The Role of the RA (Resident Adviser)

In this Issue: what do RAs do (and what don’t they do)?

Today, I am sharing an adapted Q&A from last year with Stephanie Carter-Atkins, Executive Director of Residence Life and Housing (RL&H). Stephanie brings 24 years of professional experience to our campus.

With move-in approaching, I wanted to share her insights on the vital role our Resident Advisers (RAs) play. This information may be especially helpful for P’30 families helping their students navigate the transition to campus life.

What is the primary role of the RA during the first few months on campus?

The RA role is multifaceted, but the core focus is building community. Because RAs are full-time students themselves, they cannot be everywhere at once or try to engineer friendships between their residents, but they do their best to be attentive to every resident on their floor.

Are RAs expected to spend individual, one-on-one time with each resident?

RAs aim to get to know residents well enough to build trust. While your student might not become instant best friends with their RA, the RA is trained to connect students with the right campus resources when challenges arise. I never want a student to feel like they have no one to turn to.

What if a student feels they haven’t connected with their RA after several weeks?

Relationships require active involvement from both sides. RAs are para-professionals who are still learning and growing, so it may take a little proactive effort from your student as well. If connections still do not form after repeated attempts, please encourage your student to talk to their CD.

How do RAs handle roommate conflicts?

We require every roommate pair to complete a Roommate Agreement to set clear boundaries for their shared space. If challenges arise, the RA is an excellent first resource to help mediate the conversation.

I always urge students to be completely honest when filling out these agreements. Do not agree to something just to avoid ruffling feathers. Clarity is kindness, and honesty from the outset prevents future frustration.

Who should a student contact for room maintenance issues?

Students should contact Facilities, Real Estate, and Planning directly by calling 336-758-4255 or using the online work order system. Most requests are addressed within 48 to 72 hours. Reporting maintenance issues is not part of the RA job description, so students need to submit these requests themselves.

How much interaction should an RA have with their hall? Do they have office hours?

RAs do not have set office hours, but they share their schedules via floor communication channels (like GroupMe or GChat) and connect one-on-one.

They also host building programs and intentional check-ins called Deac Chats to see how students are doing academically and socially. If your student genuinely does not know who their RA is, please alert their CD.

What should students know about an RA’s responsibility to report policy infractions?

RAs are trained to document infractions (such as underage drinking) to keep our community safe and uphold campus standards. There are no hard feelings involved. It is simply part of their job, and an infraction will not change how the RA views your student.

When is it appropriate for a student to reach out to their Community Director (CD)?

CDs are professional staff members who live in the halls and manage the RAs. Your student should reach out to a CD if:

• A residential issue cannot be fully resolved by the RA.
• Your student needs formal roommate mediation.
• Your student needs connections to broader campus resources.

Does the RA role look different for upperclass students versus first-year students?

The job description is identical, but the student-to-RA ratio changes significantly:

• First-Year Communities: The ratio is approximately 1:25.
• Upperclass Communities: The ratio ranges from 1:40 to 1:60.

Upperclassmen generally need their RAs less because they already know the campus layout, but our RAs remain deeply committed to supporting them and fostering meaningful connections.

If a parent or family member is concerned about their first-year student not adjusting well to college (or students of any year having other serious issues), what should they do?

Our office views parents and families as partners. If you notice your student is struggling to adjust over a prolonged period, please encourage them to reach out to their building’s Community Director (CD). For pressing matters, you can always call our We Are Wake care line at 336-758-CARE or visit we.wfu.edu. At Wake Forest, all roads lead to the right support system.

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Thank you, Dr. Carter-Atkins, for shedding light on this important work!