CINXE.COM

Tips for Resident Assistants | Residential Facilities | Division of Student Affairs

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <meta name="description" content="@media (min-width: 800px) { .card-group-bg { padding: 0rem !important; } } ," /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://drf.umd.edu/resident-resources/tips-resident-assistants" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Residential Facilities | Division of Student Affairs" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://drf.umd.edu/resident-resources/tips-resident-assistants, https://drf.umd.edu/" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Tips for Resident Assistants | Residential Facilities | Division of Student Affairs" /> <meta property="og:description" content="@media (min-width: 800px) { .card-group-bg { padding: 0rem !important; } } ," /> <meta property="og:image" content="" /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://drf.umd.edu&quot;/sites/default/files/2020-02/Students_Mall_09192019_0726.jpg&quot;" /> <meta property="og:image:alt" content=", , | Tips for Resident Assistants | Residential Facilities | Division of Student Affairs" /> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image" /> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Tips for Resident Assistants | Residential Facilities | Division of Student Affairs" /> <meta name="twitter:description" content="@media (min-width: 800px) { .card-group-bg { padding: 0rem !important; } } ," /> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@UofMaryland" /> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://drf.umd.edu, , &quot;/sites/default/files/2020-02/Students_Mall_09192019_0726.jpg&quot;" /> <meta name="twitter:image:alt" content=", , | Tips for Resident Assistants | Residential Facilities | Division of Student Affairs" /> <meta name="Generator" content="Drupal 10 (https://www.drupal.org)" /> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="width" /> <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" /> <link rel="icon" href="/themes/contrib/umd_terp/favicon.ico" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" /> <script src="/sites/default/files/google_tag/res_facilities_gtm/google_tag.script.js?smwhej" defer></script> <title>Tips for Resident Assistants | Residential Facilities | Division of Student Affairs</title> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_JAfD8Sj7D205KgAx5kRpxDwwIs3m-MqBv3cDHaM1Ln0.css?delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=umd_terp&amp;include=eJxFyEEKwDAIBMAPhfiksKIkBdOKxkN_32PnOPnm0U2M1FZbxtFwmvYwrDkCM-ArSaIc1v_pdXuxXblUPpeoGtA" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css__7e5oZLPollPjU0bgMuxnJxjQUZe605KexTnc3LYnXA.css?delta=1&amp;language=en&amp;theme=umd_terp&amp;include=eJxFyEEKwDAIBMAPhfiksKIkBdOKxkN_32PnOPnm0U2M1FZbxtFwmvYwrDkCM-ArSaIc1v_pdXuxXblUPpeoGtA" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="print" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_zFsFzGrDA4hm5_A5KxOCQMQp8mo3LVkhaNUKGnd1ylY.css?delta=2&amp;language=en&amp;theme=umd_terp&amp;include=eJxFyEEKwDAIBMAPhfiksKIkBdOKxkN_32PnOPnm0U2M1FZbxtFwmvYwrDkCM-ArSaIc1v_pdXuxXblUPpeoGtA" /> <link rel="dns-prefetch" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com"> <link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.gstatic.com/" crossorigin> <link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Crimson+Text:400,400i,600,600i|Source+Sans+Pro:200,200i,300,300i,400,400i,600,600i,700,700i,900,900i&display=swap" rel="stylesheet"> <script> document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); if (!!window.MSInputMethodContext && !!document.documentMode) { document.documentElement.classList.add('is-ie11'); } </script> </head> <body class="path--resident-resources--tips-resident-assistants internal"> <a href="#main-content" class="visually-hidden focusable"> Skip to main content </a> <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-W8JD9NQH" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript> <div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas> <header class="site-header site-header-light"> <div class="site-header__bar max-bound"> <a class="site-header__logo" href="/"> <img src="/sites/default/files/UMD_SA_ResFacilities_S1_Color.png" alt="Residential Facilities | Division of Student Affairs logo"> </a> <a href="#site-header-nav" class="site-header__nav-toggle" id="site-header-nav-toggle" tabindex="0" role="button" aria-label="Main Menu" aria-controls="site-header-nav"> <span aria-hidden="true" class="site-header__nav-icon"> <span role="presentation"></span> <span role="presentation"></span> <span role="presentation"></span> <span role="presentation"></span> </span> <span class="sr-only">Main Menu</span> </a> <nav class="site-header__nav" id="site-header-nav" aria-labelledby="site-header-nav-toggle"> <ul> <li> <a href="/about-us" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/229">About Us</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/about-us/our-team" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/208">Our Team</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-us/our-units" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/201">Our Units</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-us/how-identify-our-staff" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/194">How to Identify our Staff</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://issuu.com/resfac/docs/2023_annual_report" target="_blank">Annual Report</a> </li> <li> <a href="/learning-day" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/182">Learning Day</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-us/join-our-team" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/199">Join Our Team</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-us/contact-us" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/200">Contact