The Resident Manager (RM) position focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the WMU Apartments and Spindler Hall, including fostering community, being attentive to safety and security of residents, and assisting with facility operations. The position requires an individual who is flexible enough to assume a variety of roles as dictated by the changing needs of students. It is crucial that an individual be able to relate well to others and handle administrative responsibilities. The RM is more than just a friendly presence; she/he is the crucial link in creating an environment in which students develop independence and learn to live cooperatively with others.
2013-2014 applications for Resident Manager is available online, in your hall office or at the Residence Life office (3rd floor Faunce Student Services Building).
All applications are due January 16, 2013 by 4 p.m. to Residence Life, 3rd floor Faunce Student Services Building.
Residence Life seeks candidates who enjoy working in a community setting and fostering a living/learning community. Applicants must:
Any additional off-campus or on-campus employment must not exceed nine hours per week and be approved by Residence Life. Outside employment must not interfere with the RA responsibilities.
Applications will not be accepted or interviews scheduled for anyone not meeting the above criteria.
RMs are responsible for the following key areas:
Community Development – RMs create programs and activities designed to meet the needs of residents in their complex. As a community developer, RMs have meaningful interactions with community residents and encourage community involvement. Resource and Education – As a peer helper, RMs connect residents to other campus opportunities to promote a positive WMU experience. RMs also serve as a referral agent to other campus resources such as the counseling center, Academic Resource Center, etc. Facility Management – RMs work with other university staff to ensure that there are no facility issues on their complex. RMs are required to complete room inventory checks and safety checks on a regular basis. |
Policy Enforcement/Safety – RMs are attentive to resident safety and complex security, as well as ensure residents follow University and housing policies to maintain a respectful environment. RMs educate residents on their actions and decisions while informing them about how their actions impact an entire community. Emergency Response – RMs are the primary responder to emergencies within their complex during the work day, and residents are directed to Public Safety during evenings and weekends. Staff is expected to assist whenever they are in the complex. Administrative Tasks – RMs are required to complete weekly reports and other department paperwork, as well as assist with check-ins and check-outs of residents. |
For a more detailed position description, please contact Residence Life.
The nature of the RM position is such that its responsibilities are determined not so much by a time clock or a calendar, but by the needs of residents and the department. Some periods, such as apartment turnover, will require more time than average, but other responsibilities will arise that cannot always be anticipated and scheduled. Key time commitments include:
Apartment Turnover – RMs serve a facility role in getting apartments ready for new residents and checking out departing residents at the end of each semester or summer session. As such, RMs arrive early and depart late.
Regular Meetings – Meetings include weekly staff meetings (2 hours) and weekly or bi-weekly one-on-one meetings with supervisors.
RM Training – RM training varies depending on when the new RM joins the staff. Training includes shadowing current RMs, individual sessions and attending centralized sessions when applicable.
Safety Checks – RMs visit resident apartments once a semester to conduct apartment safety checks.
University Breaks – Apartments do not vacate during University breaks and significant holidays, so a minimum RM staffing level is required during those times (e.g. Thanksgiving, Spring Break, MLK weekend, Easter, etc.).
