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What is an RD or an RA?

Residence Hall Directors (RDs)

Residence Hall Directors are full-time, professional University staff members who live right inside the building and oversee its entire day-to-day operation. Think of the RD as the "general manager" of your residence hall. They supervise the student RA staff, coordinate educational and social programs, manage building safety, and handle student conduct or behavioral concerns.

Because RDs have professional backgrounds in higher education, counseling, or student affairs, they are uniquely equipped to help students navigate homesickness, academic stress, or roommate conflicts. Their offices are centrally located in the building, and they maintain regular weekday office hours for personal, housing, or academic support. Please never hesitate to reach out to your RD, helping you navigate college life and feel supported on campus is exactly why they are here.

Resident Assistants (RAs)

Resident Assistants are carefully selected, highly trained student leaders who live directly on your floor or wing. Because they are students themselves, RAs are the ultimate peer mentors—they have already navigated the transition to college, know the campus inside and out, and are there to make your floor feel like home.

RAs wear many hats: they build community by planning fun floor events, hold office hours, and help enforce campus living policies to keep the environment respectful for everyone. If a student is locked out, feeling overwhelmed, or just doesn't know where a specific office is on campus, their RA is always the best first point of contact for help.

Quick Guide for Who to Contact

• Go to your RA for: Quick campus questions, roommate icebreakers, a lock-out, minor floor issues, or just a friendly face to talk to.
• Go to your RD for: Roommate mediation, room change requests, confidential personal or academic challenges, or building-wide concerns.