17 / 58
17
RESIDENTIAL LIVING
Role of an RA
During the course of Orientation, students and parents will hear many abbreviations for
different things at Clemson. One of the most frequent and important ones you will hear is
“RA,” which stands for Resident Assistant. An RA is an upperclass, undergraduate student
employed by University Housing & Dining, who lives in a specific residential community.
RAs live and work in residence halls, suites and apartment areas. These student leaders
play an active role in the lives of students, beginning the day students move into on-campus
housing. Students decide to become RAs for a number of reasons. Several current RAs have
articulated the value of gaining leadership skills in the position, but the most important
thing has been the impact they are able to make for other Clemson students.
The RA position is a great way for students to find an employment position on campus
that allows them to give back and gain valuable leadership and job skills. We encourage
students to consider becoming an RA in their sophomore, junior or senior year at Clemson.
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 an upperclass student, 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 cellphone 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 is develop personal relationships with students
in their residential community. These relationships allow them to connect students to specific
resources and 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
We believe important learning happens outside of the classroom and residential
environments play a role in that learning. Living on campus at Clemson University is a
transformative experience that will prepare and empower students to explore who they are,
connect meaningfully with others, engage intellectually, and lead as global citizens. We
utilize the Residential Experience Model (REM), which provides a curricular approach to the
learning students experience from living on campus. REM is aligned with the values, mission
and student experiences at Clemson and is rooted in student development and learning
theory. RAs incorporate multiple strategies of engagement with residents throughout the
year — including intentional conversations, structured events, and interactive messaging —
to engage residents as individuals and connect them to a variety of resources in campus life
to promote student success.
Talking Through Roommate Conflicts
Most students would agree their first impression of college and having a roommate comes
frommovies. These movies often portray an unrealistic view of the college roommate
experience. The scenario typically looks something like this: a student immediately (usually
on move-in day) becomes best friends with their roommate, spends all of their time together,
the room is always tidy and eventually they end up in one another’s weddings. Students also
hear about college experiences from other people’s stories: someone who had a roommate
that used their things, ate their food, was very messy, etc. At this point, students anticipate
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“Our son came to Clemson as a
packaging science major. While he
loves being a Tiger for many reasons,
he would immediately tell you he
has immensely enjoyed the men’s
chorus and intramural soccer. These
opportunities provide a much-needed
break from the academic rigor.
Clemson has amazing opportunities in
the arts from classes to performing at
open mic night at the Barnes Center.
In addition, Clemson has numerous
intramurals for students. Encourage
your student to branch out and explore
extracurricular activities. Like our son,
they might find they truly value those
experiences the most.”
Jason and Rebecca Smith
Lexington, S.C.