RA, GRA, and GHA Position Description

Resident Assistant (RA)

The Resident Assistant (RA) is a vital student leader within Boston University Residence Life, responsible for fostering safe, inclusive, and academically supportive residential communities. RAs serve as peer mentors, community builders, and frontline responders who help residents navigate the challenges and opportunities of university life. RAs are not “in charge” of their residents – they are responsible to them, accountable for supporting their wellbeing, and committed to cultivating a respectful, engaged, and connected community.

RAs work to build and sustain a healthy residential environment by forming meaningful relationships with residents, facilitating community conversations, enforcing university policies, and serving as a knowledgeable resource. RAs face complex situations, develop strong interpersonal skills, and gain leadership experience that extends far beyond their time in the role.

RAs receive comprehensive training in August before the semester begins, ongoing Wednesday night staff development, and continuous supervision throughout the year. Training covers expectations outlined in the RA Manual, the BU Lifebook, the Code of Student Responsibilities, and all Residence Life policies and procedures. RAs are expected to model ethical behavior, uphold university standards, and maintain professionalism both on and off campus.

 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must adhere to all Residence Life and University policies, including alcohol, guest, and visitation policies as outlined in the Lifebook
  • Adhere to the stipulations outlined in the Resident Assistant Memorandum of Understanding
  • Must be a full‑time matriculated, degree seeking student
  • Must reside in the assigned on‑campus housing designated by Residence Life
  • Must remain in good academic, financial, and judicial standing
  • Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or higher
  • Attend all required orientations and trainings
  • Attend mandatory Wednesday night meetings from 7-11pm

 

Meetings & Supervision

RAs participate in a structured supervision model that includes:

  • All‑Staff meetings within the larger Boston University Residential Community
  • Neighborhood/Cluster staff meetings with the Community Director (CD), Graduate Resident Assistant (GRA), and fellow RAs
  • Regular one-on-one meetings with the Community Director and GRAs

These meetings support information sharing, ongoing training, performance feedback, and team cohesion.

 

On-Call Duty Responsibilities

All RAs serve on a weekday (5pm-9am) and weekend/Holiday (9am-9am) on-call rotation, responding to resident needs, emergencies, and policy concerns. While on-call, RAs:

  • Staff the office during assigned shifts
  • Carry the RA on‑call phone
  • Respond promptly to incidents and concerns
  • Complete rounds and documentation as required

RAs are also expected to maintain visibility in their community, regularly check in with residents, and serve as approachable, supportive resources.

 

Community Development

RAs build community through:

  • Monthly community meetings
  • Regular resident engagement and visibility
  • Bulletin boards and educational materials
  • Programs aligned with the Boston University Residential Experience (BURE)
  • Referrals to campus resources
  • Mediation and conflict resolution

 

Skill Development

By exceeding expectations and engaging fully in the role, RAs develop transferable skills in:

  • Public speaking
  • Customer service and critical thinking
  • Community development and mentorship
  • Program planning, budgeting, and facilitation
  • Conflict resolution and mediation
  • Emergency response and crisis management

This position offers significant opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and professional preparation.

 

Outside Employment & Co‑Curricular Activities

  • The RA position is a student’s highest non‑academic priority
  • Academic commitments may supersede RA responsibilities with proper documentation and approval; all other commitments are secondary
  • Overcommitment that interferes with RA responsibilities may result in disciplinary action or termination

 

Remuneration

  • RAs receive a housing credit for a single-style dormitory-style room or apartment, a meal plan, Sportspass, and a $1,700 stipend per semester.
  • RAs are assigned to designated RA rooms; if an RA leaves the position, they must relocate to a non‑staff room as assigned by the Office of Housing.

 

 

Graduate Resident Assistant (GRA)

The Graduate Resident Assistant (GRA) is an advanced student leadership role for graduate students who have earned their bachelor’s degree and wish to support staff development, mentor a staff of RAs, and collaborate closely with professional staff to strengthen residential communities. GRAs serve as leaders within their Residential Community and play a key role in training, supervision, and community development. GRAs also serve in an elevated on-call rotation with other members of the professional staff, supporting RAs who are on-call.

 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must adhere to all Residence Life and University policies, including alcohol, guest, and visitation policies as outlined in the Lifebook
  • Adhere to the stipulations outlined in the Graduate Resident Assistant Memorandum of Understanding
  • Must be a full‑time matriculated, degree seeking graduate student
  • Must hold a bachelor’s degree
  • Must reside in the assigned on‑campus housing designated by Residence Life
  • Must remain in good academic, financial, and judicial standing
  • Must maintain at least a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or higher
  • Attend all required orientations and trainings
  • Attend mandatory Wednesday night meetings from 7-11pm

 

Responsibilities

GRAs complete all expectations of an RA and additionally:

