A Resident Assistant (commonly shortened to "RA") is a trained student leader, within a college or university, charged with supervising typically less-senior students living in a residence hall.  The RA selection and training processes, while varying from college to college, are usually quite rigorous and intense.

Commonly RAs are the most direct liaisons between a school's student affairs administration and its student body. Tangible benefits of the RA position are generally intended as means of improving/increasing the RA's ability to identify and address the needs of their residents, as well as a way to compensate for the increased responsibility and demands on time that the RA agrees to accept by virtue of the position. These benefits vary greatly from institution to institution, and may include a single residence hall room (for assured privacy when counseling other students), guaranteed parking permits, and financial compensation. Arguably more important are the intangible benefits of the RA position, which include training in crisis-management, negotiation and advocacy, advertising, time-management, etc. RAs are often prepared, by virtue of the demands of their position, to make successful transitions from the college environment to the job market, since they can demonstrate leadership training, management skills, and community involvement as part of their collegiate experience.

Typically RAs are assigned "duty" periods during which they must patrol a residence hall or campus area to ensure that any maintenance or facilities-related issues are addressed, that institutional policies are being observed, and generally to ensure that the residence hall is an environment supportive of the educational pursuits of the students. An RA is also expected to be available to offer support for students encountering issues such as roommate conflicts, depression, and alcohol or drug abuse on a day-to-day basis.

RAs often are required to plan and facilitate events (often called Programs) for the residents in order to enhance the living community within the hall. These programs can take almost any form, ranging from community service projects, to social events such as watching movies, to educational programs where a topic is explored or a skill (eg: cooking, laundry, time-management, etc.) is taught. These programs are usually designed to build community between residents, help resident develop academic skills, hone leadership skills, or simply encourage personal growth and understanding in a particular area. 

RAs are often stereotyped as "goody-goodies," "killjoys," "the dorm police," or "sellouts," among other things, as they are generally required to enforce unpopular policies, especially those involving alcohol, and abstain from breaking these policies themselves. This is not always the case and many are simply average students who have chosen to accept a heightened degree of responsibility for the well-being of the college environment.

Famous Former R.A.s

• Paul Reiser , Actor, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY
• Jerry O'Connell, Actor, New York University
• Chyna, Professional Wrestler, University of Tampa
• Katie Couric , Newscaster, University of Virginia
• Mike Ditka, Football Coach, University of Pittsburgh.
• Donna Shalala , President, Univ. of Miami, former U.S. Sec. of Health & Human Srvs, Syracuse Univ.
• Hillary Rhodam Clinton , Senator of New York , Former First Lady, Wellesley College
• Wesley Snipes , Actor, State University of NY--Purchase
• Sheryl Crow , Musical Artist, University of Missouri at Columbia
• John Nabor , Olympic Swimmer and Commentator, University of Southern CA
• David Boren, Senator and former Governor of OK, Yale University
• Madelyn Smith , Actor, University of Southern CA
• Betrice Berry, Talk Show Host, Jacksonville U/Kent State
• Jack Curry, Editor of TV Guide, Syracuse U.
• Sean Sealy, Reality TV Star, UNC Chapel Hill
• Rusty Greer, Baseball Player, University of Montevallo.