Specialized student staff positions

Academic Resident Assistant (ARA)

The Academic Resident Assistant positions is a specialized staff position that provides academic support and referral for first-year students in residence hall communities. Click here for a supplemental description that outlines alterations from the traditional Resident Assistant position for ARAs.

Engineering Resident Assistant (ERA)

The ERA is expected to create and encourage activities and programs that enhance the experience for all students living in the Engineering community.  The ERA has the standards responsibilities listed in the Resident Assistant (RA) job descriptions; but has different programming requirements.  Aside from the monthly floor program, the ERA will plan and implement at least one community program a month. The ERA will use the four Cornerstones, but the programs should have an engineering focus.  It is also expected that the ERA will work with his/her supervisor to bring faculty into the community. Preference will be given to returning staff members, and applicants should be an Engineering or Computer Science major.

Fine Arts Resident Assistant (FARA)

The FARA is expected to create and encourage fine arts activities and programs that enhance the experience for all students living in the Fine Arts Community (FAC).  The FARA has the standard responsibilities listed in the Resident Assistant (RA) job description; but has different programming requirements. The FARA works with the Fine Arts Community Residence Hall Director to define, implement and promote a residentially based program that fosters an appreciation of the arts.  Aside from monthly floor program, FARA will plan and implement at least one large community program a month. The first three large programs of the semester shall cover the areas of performing arts, visual arts, communication arts (i.e. September may be on performing arts, October may be on visual arts, November may be on Communication Arts).  The fourth large program of each semester will be FAC Live.  It is also expected that the FARA will work with his/her supervisor to bring faculty into the community.  The FARA can be a new or returning staff member.

Service house community assistant (CA) 2 positions

The Service House CA is a part-time, live in postions sponsored through joint partnership of the Department of Residence Life and Student Housing (RLSH) and the Office of Leadership and Community Involvement (LCI).  Primary duties of the Service House CA include living as an active member of the SMU Service House, organizing programs designed to build community and support the hall's community service theme, acting as a resource for residents and House committees, and also maintaining hours in LCI Office.  The Service House CA reports directly to the Service House Hall Director.  The Service House CA also has all the standard responsibilities listed in the Community Assistant (CA) job description.  The Service House CA can be a new or returning staff member.

Multicultural House community Assistant

The Multicultural House CA works part-time with the Department of Residence Life and Student Housing (RLSH) and Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) to establish and promote positive community in the Multicultural House.  The Multicultural House CA serves as a communication link between the residents of the Multicultural House, RLSH and MSA.  The position reports directly to the Residence Community Director and a representative from MSA. The Multicultural House CA promotes the goal of the Multicultural House: Creating a Community of Unity and Diversity.  The Multicultural House CA also has all the standard responsibilities listed in the Community Assistant (CA) job description.  The Multicultural House CA can be a new or returning staff member.