The staff and student leaders in the Office of Residential Life work to create an inclusive and enjoyable community for students in the residence halls. They foster an environment that supports personal development, intellectual growth and interpersonal relationship building.


Questions? Comments? We’re always happy to hear from you.

General Information

Office of Residential Life
Hicks Student Center
1200 Academy Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49006

Email: reslife@kzoo.edu
Phone: 269.337.7210

Area Coordinators

Area coordinators are Masters level professional administrators responsible for the overall operation, administration, supervision, leadership and vision for the on-campus residence halls. Area coordinators are trained to mediate conflict, support students’ campus experiences, and educate them on self-advocacy. Other major responsibilities include supervising their Resident Assistant staff, acting as a connection for residents to other departments on campus, acting as Parent liaisons for students in their residential area, and serving as Student Conduct Hearing Officers. Each Area Coordinator resides in a residence hall on campus and participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation to respond to emergencies in the residential system.

Meet the Area Coordinators

Resident Assistants and Senior Resident Assistants

Resident assistants (RAs) are sophomores, juniors and seniors who serve as an integral part of the Residential Life team. RAs assist students in the residence halls by building strong communities and making connections. RAs plan programs in the halls, serve as role models, and take responsibility for administrative tasks, educating and monitoring students for their behavior. RAs are also campus resources and team players. 

Senior resident assistants (SRAs) are juniors and seniors who have served as RAs for at least one year before taking on the role of SRA and assist area coordinators as the “team leader” of the staff and support the RAs on their team through positive role-modeling, mentorship, and leadership.

RAs and SRAs complete an extensive training program that develops valuable interpersonal and organizational skills and equips them to manage anything from roommate conflicts to emergency situations. They also build community in their area, ensure the safety and security of their buildings and serve as a resource for residents. Each evening and 24/7 on weekends, RA and SRA staff serve in a duty rotation to assure that staff are available to assist residents with everything from getting locked out of their rooms, helping to settle a roommate conflict, assisting with facilities and other emergencies, and confronting potential violations of College policy.

Meet the RAs and SRAs

(S)RA Recruitment and Selection

Information regarding the recruitment and selection of RAs and SRAs is publicized during the Winter Term.

Specific questions about the position or the selection process should be directed to the Office of Residential Life at reslife@kzoo.edu.