain in the community over the Summer and MRS continues to provide support through Residential Life Staff (RLS) and volunteer Resident Advisors (RAs) during this period. 

Summer RAs have an important role in maintaining engagement and development, as well as welcoming and supporting the new residents into the community! A number of fantastic Summer events are often run during this period, which provide ample opportunity to get to know the new and existing residents. 

Summer RAs will receive a volunteer Resident Advisor Scholarship over this period in recognition of their contribution to the residential community

Volunteer Summer Resident Advisors are expected to uphold and model exemplary behaviour and be an example to others as well as an ambassador for their Residence and Monash University. Volunteer Resident Advisors contribute to the creation of a Residential Support Team.

Broadly, the expectations of RAs within their residence fall into the following 5 categories: 

1. Community Support

2. Living Environment

3. Promotions / Information

4. Community Development 

5. Social / Recreational 

***There are no expectations for Summer RA to be present during the University shutdown period, as all staff will be away at this time. The closure runs from 24 December 2025 through 4 January 2026 (inclusive). ***