Personal

• You are a person FIRST, student SECOND, and a resident assistant THIRD

• Find a healthy work-life-play integration plan. You will be less stressed and be a stronger role model for your residents on time management. 

• Take care of your personal well-being: Physically, Mentally, Spiritually, etc.

• Be respectful of all staff members (talk to each other about conflicts, no talking behind back, and work as a team in front of residents). 

• Give yourself and others grace and practice empathy

• I don’t expect perfection but I do expect excellence. 

• When in Doubt: Do the Right Thing! 

Availability  

• When not in class or other known obligations, it is expected that you answer your phone and emails when appropriate

• The RA role should be your top campus priority. If that changes, we should chat.

• There will be times when we will all need to be more available than usual (closing, opening, emergencies).  Please be flexible.   

• If you plan to be off campus for an extended period of time, inform me at your earliest convenience.  

Professionalism & Daily Work 

• You are a role model.  Remember that you are an employee in a respected position. 

• Take initiative. if you see something that needs to be done, do it and help each other out.

• Make sure that you are TIMELY with all of your administrative responsibilities

• Always enforce GMU policies. When you are on campus, with friends and when you are representing the department away from campus. 

• Be familiar with the Student Handbook.  

• Confront ALL policy violations.  Be consistent.  

• Confidentiality is extremely important among us.  All documentation will be kept confidential and should not be discussed outside of our staff or among staff members. 

• Be an active member in our community and promote our/HRL events. 

• When in doubt-JUST ASK!

• DO NOT do anything that jeopardizes your role/position.

Communications

• CD open door policy; In the event that I’m OOO or in a meeting, team message me before you come so I can let you know.

• Be open and honest with your residents, and me.

·   Check your e-mail and teams for daily information from the me or the department.  

• Let me know what is going on and what you need from me as a supervisor

• Written communication should be accurate, neat, and prompt.   

• Follow the “On-Call” procedures for contacting CD’s.   

• Make me aware of your concerns appropriately.  I will never get upset over a concern. 

1:1 Meetings:

• We will have bi-weekly 1:1 meeting to discuss all things present and relevant in your individual areas. Please know that I value authentic conversations and we will use this time to catch up, problem solve, and professionally develop you.

Microsoft Teams:

• Communication will also take place over the phone through Microsoft Teams. We will have a group chat and group file that features files relevant to your position and our policies/procedures. However, more serious matters should be discussed in person. 

Emergencies:

• In the event of an emergency, please contact me directly via PHONE! I will provide you with my personal cell phone during our small staff meeting in training. DO NOT share this number with students and/or parents! Please remember, this number is only for emergencies!.

Staff Meetings

• Staff meetings, all staff meetings, 1:1s, and developments are mandatory.  Plan for two hours.  It is expected that you be in attendance, on time If you need to miss or will be late, please discuss it with me ASAP. 

• Refrain from use of cell-phones, laptops, and side conversations.

• Be on time, prepared (pen, paper, laptop, planner, etc.) and participate.

Performance Evaluations  

• You will have performance evaluations at least once a semester.  These will be written and should contain no surprises.  You will have the opportunity to evaluate yourself and make additional comments.     

Team Development

• Remember. Work and fun can coexist, but work will always take first priority!

• Lean on each other when times get rough or stressful. Community is everything

• Feedback should and will be given in a respectful manner.

• Support and always stand up for your staff members, this includes when speaking with other staff members, residents, etc.

• Challenge and support one another when needed but be respectful always.

Community Building

• Work to create an inclusive, respectful, and safe community.

• Be intentional about developing relationships with your residents but make sure to maintain appropriate boundaries.

• Door decs are to be completed once a semester.

• Meet all deadlines within the residential curriculum.

• Be cognizant of your floor and the condition it is in.

• Engage in building initiatives/programs/events as much as you can.