Resident Advisors

Merrimack College Resident Advisors

Learn more about Resident Advisors at Merrimack College.

What Do Resident Advisors Do?

Resident Advisors (RAs) are students who have a strong interest in helping other students have a successful year at Merrimack. These upper-class students make every effort to work with their community to establish guidelines and living agreements that are comfortable for everyone.

  • RAs build community in their residence halls and on-campus – contributing to Merrimack and impacting the intellectual, spiritual, social and cultural growth of the students who live in their hall.
  • They uphold and present the philosophy and community standards of Merrimack College and the Office of Residence Life.
  • They act as liaisons between students and administrators.
  • They serve a vital role in helping to ensure that students can sleep, study and live in a respectful environment.

Becoming an RA

Why Should I Become an RA?

Being an RA is among the best jobs you can have on campus. Not only do you meet amazing people, but you will also get the opportunity to create a home away from home while having fun! Plus, the 2020-21 R.A. compensation included full room and board and the opportunity to live in a single room. (Prospective candidates should discuss the position with their financial aid counselor to determine if it will affect their financial aid.)

How Do I Become an RA?

  1. Come to an RA Info Session.
  2. Apply to be an RA.
  3. Contact the Office of Residence Life with your questions.

What are the Position Requirements?

Resident Advisors must:

  • Be a full-time undergraduate student who is eligible to live on campus.
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative and semester GPA of 2.5 each semester.
  • Act in accordance with the Merrimack College Code of Student Conduct.
  • Submit a housing deposit for the upcoming academic year by the housing deposit deadline. RA roommates, where applicable, must also have submitted a housing deposit by this deadline.

What are the Duties of the Position?

Community Development
  • Create and foster community among your unit (floor, tower, etc).
  • Be available and visible to your residents.
  • Encourage students to make the most of the Merrimack College experience.
  • Provide residents with opportunities to attend programs that meet their interests.
Administrative Tasks
  • Complete and submit program proposals and evaluations, Incident/CARE reports, facility work orders, duty logs and other forms as required.
  • Create and develop door decorations and newsletters several times throughout the semester.
Duty and Policy Enforcement
  • Participate in duty rotation and document policy violations.
  • Submit incident reports by the end of duty night.
  • Discuss, formulate, support and enforce quiet and courtesy hours.
  • Be available during certain emergency situations.
Staff Interaction
  • Attend training sessions.
  • Participate in all college openings and closings.
  • Assist in office initiatives.
  • Be open to getting to know the staff through scheduled and spontaneous interactions.

See RA Frequently Asked Questions

RA Duty Calendar

Emergencies

If you are experiencing or witnessing an emergency, contact the Merrimack College Police Department at 978-837-5911, then contact the Resident Advisor (RA) on duty.

RA Duty Calendar – See Who is on Duty Now

RA Availability

  • RAs are on duty and available to students each night of the week starting at 9 p.m. in all residence halls. To determine who the Resident Advisors on duty are, please check duty boards located on the RAs’ doors or view the online RA Duty Calendar.
  • Residents living in Merrimack leased properties at Royal Crest please call the Merrimack College Police Department at 978-837-5555.
  • If you are unable to get in contact with an RA, please contact the Merrimack College Police Department non-emergency line at 978-837-5555.

Lock Outs

If you are locked out of your room, please call the Merrimack College Police Department at 978-837-5555. Please be aware that students may be charged a $25.00 lock-out fee.

Parents/Guardians

Parents/guardians looking to get in contact with Residence Life staff Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. should reach out to the Area Coordinator of the specific area. See staff listing here. For emergencies outside of these hours, please call the Merrimack College Police Department at 978-837-5911.