  • Mentor and support RAs within the Residential Community
  • Assist with planning and facilitating RA training and development
  • Assist with staff interpersonal conflicts in consultation with professional staff
  • Collaborate with the professional on staff engagement initiatives
  • Participate in the Senior Staff on‑call rotation
  • Support department‑wide programming (e.g., Admitted Terrier Days)
  • Cover RA responsibilities for vacant floors until positions are filled
  • Serve as point person for elevated residential conflicts and lead mediations
  • Complete additional duties as assigned by their Community Director

 

Remuneration

  • GRAs receive a housing credit for a single-style dormitory-style room or apartment, a meal plan, Sportspass, and a $1,700 stipend per semester.
  • GRAs are assigned to designated G/RA rooms; if an GRA leaves the position, they must relocate to a non‑staff room as assigned by the Office of Housing. As graduate-student housing is limited, this may include the need to move to an off-campus location, logistics of which are the responsibility of the graduate student.

 

 

Graduate Housing Assistant (GHA)

The Graduate Housing Assistant (GHA) is a graduate student leader, having earned their bachelor’s degree, who supports the development, wellbeing, and success of graduate residents living in Boston University’s Graduate Housing communities. GHAs work closely with the Graduate Housing Community Director to foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment tailored to the needs of graduate students, many of whom balance academic, professional, and personal commitments.

GHAs serve as approachable resources, community builders, and administrative partners who help maintain the smooth operation of Graduate Housing. While GHAs do not perform all functions of undergraduate RAs, they play a critical role in resident support, community engagement, and crisis response within a graduate focused residential context.

Different from GRAs and RAs, GHAs begin their position and receive training in mid-July and ongoing supervision throughout the following 12 months. They are expected to uphold all Residence Life policies, model professionalism, and maintain appropriate boundaries with residents.

 

Meetings & Supervision

GHAs participate in a structured supervision model that includes:

  • Regular one‑on‑one meetings with the Graduate Housing Community Director
  • Graduate Housing staff meetings, as scheduled
  • Ongoing training and development sessions coordinated by Residence Life

These meetings support communication, performance development, and alignment with departmental expectations.

 

Duty Responsibilities

GHAs participate in the Graduate Housing on‑call rotation, responding to resident concerns, emergencies, and policy issues. While on duty, GHAs:

  • Carry the designated on‑call phone
  • Respond promptly to incidents and resident needs
  • Communicate with senior staff as required
  • Document incidents accurately and in a timely manner

GHAs are expected to maintain visibility in their assigned community and serve as a consistent, supportive presence for graduate residents.

 

Community Development

GHAs support community engagement by:

  • Facilitating community‑building initiatives aligned with the needs of graduate students
  • Hosting small‑scale programs or gatherings that promote connection, wellbeing, and resource awareness
  • Maintaining bulletin boards and digital communication channels with relevant, updated information
  • Supporting the Graduate Housing Community Director in implementing Graduate Housing‑wide events and initiatives

Community development in Graduate Housing emphasizes accessibility, flexibility, and respect for residents’ varied schedules and responsibilities.

 

Resident Support

GHAs assist residents by:

  • Providing referrals to campus resources, including academic support, wellness services, and administrative offices
  • Offering peer‑level support and guidance while maintaining appropriate boundaries
  • Helping residents navigate conflicts or concerns, escalating issues to professional staff when necessary
  • Maintaining awareness of resident wellbeing and communicating concerns to the Graduate Housing Community Director

GHAs are not expected to provide counseling or specialized intervention but should demonstrate empathy, professionalism, and sound judgment.

 

Administrative Responsibilities

GHAs contribute to the operational efficiency of Graduate Housing by:

  • Assisting with administrative tasks such as key audits, occupancy checks, and communication updates
  • Supporting opening and closing processes, including move‑in and move‑out periods
  • Maintaining accurate records and meeting deadlines for all assigned tasks

 

Skill Development

Through the GHA role, graduate students gain experience in:

  • Community engagement and program development
  • Conflict management and mediation
  • Customer service and communication
  • Crisis response and problem‑solving
  • Administrative operations and teamwork

These skills support both academic success and future professional opportunities.

 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must adhere to all Residence Life and University policies, including alcohol, guest, and visitation policies as outlined in the Lifebook
  • Adhere to the stipulations outlined in the Graduate Resident Assistant Memorandum of Understanding
  • Must be a full‑time matriculated, degree seeking graduate student
  • Must hold a bachelor’s degree
  • Must reside in the assigned on‑campus housing designated by Residence Life
  • Must remain in good academic, financial, and judicial standing
  • Must maintain at least a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or higher
  • Attend mandatory Wednesday night meetings from 7-11pm.

 

Remuneration

  • A housing credit for a single room, an unlimited meal plan, Sportspass, and a $1,700 stipend per semester.
  • GHAs are assigned to designated staff rooms; if a GHA leaves the position, they must relocate to a non‑staff room as assigned by the Office of Housing. As graduate-student housing is limited, this may include the need to move to an off-campus location, logistics of which are the responsibility of the graduate student.