Residential Advisors (RAs) are current students who work as part of the Residence Life Team, intended to help students settle into university accommodation. However, some students may feel uncomfortable with the presence of RAs, or they may not find the services provided by RAs useful. Furthermore, the cost of employing RAs may be an unnecessary expense, which could be used in other areas of student support. This policy proposes that RA’s should be removed from accommodations. This change aims to give students more autonomy over their living spaces and ensure that resources are allocated effectively.
Facts:
The university employs a number of RAs across its accommodation sites, and the cost of employing them is a significant expense.
There are other ways students can get support, such as through the residential front desk and student support services.
On Glassdoor RA raise issues about the tasks they are given and that some tasks feel like they are bugging the residents rather than helping them.
https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Employee-Review-University-of-Leicester-E35685-RVW41476260.htm
The university own tiktok promotional content also shows that residents find visits annoying.
https://www.tiktok.com/@uolreslife/video/7436505832994409761
Opinions:
I believe that students should have the option of not having RAs in their accommodations, and that the university should respect students’ preferences and independence.
I believe that the money allocated to RAs could be better spent on other resources, such as cheaper accommodation.
I believe that removing RAs would lead to a more comfortable living environment for students.