Involvement

The Office of Residence Life fosters the development of residential students through a number of involvement opportunities. Students are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to gain leadership, time-management, cooperation and practical skills. In addition to the opportunities below, the student life suite and the Office of Student Engagement and Orientation can assist students with involvement in the College’s many student organizations, class councils, Campus Activities Board and other leadership roles.

Shared Governance

Governance of Hood College’s housing system is shared among the residential students, building staff, and college administration. Students play a significant role in creating a unique community atmosphere in each living environment and participate in the development of policy through the Office of Residence Life and student governance bodies .

Residential Advisory Cabinet

Early in the fall, each of the five residence halls elect from its residents a president and vice-president. Working with the resident assistants and assistant directors of the building, they play an active role in advocating residential student concerns and providing some building activities.

Residential Advisory Cabinet serves as the student governance body for the residential system as a whole. The chairperson of this group is elected at the end of spring for the coming academic year. The remainder of the group consists of the president and vice-president of each building.

Student Staff Positions

A number of student-staff positions within the Office of Residence Life are available. These positions provide students the opportunity to gain valuable job and leadership skills. Interested students are encouraged to speak with assistant directors or current resident assistants to learn more about these roles. For most positions, an application process occurs each spring and is publicized campus-wide. During this process, staff is selected for the following year.

Resident Assistants

Twenty-six resident assistants (RAs), including six Head RAs, are employed in the six residence halls. While each RA is responsible for a specific floor or area, all RAs work as a team to serve the larger student community. RAs are available to students who have personal or academic concerns, are having problems with their roommates or just need a helpful listening ear for advice, guidance or referral. RAs also plan programs, disseminate information and work to build a positive community in the residence halls by enforcing behavioral expectations. RAs serve in a duty rotation within their assigned building each evening. Each RA reports to one of the three area coordinators.

Some qualifications for the RA position include the following:

  • Undergraduate, sophomore class status or higher at the start of employment.
  • Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement of at least 2.50, and must maintain a 2.50 minimum GPA each semester.
  • Remain in good standing with respect to conduct and student accounts.
  • Must have lived in Hood College housing for at least one semester by the date of applying.
  • Knowledge, skills, and attitudes align with job description and can meet time commitment.
  • Student accounts of RAs must be cleared of all holds. They must register for classes for the Fall 2021 semester no later than April 25.
  • Ability to exercise discretion, enforce policies, appreciate diversity, and maintain privacy regarding behavioral and conduct matters.
  • Possess a strong sense of humor.
  • Have a welcoming, open, and accepting attitude toward all members of the campus community.
  • Ability to multitask.
  • Ability to be a Mandatory Reporter

Compensation:

  • Single room financial aid scholarship for fall and spring semesters
  • Small stipend paid throughout the academic year in four installments
Picture of Carrie Ritchie

Meet House Forum Member Carrie Ritchie

Carrie Ritchie

Carrie transferred to Hood the spring semester of 2018. Since then, she has been actively involved in campus activities and student life.