DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HEAD RESIDENT
Function of Position:
The function of the Head Resident is to create and maintain a program in the residence halls in which the greatest educational, social, and cultural values for the individual student will be realized.
Responsibilities:
1. Operating and supervising the living unit promoting the physical safety and welfare of the students in that unit.
2. Advising student groups in their cultural, scholastic, social, athletic, and hall governmental program.
3. Counseling of individuals and groups of students within the hall and/or referrals when necessary.
4. Interpreting University policies, objectives, and regulations to students.
5. Maintaining of hall records and files, i.e. housing and floor lists, maintenance reports, duty schedules, fire drills, room condition forms, etc.
6. Reporting maintenance problems to the Physical Plant through the Residence Life Office and acting as a liaison between students and that office.
7. Supervising all housing procedures for students in the hall (i.e. check‑in, check‑out, vacation closing and opening, etc.)
8. Facilitating all room changes within the living unit.
9. Participating in policy formation for a specific residence hall and the Residence Life/Student Life Offices.
10. Attending all (a) hall government/council meetings, (b) Head Resident staff meetings, (c) residence hall staff workshop(s), and (d) staff development sessions.
11. Conduct weekly one-on-one meetings with hall staff as well as attend weekly one-on-one meetings with your direct supervisor.
12. Acting as an official representative of the University for all events held within the residence hall.
13. Supervising of Resident Assistants and development of strong staff team.
14. Conducting weekly hall staff meetings.
15. Maintaining a flow of communication with the Assistant Dean of Student Life and other Student Life departments.
16. Aiding residence hall councils to encourage individual responsibility and accountability.
17. Working with staff and students in each hall to develop various hall and floor programs to enhance the educational experience outside the classroom.
18. Acting as a liaison between the students in the hall and the Student Life Staff.
19. Developing and maintaining a close relationship with as many students as possible in the hall.
20. Interviewing prospective Resident Assistants and Head Residents.
21. Evaluating Resident Assistant performance regularly on an informal basis and formally once/twice a year.
22. Participation in special campus committees and projects as needed.
Reportability:
The Head Resident reports to the Assistant Dean of Student Life.
Qualifications:
1. Admission to Susquehanna University as an undergraduate student in good standing and of senior or junior class status.
2. Academic consciousness and evidence of meaningful participation in University and/or community activities.
3. An accumulative Grade Point Average of 2.50 or above.
4. A minimum of one semester experience as a Resident Assistant.
5. Some of the desired personal qualities expected for a Head Resident include:
a) Self‑discipline
b) Interest in people on an individual basis and awareness of the feelings, needs, and rights of others.
c) Interest in group living and in promoting positive aspects of community life in the hall as a whole
d) Commitment to job
e) Positive attitude about self, students, faculty, staff, and systems
f) Effective leadership qualities
g) Communication skills
h) Sense of self‑awareness
i) Maturity of judgment
j) Ability and willingness to assume administrative responsibility and leadership in dealing with a staff of resident assistants.
Terms of Employment:
1. The HR may not assume any paid responsibilities outside the HR job without prior approval from the Assistant Dean of Student Life.
2. The HR must participate in all staff workshops and return to campus prior to the start of the Fall Semester.
3. The H.R. is expected to close their residence hall at the end of the academic year following graduation.
4. H.R.'s are expected to attend weekly staff meetings with the Assistant Dean of Student Life.
5. A 2.50 minimum grade point average must be maintained throughout a H.R.‘s appointment. Failure to maintain a 2.50 accumulative grade point average and semester grade point average may result in probation and/or termination.
6. All appointments are for one academic year.
7. H.R.'s will be expected to supervise the staff of resident assistants in their living unit and to work to establish a satisfactory atmosphere for academic and social concerns.
8. The H.R. is responsible for maintaining on‑going communications with the Assistant Dean of Student Life in all areas pertaining to their position.
9. The HR is responsible for assisting in training sessions for the Resident Assistants and House Coordinators.
The HR must participate in all staff training workshops:
· Fall Workshop - beginning approximately one and one-half weeks prior to the arrival of the freshmen.
· Winter Workshop - 2 to 3 days prior to the opening of Spring semester
· Spring Workshop - held during Senior Week