University of Vermont Reslife Family Guide
Support for Students in the Residence Halls
ResLife is very intentional about surrounding students with the support they need throughout their experience on campus. Particularly as students learn the ropes around campus, there are staff in the residence halls who are available to answer questions, and guide students to the resources they need to make their experience educational, productive, and enjoyable. The resident advisors, office managers, assistant residence directors, and residence directors are present in the residence halls, and below you will find a brief description of the ways they can help and support students.
Resident Advisors (RAs): As neighbors and students themselves, the RA is the student's first point of contact. RAs have lived in the halls for at least one year and will work to provide educational and social programming, build a positive community environment, and address the needs and concerns of students in the building. Students can turn to their RA for support with anything from finding a building on campus to strengthening relationships with their community members. RAs will also ask residents to help in maintaining a safe community conducive for a positive educational experience.
Office Managers (OMs): The office managers are full-time staff members who manage the front desk area of a residential complex. They supervise desk staff and all desk activities such as mail services and maintenance requests. Students can turn to their OM to sign up for academic break housing, learn how to change rooms; or borrow items such as movies or cleaning supplies. OMs are also knowledgeable about campus and can refer students to other resources.
Assistant Residence Directors (ARDs): The ARDs are full-time graduate students and part-time staff who split their time between the classroom and the residence halls. ARDs are available as a resource for students as they navigate their transition to campus and for support with any concerns that may arise throughout the residential experience. The ARDs also assist the Residence Directors with any matters pertaining to the management of the residential complex, including implementing policies and advising student organizations.
Residence Directors (RDs): The RDs are full-time professional staff who live and work in the residence halls. RDs work with the RAs, ARDs, and OMs to establish an environment in the halls that fosters academic achievement, personal development, and multicultural awareness. RDs also work to maintain an environment that is physical and emotionally safe for the residents who are a part of the community.