Us</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/facilities" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/294">Facilities</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/facilities/residence-halls-communities" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/237">Residence Halls &amp; Communities</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/services" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/295">Services</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/services/submit-request" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/220">Submit a Request</a> </li> <li> <a href="/services/housekeeping" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/210">Housekeeping</a> </li> <li> <a href="/services/maintenance-repairs" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/211">Maintenance &amp; Repairs</a> </li> <li> <a href="/services/keys-access" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/212">Keys &amp; Access</a> </li> <li> <a href="/services/pest-prevention" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/213">Pest Prevention</a> </li> <li> <a href="/services/planning-design-construction" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/215">Planning, Design &amp; Construction</a> </li> <li> <a href="/services/emergency-services" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/214">Emergency Services</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/projects-initiatives" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/230">Projects &amp; Initiatives</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/projects-initiatives/facilities-housing-plan" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/221">Facilities Housing Plan</a> </li> <li> <a href="/projects-initiatives/design-criteriafacility-standards" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/222">Design Criteria/Facility Standards</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/resident-resources" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/231">Resident Resources</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/resident-resources/keeping-your-room-clean" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/223">Keeping Your Room Clean</a> </li> <li> <a href="/resident-resources/entering-your-living-space" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/245">Entering Your Living Space</a> </li> <li> <a href="/resident-resources/amenities" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/225">Amenities</a> </li> <li> <a href="/resident-resources/community-safety" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/224">Community Safety</a> </li> <li> <a href="/resident-resources/tips-resident-assistants" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/226" class="is-active" aria-current="page">Tips for Resident Assistants</a> </li> <li> <a href="/resident-resources/frequently-asked-questions-faqs" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/480">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </header> <main id="main-content"> <div class="container page-content"> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> <div class="row justify-content-center"> <div class="col-800-3"> <nav class="subnav" aria-label="Sidebar"> <ul> <li class="subnav-parent"> <a href="/resident-resources"><span class="icon icon-chevron-right" aria-hidden="true"></span>Resident Resources</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/resident-resources/keeping-your-room-clean" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/223">Keeping Your Room Clean</a> </li> <li> <a href="/resident-resources/entering-your-living-space" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/245">Entering Your Living Space</a> </li> <li> <a href="/resident-resources/amenities" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/225">Amenities</a> </li> <li> <a href="/resident-resources/community-safety" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/224">Community Safety</a> </li> <li> <a href="/resident-resources/tips-resident-assistants" aria-current="page" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/226" class="is-active"><span class="visually-hidden">The Current Page is </span>Tips for Resident Assistants</a> </li> <li> <a href="/resident-resources/frequently-asked-questions-faqs" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/480">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> <div class="col-800-9"> <nav aria-label="Breadcrumb"> <ol class="breadcrumb"> <li class="breadcrumb-item"><a href="/">Home</a></li> <li class="breadcrumb-item"><a href="/resident-resources">Resident Resources</a></li> <li class="breadcrumb-item breadcrumb--active" aria-current="page">Tips for Resident Assistants</li> </ol> </nav> <div data-history-node-id="226"> <div class="editor-content"> <h1>Tips for Resident Assistants</h1> <style> @media (min-width: 800px) { .card-group-bg { padding: 0rem !important; } } </style> </div> </div> <div class="section section-umd_terp_basic_page section-ut_text_2_columns"> <div> <div class="container-fluid p-0 editor-content" id="umd_terp_paragraph--1721"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-800"> <img data-entity-uuid="6d80aebf-2670-4cf2-9e7b-b4a22e398792" data-entity-type="file" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/ra-tips-drf.jpg" width="700" height="400" loading="lazy"> </div> <div class="col-800"> <img data-entity-uuid="c2840115-8c64-450d-b3c6-07bcff2ae10c" data-entity-type="file" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/ra-tips-2-drf.jpeg" width="700" height="400" loading="lazy"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="section section-umd_terp_basic_page section-ut_text"> <div> <div class="editor-content" id="umd_terp_paragraph--1688"> <p>Resident Assistants (RAs) play a crucial role in maintaining safe, clean, and comfortable residence halls. By following these tips, RAs can help students navigate service requests effectively, ensuring a smoother experience for everyone.