Residence Halls
Live-in Staff
WMU has three levels live-in staff for every residence hall area. Each works in collaboration with each other to create environments that positively influence student learning and development. In general, the residence hall staff members facilitate community in the halls, foster a positive academic environment and promote a safe and accepting living space for all students.
Resident Assistants
Resident Assistants (RAs) are part-time student staff members who live on each floor. They are upperlevel students and peers with the residents of the hall. Each RA goes through extensive training in the fall and throughout the year to provide the best service possible to our students living in the halls. Specific responsibilities include:
- Maintain visibility and availability on the floor as a resource to the students in their community
- Meet with students from the floor who have questions, concerns or other needs
- Assist with conflict mediation with students on the floor
- Provide programming that meets the needs of the students and will assist in community development and growth
- Provide academic support initiatives, referrals and guidance to their residents
- Address student conduct issues on their floor and in the hall
- Collaborate with the Hall Director to maintain a safe and healthy living environment
- Serve as a mentor and role model to students
Residence Hall Directors
Residence Hall Directors (HDs) are full-time staff members who live and work in the hall they supervise. HDs obtained a masters degree in higher education, counseling, or a related field prior to beginning their position at WMU. HDs are located in the hall office for easy student access. Specific responsibilities include:
- Foster an environment that will assist students making the transition to college or WMU
- Meet with students from the building that have questions, concerns or other needs
- Provide academic support initiatives, referrals and guidance to their residents
- Oversee programming within the community
- Assist with conflict mediation within the building with students
- Oversee and resolve student conduct issues
- Collaborate with others to ensure facilities are safe, secure and maintained
- Supervise all hall staff
Graduate Assistant Hall Directors
Graduate Assistant Hall Directors (GAs) are part-time student staff members who live in each residence hall complex. Most often our GAs are in the process of obtaining a master’s degree in higher education, counseling, or a related field while they are working in this position. Each GA holds office hours in their building. Specific responsibilities include:
- Advise the hall government for the building
- Oversee the front desk operations, including hiring student staff
- Assist with programming within the community
- Provide academic support initiatives, referrals and guidance to their residents
- Meet with students from the building that have questions, concerns or other needs
- Collaborate with the Hall Director to maintain a safe and healthy living environment
- Assist with conflict mediation within the building with students
