Graduate Resident Advisor Information


Position Overview

Graduate Resident Advisors (GRA) reside in each of the 36 MIT-approved fraternities, sororities and independent living groups (FSILGs) located in Cambridge, Boston, or Brookline. It is the role of the GRA to:
  1. Foster a safe and inclusive community among the residents
  2. Build relationships with the residents of the FSILG, and other stakeholders (e.g., FSILG House Corporation representatives, MIT staff members)
  3. Serve as a supportive mentor and role model for residents
  4. Provide residents with programming, resources, and positive learning experiences so they can thrive at MIT
  5. Solve problems and address urgent matters within the FSILG community

Responsibilities

Fostering Community
  • Promote a safe and inclusive culture for residents and guests
  • Serve as an active member of the FSILG community by regularly attending community-sponsored events and, if possible, meetings
 Building Relationships
  • Form proactive and enduring relationships with members of the undergraduate leadership and House Corporation
  • Communicate regularly with members of the House Corporation and staff in the FSILG office
  • Submit monthly reports about the status of the FSILG community to the FSILG office
 Serving as a Supportive Mentor and Role Model
  • Engage in professional behaviors that exemplify the mission of MIT, the values of the FSILG community, and the values of the FSILG
  • Provide mentorship and support to residents to assist them in overcoming challenges
Providing Programming, Resources, and Positive Learning Experiences
  • Be knowledgeable about MIT resources relevant to the needs of the residents (e.g., FSILG Office, Office of Student Citizenship, Office of Community Development and Substance Abuse, Student Activities Office)
  • Develop programming relevant to the needs and interests of the residents
  • Be knowledgeable of, and make organization members aware of, MIT policies and regulations, in particular those regarding facility rules and standards of safety, alcohol, drugs, and risk management
Solving Problems and Addressing Urgent Matters
  • Inform relevant MIT staff members, FSILG leaders, FSILG advisors, and House Corporation members about incidents that have, or could, harm the physical or mental well-being of MIT students or others
  • Support residents in solving interpersonal conflicts and personal problems
  • Confront incidents that jeopardize the immediate safety or welfare of the FSILG residents and/or guests
  • Help students utilize MIT support resources (e.g., Student Support Services, Undergraduate Advising and Academic Programs, MIT Medical, Mental Health and Counseling, MIT Police)
Expectations
The Graduate Resident Advisor will:
  • Live in the residential facility of the FSILG throughout his/her appointment
  • Abide by the other terms of the Graduate Resident Advisor Agreement with MIT
  • Abide by and advocate for the policies of the FSILG (e.g., international policies)
  • Attend annual orientation conducted by the FSILG Office prior to the start of the fall term
  • Attend at least two additional training workshops hosted by the FSILG Office each fall and spring term
  • Submit monthly reports to the FSILG Office and the House Corporation outlining current and future programming efforts, issues dealt with, and updates regarding the state of the organization
  • Respond to correspondence from the FSILG Office, or other representatives of MIT
  • Maintain confidentiality of residents’ academic status and other protected information
  • Behave at all times in a professional manner. GRAs may not:
    • engage in romantic or physical relationships with members of the organization or the House Corporation. They may not engage in romantic or physical relationships with undergraduate students of MIT without prior consent of the Assistant Dean of FSILGs.
    • engage in activities or behaviors that compromise the professional relationship with members of the organization or community. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to, inappropriate, illegal, or excessive consumption or distribution of alcohol and drugs, hazing, or other degrading activities.
Qualifications
A qualified candidate must possess an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education prior to the start of their appointment, and be enrolled as a full-time graduate student throughout their appointment period. A candidate who attended MIT as an undergraduate will not receive an appointment to their own FSILG until they are at least two years removed from their undergraduate experience.
 
Benefits
Graduate Resident Advisors are entitled to a bedroom of at least 120 square feet. Additionally, we encourage houses and House Corporations to provide the GRA with additional amenities where possible, including but not limited to parking, an adjoining bathroom and/or adjoining kitchenette. However, MIT cannot guarantee additional amenities.