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="section section-umd_terp_basic_page section-ut_accordion"> <div class="accordion" id="accordion-1720"> <!-- test comment --> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="accordion-1720-header-16"> <button class="btn" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#accordion-1720-content-16" aria-expanded="true" aria-controls="accordion-1720-content-16"> Encourage Service Requests </button> </div> <div id="accordion-1720-content-16" class="collapse show" aria-labelledby="accordion-1720-header-16" data-parent="#accordion-1720" > <div class="card-body"> <div> <div class="editor-content" id="umd_terp_paragraph--1700"> <p>Encourage students to call the Service Center at <a href="tel:301-314-9675" title="Service Center telephone">301-314-9675</a> promptly to submit service requests. Emphasize the importance of timely reporting to ensure issues are addressed quickly. The Residential Facilities <a href="mailto:resfacilities@umd.edu"><span>email</span></a> account is not monitored 24/7; calling the Service Center is strongly recommended.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="accordion-1720-header-17"> <button class="btn" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#accordion-1720-content-17" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="accordion-1720-content-17"> Service Request Details </button> </div> <div id="accordion-1720-content-17" class="collapse" aria-labelledby="accordion-1720-header-17" data-parent="#accordion-1720" > <div class="card-body"> <div> <div class="editor-content" id="umd_terp_paragraph--1702"> <p>When submitting a service request, students should provide detailed information, including:</p><ul><li>Exact location or room number</li><li>Nature of the problem</li><li>Relevant observations (e.g., strange noises, leaks, or malfunctioning equipment)</li></ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="accordion-1720-header-18"> <button class="btn" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#accordion-1720-content-18" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="accordion-1720-content-18"> Emergency Situations </button> </div> <div id="accordion-1720-content-18" class="collapse" aria-labelledby="accordion-1720-header-18" data-parent="#accordion-1720" > <div class="card-body"> <div> <div class="editor-content" id="umd_terp_paragraph--1704"> <p>Our reflex staff is on call through the night to respond to emergencies. Educate students on what constitutes an emergency, such as major leaks, electrical issues, and heating/cooling failures, stressing the importance of immediate reporting.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="accordion-1720-header-19"> <button class="btn" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#accordion-1720-content-19" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="accordion-1720-content-19"> Preparing for Staff Visits </button> </div> <div id="accordion-1720-content-19" class="collapse" aria-labelledby="accordion-1720-header-19" data-parent="#accordion-1720" > <div class="card-body"> <div> <div class="editor-content" id="umd_terp_paragraph--1706"> <p>Inform students that Residential Facilities staff will respond to their service requests. Advise them to clear at least 2 feet of space around their Fan Coil Unit for efficient and safe work. Staff will wait until 9 a.m. to enter for routine work unless it's an emergency.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="accordion-1720-header-20"> <button class="btn" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#accordion-1720-content-20" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="accordion-1720-content-20"> Student Presence During Work </button> </div> <div id="accordion-1720-content-20" class="collapse" aria-labelledby="accordion-1720-header-20" data-parent="#accordion-1720" > <div class="card-body"> <div> <div class="editor-content" id="umd_terp_paragraph--1708"> <p>Students do not need to be present while work is conducted in their rooms. If they prefer to be present or require work at a specific time, they should <a href="tel:301-314-9675" title="contact the Service Center">contact the Service Center</a> to arrange it.</p><p>After completing work, our staff will lock the room door and leave a note or completed service request.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="accordion-1720-header-21"> <button class="btn" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#accordion-1720-content-21" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="accordion-1720-content-21"> Follow-Up on Requests </button> </div> <div id="accordion-1720-content-21" class="collapse" aria-labelledby="accordion-1720-header-21" data-parent="#accordion-1720" > <div class="card-body"> <div> <div class="editor-content" id="umd_terp_paragraph--1710"> <p>Remind students to follow up with the Service Center if they do not see progress on their request within a reasonable timeframe.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="accordion-1720-header-22"> <button class="btn" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#accordion-1720-content-22" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="accordion-1720-content-22"> Updates and Notifications </button> </div> <div id="accordion-1720-content-22" class="collapse" aria-labelledby="accordion-1720-header-22" data-parent="#accordion-1720" > <div class="card-body"> <div> <div class="editor-content" id="umd_terp_paragraph--1712"> <p>Advise students to check their emails and university notifications regularly for updates on their service requests. Prompt responses to any follow-up questions from the Service Center can speed up the process.