Working as a resident assistant (RA) in a college dorm is one of the most popular jobs for college students. And why not? They get to meet everyone, serve as guides and resources for younger students, and often forge life-long friendships with the students they supervise. They're on sight for middle-of-the-night advice and see their residents in all kinds of situations—their frustrations, celebrations, and every emotion in between. This can make the boundary between enforcer and friend a little blurry. If that happens, and a student breaks or bends the rules, some RA's may choose to look the other way. But that decision can land that RA in a lot of trouble.

College student misconduct is common. Some students can look away without fear of repercussions. But it gets complicated once a student has a responsibility, like being an RA. Just how careful does someone with authority—even the kind given to an RA—need to be if they're confronted with misbehavior?

University Codes of Conduct

Each college has its own Code of Conduct, and if, as an RA, a student fails to live up to it—by lying or covering up another student's offense—they may face discipline. An RA who doesn't report something that violates the university's code of conduct may be punished harshly because they're in a position of trust. They may face probation, suspension, or even expulsion. An RA may be removed from their position, throwing their college housing and tuition into uncertainty.

Resident Assistant Responsibilities

Every college residence has a team of authority figures who make sure that students who live in their facility are following the guidelines of the college and the law, even if that isn't their primary responsibility. RA's live among the students to serve as a resource to them—resolving roommate conflicts, and comforting homesick students—but also called on to be enforcers of campus rules.

The Worst Case Scenario for RA's

If an RA knows about illegal activity and fails to report it, they will likely be removed from their position, which likely impacts their campus housing situation. On campuses where housing is tight, this may impact the student's ability to continue their studies at the school. Depending on the offense, the college could determine that the RA went beyond removal from their job and could ultimately be thrown out of their university.

If you are the parent of an RA who has been accused of a violation, the Lento Law Firm can help your student develop the best possible defense and be sure they are given due process. The Student Discipline Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can help.

Call the Lento Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.