General Resident Assistant Responsibilities
Each Resident Assistant (RA) for WINS works under the direct supervision of the WINS Director to maintain a healthy living and learning environment for students. The RA fulfills a vital role in the residence halls by helping WINS students integrate learning experiences gained both inside and outside of the classroom. The primary function of the RA is to facilitate interpersonal relationships and to create living situations that maximize the opportunities for WINS students to learn and celebrate American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian culture.

The RA reports to the WINS Director and is expected to work closely with other AU staff members (AU WSP Assistant Dean for Experiential Education, other AU Staff, Summer Assistants, Desk Receptionists, Resident Maintenance Crew, etc.). The RA is an active and integral staff member within the total AU campus community. The RA is in a position of responsibility and leadership that extends beyond the immediate scope of his/her own floor.

Time Commitment
Each RA is required to live in the AU Tenley campus single room provided during the WINS summer internship program. S/he will spend each night on-campus, lead frequent student activities, interact regularly with students, encourage responsible behavior always, and normally work forty (40) hours per week. Hours may cover early morning, late night, and/or weekend periods. Each RA must work one 7-hour day weekly in the WINS office in order to perform administrative tasks. Flexible hours will be required during the opening and closing periods as well as on weekend and holiday periods. Every RA will work the July 4th holiday. More information on schedules is available in the Major Responsibilities section below. An RA should not hold additional employment during the period of the WINS program unless approved in advance by the WINS Director.

Training Requirements
Each RA must attend and participate fully in a week of training prior to the beginning of the summer 2007 Program. S/he must attend any in-service training and development activities as scheduled throughout the WINS program.

Major Responsibilities
Each WINS RA:
• Serves as the leader in developing and facilitating an environment on the floor in which students can celebrate American Indian/ Alaska Native/ Native Hawaiian culture and learn socially as well as academically.
• Advises and/or refers students within the limits of the RA’s training and ability concerning academic, personal, and social matters.
• Develops a personal relationship with each student living on the floors. Is available and gives genuine assistance to students. Maintains daily contact and stays aware of existing and developing problems.
• Serves as a liaison between students and the WINS Director.
• Confronts, documents, and follows through on violations of published University and Residential Life policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Has a working knowledge of the University’s facilities, services and resources.
• Is well versed in, personally abides by, and helps enforce University policies including the Housing Agreement. Failure to abide by AU policies will lead to dismissal.
• Encourages, facilitates, and provides for American Indian/ Alaska Native/ Native Hawaiian cultural, recreational, social and educational programs on the floor and within the hall. Actively supports, plans, and attends the WINS Powwow.
• Works to promote a sense of tolerance and consideration in the attitudes and behaviors of students living on the floor.
• Performs the following duties:
o Attends all staff meetings and training sessions (normally held weekly or more frequently).
o Shares in duty responsibilities as assigned by the WINS Director and Resident Director/Manager.
o Prepares and maintains hall records as assigned.
o Assists in opening, closing, and staffing of halls at all times as assigned by the WINS Director and Resident Director/Manager.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the WINS Director or Staff Supervisor.

Personal Responsibilities and Limitations
Each WINS RA:
• Treats information concerning staff and/or students with the utmost confidentiality.
• Aligns priorities such that RA job responsibilities take precedence.
• Respects boundaries of the RA to resident relationship. Refrains from inappropriate socializing (i.e. rough housing, flirting, consuming alcoholic beverages, etc.) with WINS participants.
• Holds self to a high standard of leadership. Role modeling is an imperative aspect of the RA position.

Compensation
Each WINS RA receives compensation:
• Lives in a single room at no charge for the duration of the WINS program.
• A limited AU meal plan (50 meals plus $225 Eagle Bucks for the summer).
• A stipend of $500 per month.
• Agrees to perform RA responsibilities and signs a Personal Services Agreement. (Monthly stipend is paid for 7 hours each week of office work over the course of the program. Room and board are given in exchange for on-call hours, programming, and leadership in the residence hall.)
• For an RA coming from outside the DC area: receives round-trip transportation to AU (following the same transportation guidelines as WINS students).

WINS RA Dates Summer 2008
RA training: Arrive May 22. Training begins May 23. (WINS Students Arrive: May 28.) WINS RAs for the 8-week program depart July 28. WINS RAs for the 10-week program depart August 10.

WINS RA Application
Preferred candidates will have:
• Experience as a residence assistant/resident advisor and/or campus leader
• Demonstrated dedication to helping the American Indian/ Alaska Native/ Native Hawaiian community in a proactive and supportive way.
Apply by April 15, 2008 for Summer 2008. Send a resume, cover letter, and 3 references to: Washington Semester Program WINS American University 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington DC 20016-8083

Email: wins@american.edu Fax: (202)895-4882