Students at Oakland University have several opportunities for leadership positions around OU’s campus. From being part of an e-board for a club or even Student Congress, OU offers many ways to get involved in leadership roles.
The Resident Assistant (RA) is a leadership position open to all students who have resided in Oakland University Housing for at least one semester. The job of an RA entails assisting students living on campus through group activities and events and occasional one-on-one chats.
Koda Montgomery, a first-year RA, talks about their main draw to the RA lifestyle.
“The main thing that made me want to be an RA is the benefits,” Montgomery said. “Free housing is a massive benefit of course — but also I want to build my resume because I’m hoping to go into higher education and clinical counseling, so it’s a great way to be like, ‘I did this for years.’”
Montgomery explains how to help other new students work out their work-life balance.
“Keeping a calendar is my best friend,” Montgomery said. “I actually work — including this job — four jobs on campus. So, I’m just making sure that I have space in between. It’s actually been like probably one of my most balanced years, surprisingly.”
As Hillcrest RA Andrew Deacon enters his second year in the position, he sheds light on how he views his residential duties.
“My main duty as an RA is to be the point of contact for residents in need of help or support,” Deacon said. “Yes, policy enforcement is a part of the job, but RAs are in the buildings first and foremost to help connect residents to the proper resources around campus, whatever the issue may be.”
Deacon provides advice for new RAs or anyone looking to be an RA in the future.
“You get as much from this position as you put into it,” Deacon said. “You will gain a lot of valuable experience and learn more if you put effort into connecting with your residents and programming. Plus, it’s just more fun that way.”
Deacon lastly remarks on his favorite part about being an RA.
“I have had conversations with residents who brought situations to me feeling scared or hopeless, but left feeling supported and comfortable in handling the issue,” Deacon said. “I think the fact that just one person can be the difference in making a resident’s experience better here at OU is huge.”
To learn more about being a Resident Assistant at OU, please visit OU’s housing website or contact [email protected] for more information.
