RESIDENCE LIFE OFFICE
HEAD RESIDENT ASSISTANT

POSITION DESCRIPTION 2025-2026

Mission Statement: The mission of Residence Life is to develop safe and inclusive residential campus communities.

Contract Period: Upon acceptance of this offer until May 16, 2026.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Head Resident Assistant (HRA) represents the Residence Life Office in the residence halls as a peer leader and educator. Under the supervision of the Area Coordinator, the HRA provides opportunities for Resident Assistants (RAs) to grow and develop personally and professionally. This position is one of service and represents a significant dedication to the Residence Life Office, the RA program, and the residents of Babson College. HRAs are expected to support decisions made by the office and work in conjunction with the professional staff to ensure the RA staff is prepared for their role, is adequately supported, and has pride for their position. Each HRA works to build community among residents and staff members in their designated area of campus, which includes being available and approachable to the RA staff, serving as role models, and actively initiating and maintaining contact with each staff member on a routine basis.

Staff meetings are held from 4:40pm-6:20pm on Monday nights.

HRAs are required to attend all staff meetings and are expected to maintain this block of time open for Residence Life-related tasks and events. If any conflicts or questions arise, please contact your direct supervisor prior to accepting this offer. RA in-service trainings will take place during this time block three times a semester.

Remuneration: The hours expected of an HRA vary according to the needs of the community and staff. On average HRAs work a range of 10-15 hours per week depending on the time of year, with the exception of training and move-in periods which are substantially more immersive. These hours will be reflected in but not limited to staff meetings, one-on-one meetings, interactions with residents, community development responsibilities, and on-call. HRAs receive a housing waiver for a single room. Additional benefits of the position include leadership training, transferable skills and professional development opportunities.

Supervision: HRAs report to the Area Coordinator for the residential community for which they are assigned. Regular one-on-one meetings are required. Area Coordinators provide training, support, and assistance in the execution of the HRA’s responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

All applicants and employees will maintain a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. HRAs allow their grades to be released to the Residence Education professional staff at the completion of each semester to verify meeting the minimum GPA requirement mentioned above. If an employed HRA’s GPA falls below a 2.5, they may be terminated from their position. All applicants must have completed two semesters at Babson College prior to becoming an HRA.  All student employees must maintain full-time enrollment status while with Residence Life. Full-time status means enrollment in 12 course credits. If an HRA drops below 12 credits they may be terminated from their position. HRAs are expected to proactively speak with their supervisor if they are concerned they may fall below 12 course credits. Attend all training sessions in the summer, winter, and throughout the academic year. All HRAs are required to submit a Housing application before the Housing deadline on the Babson Student Hub and agree to a Housing License and Meal Plan Agreement. The Housing License and Meal Plan Agreement is independent of your RA contract. Accordingly, if you are terminated or resign from the RA role you are still bound by the Housing License and Meal Plan Agreement and therefore responsible for all financial obligations and cancellations policies set forth by the College.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to fulfilling the responsibilities of a Resident Assistant in their area, Head Resident Assistants are responsible for being a program helper, staff administrator, and support for other RAs. These additional responsibilities are outlined below.

Program Helper
The HRA provides programming guidance through advice and exemplified programming efforts to the RA staff. HRAs will:

● Review program proposals after receiving approval from the Area Coordinator, and provide support and guidance to RAs as needed.

● Help RAs brainstorm programs that address the pillars of programming.

● Hold two office hours each month to meet with RAs and assist them in their programming efforts.

● Update the RA programming calendar to add any approved programs for your staff.

● Chair at least one area or campus-wide program each semester.