Live-in Staff
Live-in Staff
At WMU we have three different types of live-in staff for every residence hall area. 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.
Residence Hall Directors
Residence Hall Directors (Hall Directors) are full-time staff members who live in each of the living areas. Most often our Hall Directors have obtained a masters degree in higher education, counseling, or a related field prior to beginning their position at WMU. The Hall Directors provide leadership to intentionally and collaboratively create environments that positively influence student learning and development. Each Hall Director holds office hours in their building. Their office is in the Hall Office area. Specific responsibilities include:
- Supervising and training the Graduate Assistant Hall Director and Resident Assistant staff
- Oversee programming within the community
- Collaborate with others to ensure facilities are safe, secure and maintained
- Oversee and resolve student conduct issues
- Assist with conflict mediation within the building with students
- Provide academic support initiatives, referrals and guidance to their residents
- Collaborate with others in the department regarding student occupancy in their building
- Meet with students from the building that have questions, concerns or other needs
- Foster an environment that will assist students making the transition to college or WMU
- Assist the Graduate Assistant with Hall Government and front desk operations
Graduate Assistant Hall Directors
Graduate Assistant Hall Directors (GAs) are part-time student staff members who live in each of the living areas. 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. The GAs assist in providing leadership to intentionally and collaboratively create environments that positively influence student learning and development. Each GA holds office hours in their office in the 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
Resident Assistants
Resident Assistants (RAs) are part-time student staff members who live on the floors. The RAs are in the process of obtaining an undergraduate degree and are peers with the students living in our halls. The RAs assist in providing leadership to intentionally and collaboratively create environments that positively influence student learning and development. 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
- Serve as a mentor and role model to students
- Provide programming within the floor community that meets the needs of the students and will assist in community development and growth
- Meet with students from the floor that have questions, concerns or other needs
- Collaborate with the Hall Director to maintain a safe and healthy living environment
- Assist with conflict mediation with students on the floor
- Serve as a mentor and role model to students
- Address student conduct issues on their floor and in the hall