Information about getting involved in residence life programs
Salem State residence halls offer a variety of leadership positions for you to consider while living on campus. Student leadership and involvement contribute to a strong and vibrant residence hall community, and there is no better way to make a difference in your community while meeting new friends. Residence life is committed to helping students develop their potential to be leaders, to be globally minded and to be productive and contributing members of society. We believe in fostering leaders who possess an inclusive perspective, in an effort to create social change toward a respectful, diverse society.
Involvement in the residence halls is something Salem State takes seriously, affording you the opportunity to take your experience here to new levels. Leadership experience and skills are highly-prized qualities that employers look for and living in the residence halls offers an excellent opportunity to gain those skills.
Residence Life Involvement Opportunities
Founded in 1999, the Resident Student Council (RSC) (formerly RHA) serves as a governing and programming umbrella student organization for the six residential communities on campus, the individual community councils, weekend warriors, and the Omega Zeta Epsilon chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary.
Resident Student Council focuses its efforts in five areas: advocacy, community, leadership, programming, and recognition. As a completely student-run organization, RSC oversees a budget comprised of the residence hall activity fee students pay each semester. RSC serves as the voice for students living on campus; making recommendations regarding college issues, acting as a liaison between students and residence life and standing up for students' rights and concerns. RSC coordinates a number of campus-wide programs and activities, participates in community events, hosts leadership training workshops, and travels to colleges and universities across the country to attend various leadership conferences and represent Salem State University interests.
RSC meets weekly; please confirm with your community council for time and location. All students are welcome to attend and voice their opinions/concerns.
About Us
Resident Student Council consists of:
- An Executive Board elected by the Associate Council consisting of the following positions: Executive Director, Director of Programming, Director of Administration and Finance, Director of Public Relations, Director of Recognition, Co-National Communication Coordinators, and the Director of Weekend Warriors
- An Associate Council which serves as the voting members for the organization. The Associate Council consists of the President, Vice President, and two RSC representatives from each residence hall who are elected by the resident students of that particular hall.
- A Programming Committee and a Budget and Finance Committee which meet weekly during the RSC meeting.
- Six Community Councils (one for each residential community). Each Community Council is elected by the residents of that particular community as outlined in their constitutions.
- Omega Zeta Epsilon, the Salem State University chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary. The Omega Zeta Epsilon Executive Board is elected by the membership of the organization as outlined in their constitution.
RSC receives funding through the residence hall activity fee paid by each resident student ($20 per semester) and any additional fundraising the organization does throughout the year. This money is divided between RSC, the six Community Councils, Weekend Warriors, and NRHH.
Salem State University considers residential living a valuable part of the educational process in which students participate when they agree to live in the residence halls. Paraprofessional staff members help students develop responsible, concerned approaches to group living by supporting their efforts to understand themselves and others.
Paraprofessional staff members also work with residents to create an environment conducive to living and learning. The paraprofessional staff member, therefore, is a resource who plans and promotes programs based on the needs and interests of the students living in their area. Each paraprofessional staff member is expected to plan a number of programming events that meet the social, cultural and educational needs of residents. Other responsibilities may be included throughout the course of the year as designated by staff within residence life.
To see current openings across campus, visit the student employment site.
Paraprofessional Student Staff
Academic Requirements:
1. Enroll in 12-18 hours of academic credits during each semester.
3. Maintain a 2.5 cumulative and semester grade point average (GPA) and remain in good academic standing at all times.
4. Adhere to and enforce Salem State University policies and procedures as outlined in the Student Conduct Code, The Guide to Living on Campus, and the Paraprofessional Staff Manual.
The remuneration for each Paraprofessional Staff member will be room and board. The meal plan is not transferable.
Contact residence life for more information.
Resident Assistant
The Resident Assistant (RA) is a trained, live-in student leader responsible for creating community, enforcing policy, and providing resources within their residential area. RAs support the community by providing programming opportunities and participate in an on-call duty rotation to respond to emergency situations in the residential area. RA's create a welcoming environment by intentionally interacting with their residents, and creating bulletin boards and door decorations for their residents RAs report directly to a Resident Director.
Time Commitment: 15 hours per week
Senior Resident Assistant
In addition to the responsivities of an RA, the Senior Resident Assistant (SRA) is responsible for developing, mentoring, and serving as a role model for the student staff team in each area. SRAs report directly to a Resident Director. The SRA must have a 2.8 or higher GPA and maintain that GPA semesterly.
Qualifications: Must have at least one year of experience as a Resident Assistant at Salem State University.
Hourly Administrative Support Staff
Hourly staff receive the Massachusetts minimum wage for hours worked.
Academic Requirements:
1. Enroll in 12-18 hours of academic credits during each semester.
3. Maintain a 2.0 cumulative and semester grade point average (GPA) and remain in good academic standing at all times.
4. Adhere to and enforce Salem State University policies and procedures as outlined in the Student Conduct Code, The Guide to Living on Campus, and the Paraprofessional Staff Manual.
Contact residence life for more information.
Desk Receptionist
Desk Receptionists (DRs) are the face of the building they work in. They must possess excellent customer service skills and be knowledgeable resources for the residents. DRs assist in maintaining the safety and security of the building and performing administrative tasks such as updating the equipment logs, message board, and guest logs. DRs must be full-time, returning students in good academic standing with the University who possess strong interpersonal skills, administrative abilities, organizational skills, and a high level of maturity. DRs are coordinated by the Desk Coordinator and report to the Assistant Resident Director.
Requirements:
- Be available to work all shifts on a rotating basis, including late night/early morning and weekend hours as needed. This includes at least one weekly graveyard shift (12-3 am or 3-6 am).
- Work a minimum of 10 hours a week and a maximum of 29 hours a week. Desk Receptionists may be required to take weekend shifts in order to complete the schedule and meet their 10 hours.
Desk Coordinator
In addition to the responsibilities of a DR, the Desk Coordinator (DC) is a trained student employee who is responsible for the scheduling, development, and cleanliness of the front desks and their staff within the residence halls. A DC must be a full-time, returning student in good academic standing with the University. The DC must have a 2.3 or higher GPA and maintain that GPA semesterly.
Qualifications: Must have at least one year of experience as a Desk Receptionist at Salem State University.
Mail Assistant
The Mail Assistant (MA) is a trained student employee who is responsible for the sorting and distribution of mail and parcels within the residence hall in which they work. MAs are cross-trained as DRs. MAs must be full-time, returning students in good academic standing with the University.The MA reports to the Graduate Assistant of Housing Operations.
Time commitment: 10-15 hours per week
Qualifications:
- Students must possess computer skills, strong interpersonal skills, administrative abilities, organizational skills, and a high level of maturity.
- Assistants must be able to lift up to 50 lbs
Mail Coordinator
In addition to the responsibilities of a MA, the Mail Coordinator (MC) is a trained student employee who is responsible for the scheduling, development, and cleanliness of the front desks and their staff within the residence halls. A MC must be a full-time, returning student in good academic standing with the University. The MC must have a 2.3 or higher GPA and maintain that GPA semesterly.
Qualifications: Must have at least one year of experience as a Mail Assistant at Salem State University.
Office Assistant
The Office Assistant (OA) is a trained student employee who assists with the day-to-day administrative tasks within the residence hall in which they are assigned or the Residence Life office. OAs are work-study students and may be first-time students. OAs assigned to residence halls report to their respective Resident Director. OAs assigned to the Residence Life office report to the Office Manager and Accountant.
Time Commitment: Varies based on Residential Area needs, minimum of 10 hours.