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What is a CA?

Beginning in Fall '08, the Community Assistant (CA) position was designed to meet the unique needs of our upper-division student communities (Canada and Sierra halls). Similar to the RA position, the CA is a peer leader in their community. Where RAs focus on developing a sense of community on the floor level, CAs focus on community at the hall-wide level. CAs build community through regular and ongoing personal contact with residents, primarily while working the front desk.

For many students, their CA will serve as an important link to the University while in the residence halls. A Community Assistant's helpfulness, empathy, interest, and concern will be seen as a reflection of the spirit of cooperation among the residents. As a role model, each CA has the responsibility to portray a positive image and attitude. A CA's presence in the hall as a mature, responsible student and adult is the central point around which all other facets of the job revolve. Lastly, the position of a CA is a job and should be prioritized as such.

As a member of the Student Services division, CAs strive to foster a climate that nurtures diversity and promotes a learning environment that stimulates debate and free inquiry within the bounds of courtesy, sensitivity, confidentiality, and respect for all. We communicate the knowledge that ALL students' presence and contributions are of great value. We seek to learn as we lead and collaborate with all members of our University community.

What does a CA do?

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but CA responsibilities include:

• Develop hall community through programming, advising residents, peer counseling, and regular interactions with their residents
• Work up to 10 regular, paid hours at the hall front desk; supporting residence hall operations and developing campus resources for upper-division students
• Develop leadership on the floor, which includes getting residents involved with Hall Council, Residence Hall Association (RHA), and other leadership groups
• Provide for a safe community through a duty coverage on weekdays and weekends
• Be familiar with and enforce residence hall policies
• Respond to and assist with crises such as fire alarms, power outages, safety and maintenance concerns, and other emergencies
• Attend staff meetings, one-on-one meetings, and complete other administrative duties
• Act as an advisor and peer counselor to students; and make appropriate referrals to campus resources
• This position should not routinely require more than twenty-six hours per week

Minimum Job Requirements

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or higher throughout employment
• Must maintain a full-time student course load throughout employment
• Enrollment in over 17 credits is available with approval
• Must be available two weeks(Fall) or one week(Spring) prior to opening the halls for training and preparation
• Must be able to remain in the halls for up to two days after the halls close at the end of each semester

Other Employment/Activities

• Due to live-in demands of the CA position, any outside employment/involvement requires written approval
• Outside employment may not exceed more than 5 hours per week and must not interfere with your on-duty or academic requirement

Compensation (Total Package Value of $8,700)

• Each CA will be furnished a private room (space permitting), utilities, and their choice of meal plan.
  • Please note that meals are only available when dining operations are open.
• RAs will receive a partial tuition waiver ($14 a credit for up to 12 credits) after two semesters of employment.
• Optional: Paid desk hours when available