From serving as a mentor, to resolving roommate conflicts, resident advisers at Sacramento State are the go-to people for students living in the student housing on campus.

With the responsibility of being a full-time student, resident advisors also take on another major commitment with the number of duties that come with their job which can often make balancing their time an issue. 

Asian studies major William Handel, 26, has worked as resident advisor since fall 2013 and admits it is a stressful job because of the long hours and little sleep, but said overall it is rewarding.

“I kind of act as an academic advisor to  a certain capacity,” Handel said. “I’m here emotionally if [residents] have personal problems they need to speak about. [Resident advisors] are like a friend, big brother, parent [and] caretaker all wrapped up in one.”

Not only are resident advisors required to serve as role models and leaders, but they also provide emotional support, enforce policy, take action on emergencies and build communities.

Living on the floor with the rest of the residents also allows resident advisers to always be on call.

Liberal studies major Anthony Taylor, 21, has been working at Sutter Hall since last semester. He said his job is not easy and has struggled balancing his time between school and work.

“That is a huge part of my life, working on my time management,” Taylor said. “I did well in school last semester and I am proud of what I did as a resident advisor.”

Time management was also a problem for Handel during his first semester as a resident advisor, but believes he is better prepared now.

“With this job you never really know what is going to happen,” Handel said. “When you have time you really need to do what you need to. You need to vary your time.” 

Samuel Jones, senior associate director of housing and residential life, said resident advisers, especially first year advisers, struggle with time management.

“[Resident advisers] often forget they’re students because they are putting their 100 percent on their job,” Jones said.

Communication studies major Danielle Latimore, 19, said she was aware of the time consuming job, but wanted to become a resident adviser because she wanted to learn more about diversity and different cultures.

“It’s hard to have time for yourself,” Latimore said.  It’s hard not to think about other stuff going on in your life.”

There are currently 42 resident advisers at Sac State’s residence halls that roughly are in charge of 38 residents a piece.

In 2013, more than 100 students applied to become a resident adviser for only 20 to 25 available positions.

Jones said the process of becoming a resident adviser is competitive and intensive.

Once the first part of the application is complete, students are chosen to participate in a 4-week training session and if successful, they move on to the interview process where they can be offered a position.

Despite the demanding schedule, resident advisers find their job to be a privilege and would recommend students to apply. 

“It’s an awesome position,” Latimore said. “It takes a lot of hard work, but it is one of the best decisions I made this year.”