A resident advisor is responsible for keeping in constant contact with their supervisors, as well as contacting students in the dormitory often. A resident advisor must have and use a phone message system with voicemail, as well as a mailbox and email, all of which should be checked daily. Additionally, an RA is required to post flyers informing students of any important changes they should be notified of, as well as any other administrative duties that have been assigned.
Resident advisors usually work with one other advisor, trading off regular duty nights throughout the week. Advisors are required to read and abide by all duty policies. They are responsible for a master key or keycard that unlocks all doors of the students they are responsible for in the event of a lockout or emergency. RAs must also thoroughly know the evacuation plans for their floors and are required to make sure all students have been evacuated in the event of an emergency situation, such as a fire. Resident advisors will be required to have up-to-date certification in CPR and first-aid training. Encouraging students to keep main areas, such as lounges, balconies and hallways, clean is also an important part of the job.
Resident advisors should encourage personal, social and academic growth and development among the students living on their floor. An RA must know all members of their floor and be seen often in common living areas. Being able to be approachable is an important quality in a resident advisor. RAs also serve as mediators in the event of conflict, such as those that may arise in roommates with clashing personalities. Behavior of students needs to be observed, and any instances of students behaving inappropriately according to campus or dorm rules must be addressed and documented. An advisor must designate open house hours each week for students to come and speak about any problems or issues they're having. An advisor can expect to sleep in their own living quarters nightly and spend the majority of their weekends on campus.