Resident Assistants (RAs) and Liberal Arts Colleges: Examining Compensation and Expected Duties for RAs

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Eighteen
  In Roundtable Session: Financial Resources and Student Experiences (Table 4)

Abstract

Resident Assistants (RAs) play a vital role in student support and retention through community development programs. Community development is crucial for all colleges and universities, especially liberal arts colleges. These institutions have residential-based education models and want to create a connective holistic experience for their students. Despite their importance, RAs are rarely examined as a working group but rather a tool for program implantation. This exploratory study applies qualitative content analysis to analyze RA job descriptions and compensations at Consortium of Liberal Arts Colleges institutions. Preliminary findings indicate these liberal arts colleges support community development and support through the RA job function, with relatively low compensation, including housing and small pay.

Authors

• Paul J. Gorelik, Binghamton University - SUNY
  Presenting Author

• Nathan Frederick Harris, University of Rochester
  Presenting Author