Gonzaga University
Department of Housing and Residence Life
Job Description: Assistant Residence Director
Prologue
A significant amount of the education one receives while a college student takes place outside the formal
classroom setting. Therefore, Gonzaga University is strongly committed to providing an intentional and significant
residential experience for students. Residence Life staff members are selected based on their maturity, leadership
qualities, experience and interest in maximizing the experience of GU students and staff.
As a part time member of the Division of Student Development, the residence hall staff member is a representative
of the University and a resource for campus students. The role of each staff member is to work collaboratively to
develop a living experience in their assigned community, block, and across campus. This role compliments and
enhances the academic life of our residents while operating a values-based system of student accountability and
demonstrating a caring concern for all students
It is the role of Residence Life staff to provide residents with opportunities to CONNECT to their community,
INTERACT with various residents, deeply ENGAGE with the Gonzaga and Spokane communities, and REFLECT on
their experiences.
General Description
The purpose of the Assistant Residence Director (ARD) is to provide student staff members with opportunities for
increased responsibilities in student leadership and administration. Traditionally, the ARD is responsible for duties
pertaining to advising the Block Council and co-supervising a staff team.
Students selected to become ARDs will be expected by their colleagues, supervisors and the Department to fulfill
the duties of the position. Conversely, ARDs can expect to receive ongoing training and support in order to be as
successful as possible for themselves and for block residents and RAs.
A designated Residence Director (RD) or Graduate Residence Director (GRD) supervises each ARD staff member.
There are a set number of blocks on campus that have a corresponding RD, ARD, and Resident Assistants or
Community Advocates (RAs or CAs). The RD/GRD is the immediate supervisor of the ARD on his/her block. The
RD/GRD and ARD work collaboratively in the management and supervision of facilities, residents, and RAs. Because
each block has different needs and different people bring unique skills and passions to the position, the duties of
an ARD may vary slightly across blocks.
ARD Job Responsibilities
CONNECTION
ARDs help RAs and residents build a connection with the environment in which they live. This sense of
community allows students and Residence Life staff to find their place at Gonzaga and provides a sense of
importance for each individual. Beyond the community with residents and block RAs, ARDs are also a part of
the larger Residence Life community.
These connections are built by:
1. Advising Block Council and attending all Block Council meetings and events:
a. Conducting 1-on-1 meetings with Block Council executive members as needed,
b. Guiding Block Council members as they organize and develop themselves and their
programming,
c. Facilitating the selection process for Block Council Presidents.
d. Acting as a liaison between Block Council and the RA staff.
2. Coordinating with the RD/GRD building opening/closing.
a. Helping the RD/GRD to plan, organize, and execute the block’s building openings and closings by
developing check-in/check-out processes.
b. Maintaining resident check-in/check-out information as needed and helping RAs complete their
check-in/check-out responsibilities as needed.
3. Overseeing building and amenities during the academic year by completing common area and
recreation equipment condition reports.
a. Submitting work orders and communicating necessary equipment replacement to block
RD/GRD.
INTERACTION
ARDs must maintain an understanding of diverse situations and assist their residents and staff in the
development of experiences where individuals interact with those personalities, beliefs, and cultures that may
be different from their own. ARDs will provide RAs with, and assist in the development of intentional
conversations with other students, residence life staff, and leaders throughout the Gonzaga community.
These interactions are built by:
1. Helping with RA Selection in the spring of 2014 and 2015 by promoting the RA positions through
Interest Sessions, attending group interviews, serving on a sub-committee to conduct individual
interviews, evaluating candidates, and helping the RD choose appropriate and competent staff
members for the block.
2. Facilitating continual staff training (‘devos’) opportunities.
3. Conducting weekly 1-on-1 meetings with the RD/GRD, 1-on-1 meetings with each RA every other week,
weekly block council meetings, and attending RHA meetings each semester (amount and frequency
determined by supervisor).
4. Tracking RA events and 1:1 interactions with residents.
5. Attending and co-facilitating fall and winter training sessions with other GU faculty and staff.
ENGAGEMENT
ARDs must build a staff team where members take ownership of, are invested in, and are held accountable for
the creation of a space that is welcoming and inviting for all. ARDs provide opportunities for RAs and residents
to actively participate in their community and develop meaningful relationships with other students.
This engagement is built through:
1. Helping the RD/GRD develop and facilitate a staff retreat/staff retreats.
2. Serving on a Residence Life committee as assigned.
3. Attending campus-wide departmental staff meetings and facilitating weekly block staff meetings.
4. Holding staff and block council accountable to all event and training requirements by communicating all
expectations including deadlines and formatting requirements, meeting with RAs and block council
members to help brainstorm and plan creative and meaningful events, offering feedback to RAs and
block council members after event completions, and evaluating RAs on their monthly reports at the end
of each month.
5. Assisting in the development and implementation of block-wide special events with the RD/GRD, RA
staff, and block council.
REFLECTION
ARDs must participate in regular activities which promote inquiry and critical thinking. These reflective
moments provide student staff with the opportunity to process and make meaning of their on-campus living
experience. ARDs must also provide reflective activities for their residents to understand how their individual
decisions and actions impact the overall sense of community.
This reflection is built through:
1. Reading the monthly reports submitted by RA staff members and assisting in the development of
events or conversations that aid in the betterment of residential communities.
2. Completing a monthly report which summarizes the needs of the staff, any devos that were attended or
facilitated, and any facility needs or concerns.
3. Providing ongoing feedback for RAs through informal and formal evaluations with the RD/GRD.
Minimum Qualifications and Position Requirements
ARDs, like all other staff members must:
 Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 throughout the application process and while they are on staff.
 Be in good standing with the University.
 Live on campus in their assigned room for the full academic year (excluding Winter Break).
 Be enrolled as a fulltime student.
 Follow all guidelines and expectations found in the GU Student Handbook, Housing Agreement, ARD
Working Agreement and Residence Life Staff Manual.
 Complete 2 semesters as a Residence Life staff member prior to beginning ARD role.
 Hold less than 10 hours of extracurricular leadership activities or outside employment per week on and
off campus (candidates who will be student teaching, have an off-campus academic internship, or
practicum may apply, however, the significant time expectations of these experiences will be taken
into consideration during the hiring process).