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="accordion-1720-header-23"> <button class="btn" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#accordion-1720-content-23" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="accordion-1720-content-23"> Sprinkler Heads </button> </div> <div id="accordion-1720-content-23" class="collapse" aria-labelledby="accordion-1720-header-23" data-parent="#accordion-1720" > <div class="card-body"> <div> <div class="editor-content" id="umd_terp_paragraph--1714"> <p>Warn students not to hang anything from, touch, or toss items near sprinkler heads in student rooms, hallways, and public areas. An activated sprinkler head can flood a room and building, often requiring residents to relocate temporarily.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="accordion-1720-header-24"> <button class="btn" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#accordion-1720-content-24" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="accordion-1720-content-24"> Room Damage </button> </div> <div id="accordion-1720-content-24" class="collapse" aria-labelledby="accordion-1720-header-24" data-parent="#accordion-1720" > <div class="card-body"> <div> <div class="editor-content" id="umd_terp_paragraph--1716"> <p>Advise students against using vinyl “wallpaper” or similar products and LED lights, as they can cause significant damage when removed. If using products like “Command Strips,” students should follow the package directions to avoid wall damage. Students are responsible for any room damage and will be billed for excessive cleaning, repairs, or replacement of broken or missing furniture.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="card"> <div class="card-header" id="accordion-1720-header-25"> <button class="btn" data-toggle="collapse" data-target="#accordion-1720-content-25" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="accordion-1720-content-25"> Insurance Claims </button> </div> <div id="accordion-1720-content-25" class="collapse" aria-labelledby="accordion-1720-header-25" data-parent="#accordion-1720" > <div class="card-body"> <div> <div class="editor-content" id="umd_terp_paragraph--1718"> <p>For personal property damage due to fire, smoke, or water, students should call the Office of Risk Management - Insurance Services at <a href="tel:301-405-3961" title="Office of Risk Management number">301-405-3961</a> or email <a href="mailto:insurance@umd.edu" title="Office of Risk Management email"><span>insurance@umd.edu</span></a><span>.</span>&nbsp;</p><p>Residents with personal property damaged by fire, smoke, or water may find coverage under a personal renters or homeowners policy or submit a claim to the State of Maryland for reimbursement by the State’s insurance program.&nbsp;</p><p>Reimbursement is not automatic and is based on findings by an independent claims investigator. Note: South Campus Commons and Courtyards residents must contact the Capstone On-Campus Management office at <a href="tel:301-314-2499" title="Capstone Commons phone">301-314-2499</a> (Commons) or <a href="tel:301-314-2466" title="Capstone Courtyards number">301-314-2466</a> (Courtyards) for insurance claim inquiries.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </main> <footer class="site-footer" aria-label="Main"> <div class="site-footer-main"> <div class="max-bound"> <nav class="site-footer-nav" aria-label="Footer"> </nav> <div class="site-footer-about"> <div class="site-footer-logo"> <img src="/sites/default/files/UMD_DSA_ResFacilities_P1_Color.png" alt="Residential Facilities | Division of Student Affairs footer logo"> </div> <div class="site-footer-address"> <strong>Residential Facilities | Division of Student Affairs</strong><br> <span>7757 Baltimore Ave, College Park, Maryland 20742, US</span><br> <a aria-label="3013143486" href="tel:+3013143486">301-314-3486</a> <span aria-hidden="true">&nbsp;·&nbsp;</span> <a href="mailto:resfacilities@umd.edu">resfacilities@umd.edu</a> </div> <div class="site-footer-social"> <ul> <li> <a href="https://twitter.com/UofMaryland" target="_blank"> <span class="sr-only">Visit our Twitter</span> <span class="icon icon-twitter" aria-hidden="true"></span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UnivofMaryland" target="_blank"> <span class="sr-only">Visit our Facebook</span> <span class="icon icon-facebook" aria-hidden="true"></span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/univofmaryland/" target="_blank"> <span class="sr-only">Visit our Instagram</span> <span class="icon icon-instagram" aria-hidden="true"></span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/UMD2101" target="_blank"> <span class="sr-only">Visit our Youtube</span> <span class="icon icon-youtube" aria-hidden="true"></span> </a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/umdresfacilities" target="_blank"> <span class="sr-only">Visit our LinkedIn</span> <span class="icon icon-linkedin" aria-hidden="true"></span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="site-footer-legal"> <div class="max-bound"> <ul> <li> <a href="https://umd.edu" target="_blank">UMD.edu</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.umd.edu/web-accessibility">Web Accessibility</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.umd.edu/privacy-notice" target="_blank">Privacy Notice</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </footer> <a href="#" class="back-to-top">Back to Top</a> </div> <script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"node\/226","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"a9bbb08a5404e37840b69bb2338fcf74efa3d8651529d982b2608a4c06667b61"}}</script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_RG5vJx5FWWdMTsyez1ubF5OG8lLfJPZ6duNjxH3SWGI.js?scope=footer&amp;delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=umd_terp&amp;include=eJwrzU2JL0ktKtBPz8lPSszRKQXyi5Mz8vNzyjNTUuMzUhNTUov0QaIQJgDTjxMI"></script> <script src="https://umd-header.umd.edu/build/bundle.js?search=1&amp;search_domain=4service&amp;events=0&amp;news=0&amp;schools=0&amp;admissions=0&amp;support=0&amp;support_url=&amp;wrapper=&amp;sticky=0"></script> </body> </html>

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10