Resident Assistant (RA)
In our residence hall and student housing, approximately 10 students who have already experienced one year of residential life serve as Resident Assistants (RAs) and live alongside other residents. RAs support residents in creating a comfortable living environment and help foster active communication among them.
RA Roles Overview
RAs provide support to ensure all residents can live comfortably. For example, if conflicts arise between roommates, RAs facilitate discussion among residents, help coordinate meetings, and provide relevant information. The goal is to support peer-to-peer communication, enabling residents themselves to resolve issues.
RAs also organize events for residents (approximately 90 % of students live on campus), creating opportunities for interaction and strengthening community bonds.
According to a resident survey asking, “Do you think the events and day‑to‑day activities hosted by RAs promote community building among residents?”, 88 % of students responded “Agree.”
Main Activities
- Planning and leading community-building social events
- RA one-on-one meetings with new degree-seeking and short-term international students
- Hosting student housing meetings
- Managing check-in and orientation for new degree-seeking and short-term international students, offering life advice and support
- Accompanying bus trips (AIU offers six scenic bus trips within Akita Prefecture as a way to build community; RAs assist in coordinating these)
- Emergency response support during disasters or urgent situations
Annual Schedule of RA Activities
Early December – RA Recruitment & Selection
January–Mid-February / Late March – RA Training
RAs undergo approximately 30 hours of training, building rapport with fellow RAs and learning the foundational skills and perspectives needed for the role.
Annual Schedule of RA Activities
| Early December | RA Recruitment & Selection |
| January–Mid-February / Late March | RA Training RAs undergo approximately 30 hours of training, building rapport with fellow RAs and learning the foundational skills and perspectives needed for the role. |
| Early April | Check-in Support for New Students |
| Mid-April | Student Housing Meeting |
| Late April | Bus Trip |
| Late April | Nighttime Evacuation Drill |
| May | One-on-one RA Meetings RAs meet individually with all new degree-seeking and short-term international students, listening to their experiences, offering advice, and providing helpful information. |
| Late June | Bus Trip |
| Early July | Additional RA Recruitment & Selection |
| Late August | RA Training |
| Late August | Check-in Support for New Students |
| Mid-September | Student Housing Meeting |
| Late September | Bus Trip |
| Late September | Nighttime Evacuation Drill |
| Late September – Early October | One-on-one RA Meetings with Short-term International Students |
| Mid–Late October | One-on-one RA Meetings with Degree-seeking Students |
| Late October | Bus Trip |
Student Voice / Interview
What I Keep in Mind for Community Building
I aim to create a community where people can develop a sense of attachment and belonging. I believe that people naturally treat things they care about with greater thoughtfulness and respect. A community where people value one another and feel valued in return is, in my opinion, a community people can truly feel attached to.
At the same time, I understand that it is difficult for people to immediately feel attached to an entire community. That is why, as an RA, I want to help residents get to know one another and expand their circle of connections through events, activities, and creating a welcoming environment. If those experiences eventually lead residents to feel attached to the community, I would be very happy.
My Approach When Interacting with Residents
I try to approach residents with a smile and speak to them warmly. Especially on move-in day, I believe that both new degree-seeking students and exchange students arrive at AIU feeling nervous or anxious. As an RA — often one of the first students they meet at AIU — I hope to be someone who helps them feel even a little more at ease when they talk with me.
Yuika Yao (Enrolled in 2022)
Main RA Events
These welcome events are held during orientation to connect new degree-seeking students, exchange students, and current students.
RAs review housing rules with residents and provide opportunities for residents to discuss shared living agreements for their rooms.
Open to all students, this regular event provides a casual and welcoming space for interaction and connection among residents.
Note: “Ochakko” is a regional Tohoku term referring to a cultural practice of gathering with friends to enjoy tea and conversation.
RAs hold regular office hours in the RA Office, allowing residents to seek advice and support as they adjust to residential life.