Bryn Mawr College

Hall Advisor Job Description

Introduction - General Statement of Duties - Roles & Responsibilities - Length of Appointment - Assignment to a Specific Room - Academic Standards - Remuneration - Eligibility for Re-Appointment - Termination - Application Procedures

INTRODUCTION

Bryn Mawr College believes that living with other students is a valuable part of the college experience. Students learn from participating in the diverse social environment of their hall, and the personal relationships they form there significantly enhance their academic learning. The Hall Advisor (HA) role was developed to be an important resource for students living in the halls. HAs have been a part of residential life at Bryn Mawr for nearly three decades. During that time, student evaluations have consistently expressed residents' appreciation for the HA position and for the work of the HAs on their halls.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Hall Advisor is a junior or senior who is assigned to a particular residence hall and serves as an advisor to her residents.  She assists in developing a living-learning community among her residents, helps with the administrative operation of the hall, and helps educate students about College policies and the Honor Code.  In addition, she provides information about College services and resources, and initiates social and educational opportunities to provide an integrated learning experience for residents.  The HA develops a familiarity with the College's goals, services, and referral sources and endeavors to help students benefit from the services of the College in both emergency and everyday situations.  HAs are expected to model successful community living in the spirit of the Honor Code through their words and actions. 

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Development:

• Takes initiative to get to know residents both individually and as a group
• Maintains an active and visible role on the hall and is available and approachable for residents. 
• Leads residents to help  develop ways that promote consideration of individual needs as well as a sense of social/community responsibility
• Serves as a role model for residents by encouraging and modeling successful community living in the spirit of the honor code through their words and actions. Has are expected to hold themselves to the highest personal standards, and to the standards of behavior set by the College. As the Honor Code states, “The Hall Advisor’s role is that of advising students on how to use the Honor Code. Hall advisors may, if asked by one of the conflicting parties, help facilitate, but not mediate, the resolution of prolonged disputes. They are a part of the support network during repeated attempts at confrontation; they may give advice to both sides.”
• Disseminates information about campus events, policies and procedures to residents by posting flyers, maintaining up to date bulletin boards, and hosting meetings
• Facilitates purposeful and relevant programs and activities for residents

Peer Advisor:

• Assists students with personal, social, and academic matters and make referrals to campus and off campus resources as needed
• Makes effort to be aware of group and interpersonal conflict and helps students take personal responsibility for resolving issues
• Responds appropriately to students in crisis through assessment and referral to appropriate resources

Residential Life Team Member:

• Attends and participates in HA training and meetings organized by Residential Life and/or other College staff.  This includes, but is not limited to: a week long HA orientation program before school begins in August; weekly HA Area Group group meetings; individual meetings with supervisor; HA celebrations and social events; training and development opportunities 

• Maintains frequent communication with other Hall Advisors and Residential Life staff, including checking e-mail, voicemail, and campus mail on a daily basis

• Serves as liaison to other campus departments and offices in both routine and emergency situations

LENGTH OF APPOINTMENT

The Hall Advisor position is considered an appointment for one complete academic year.  Although Hall Advisors work no minimum or maximum number of hours, the average time each week required to fulfill the position responsibilities is estimated to be 7 hours.  This estimate is provided as a guideline, and weekly fluctuations are expected to occur.

ASSIGNMENT TO A SPECIFIC ROOM

HAs will be assigned to a specific room by the selection committee and will have responsibility for a specific area of the hall.  Acceptance of an HA position requires acceptance of the room assignment.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

All Hall Advisors must be in good academic standing with the College and be enrolled as a full-time student. 

REMUNERATION

Hall advisors make a voluntary commitment to serve the community. The principal benefits of the HA role are the personal growth and experiences that come from working with and helping a diverse and talented group of students. A minimum stipend of $1,700 for the academic year is provided, and will be disbursed each semester according to the College bi-weekly payroll schedule.

ELIGIBILITY FOR RE-APPOINTMENT

Hall Advisors are eligible to re-apply for a second year.  Eligibility in itself, however, does not constitute a commitment of the Office of Residential Life to offer reappointment.

TERMINATION

Termination, by mutual agreement, may be effected at any time. This appointment is also subject to termination by the Office of Residential Life prior to its normal expiration if the enrollment of the staff member at Bryn Mawr College ceases.  The appointment may also be terminated for serious failure to satisfactorily meet position responsibilities and/or commitments, for failure to meet academic or employment standards, or for conduct that violates College policies or that does not meet the standards of behavior set by the College or the Office of Residential Life.  Upon termination of employment, by the staff member herself, by the College, or by mutual agreement, remuneration will be pro-rated to cover only that period for which the individual was employed.  In most cases, the termination of employment includes relocation to another room.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

HAs will be appointed by the Director of Residential Life on recommendation from a committee of current HAs and administrators. Application materials are available in the Residential Life Office and at the link below to any eligible student who wishes to apply.  All application materials must be submitted to Residential Life by the due date on the application form.  Candidates will then be interviewed by the selection committee.  Depending on the number of applicants, it may not be possible to interview everyone.

Bryn Mawr College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age, or physical disabilities in its college-administered programs or its employment practices.

Download the application form and a recommendation form.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
reslife@brynmawr.edu
Residential Life Office
Campus Center
610-526-7331