Living On Campus

Resident Assistant

Resident Assistants (RAs) are paraprofessional staff members of the Office of Community Engagement, reporting directly to the designated Residence Coordinator (RC) for their  hall or area. RAs are full-time students enrolled at Purchase College and employed to work as part of a team within the office to provide assistance, guidance, support, and direction to the residents in their area.   In turn, RAs are also responsible for communicating about the community climate back to the RC.  This includes but is not limited to, welfare concerns, violations of student code of conduct or any housing policy,  facilities concerns, and anything else that could have the potential to effect the community.  

The primary responsibility of this position is to connect with residents and build a community in the residential areas.  RAs provide support and referrals for residents and plan programs & activities in their communities.  RAs provide nightly duty coverage for emergencies and assistance; even “after hours” they can aid with the overall safety and well-being of their community.  At all times an RA is expected to role model positive behavior both inside and outside the classroom. Finally, RAs must assist with large processes and administrative tasks as required by the Office of Community Engagement and Purchase College.   

The recruitment process for 2019-2020, is wrapping up. The following information sessions were offered.

Senior Resident Assistant

The Senior Resident Assistant (SRA) position is a dynamic and unique opportunity for veteran staff members to assist the Residence Coordinator in overseeing a residential living area. The SRA position is designed for returning staff members and is meant to offer the individual an elevated role in developing both a living area staff and the community for which they are responsible.

The SRA will specifically engage in Resident Assistant staff training and ongoing development, serving as a role model for the living area staff, both in academic and position commitment, advise staff on community development efforts, support initiatives of the Office of Community Engagement, and assist the administrative structure of the residential living area.

Student Orientation Leader

Student Orientation Leaders (SOLs) serve as the primary resource for new students and their families during the Orientation programs and Welcome Week. At all times during the program, SOLs represent the college and Office of Community Engagement to families of new students, and role model the Purchase experience for new students. SOLs are available to answer all student and family questions and counsel students on the transition to Purchase College while introducing them to our academic programs, support services and co-curricular opportunities. With the support of campus professionals and faculty, SOLs will help to set the stage for incoming students to continue to grow intellectually, socially and emotionally. SOLs are expected to possess a specific body of knowledge about Purchase College acquired through training and experience, and they must be sincerely interested in and skillful at sharing this information with orientation participants. Selection to the Orientation Leader staff is a rewarding opportunity for personal growth and leadership development and opportunity.

The recruitment process for the 2019 staff opened in November, and is wrapping up soon - stay tuned to Be a SOL. 

Student Orientation Coordinator

Student Orientation Coordinators (SOCs) are responsible for assisting in organizing and facilitating the orientation program, specifically by providing orientation leader advising and support, and program management.  In addition, coordinators will be responsible for helping manage orientation - including student and parent programs and Orientation Central, distributing supplies, preparing facilities for presentations, meeting and assisting presenters, and providing impromptu solutions to program problems.