22 / 68
ORIENTATION
22
The primary role of an RA is to serve as a mentor and role model for on-campus students. RAs also
help students to navigate the college experience. This includes opportunities for students to learn
about themselves and to experience living with others. RAs
support students’ academic success, encourage life-long
learning, help students connect to Clemson and provide
opportunities for students to give back at Clemson and
beyond.
As upperclass students, RAs have gone through a variety
of experiences at Clemson. RAs are provided with in-depth
training that makes them valuable resources for their
residents. If a student is struggling with their transition to
Clemson, or if they are having a hard time navigating their
roommate situation, their RA is available to help. RAs also
play an important role in looking out for the safety and
well-being of every student. Community desks are open
from 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. every Monday–Friday. When a
desk is not open, an RA is available by cell phone to provide
assistance. We strive to have residential communities that are safe and well-maintained. Students
can help their RA create a safe environment by always carrying their keys, escorting their guests and
paying close attention to safety tips on campus.
One of the most important things an RA does to develop personal relationships with students
in their residential community. These relationships allow them to connect students to specific
resources and to help shape their overall Clemson experience. Students should get to know their
RA as soon as possible and begin developing a relationship with them.
Residential Experience Model
If your student is living on campus, they will be learning in the residence hall, in addition
to the classroom, through the Residential Experience Model (REM). REM is an innovative
curricular approach to guide student learning and success within their living environments.
REM is aligned with the values, mission and student experiences of Clemson University, and
brings intentionality to the student residential experience. We believe an intentional residential
experience is transformative. REM provides a student experience that supports the valuable learning
opportunities existing outside of the classroom. The intent is to engage with residents as individuals
and connect them to campus life and all it has to offer. The belief is that students who live on
campus will grow in four areas: self-exploration, living in community, intellectual engagement
and global citizenship.
Talking Through Roommate Conflicts
Most of the students would agree their first impression of college and having a roommate comes
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“My daughter encountered
several differences with her
roommates her first year. The
RA was able to intervene and
help them work out a solution.
RAs go through training to
prepare them to work with a
variety of problems that may
surface in residential housing.
RAs try to build community
on their halls from day one
through activities, meetings
and outings.”
Cindy Parler
North Augusta, S.C.