Junior Advisors (JAs) are paraprofessional representatives of the Office of Residence Life who play a vital role in shaping the residential experience at Bates. Because life in the residence halls and houses is central to the College’s mission to educate the whole person, JAs help create supportive communities that foster student growth and wellbeing.
The primary responsibility of Junior Advisors is to assist incoming first-year students as they transition to campus life by building socially just, inclusive residential communities. JAs facilitate opportunities for social connection, meaningful dialogue, holistic wellness, and intellectual engagement beyond the classroom. They also support residents in balancing their responsibilities.

Junior Advisors collaborate closely with campus partners – including Facility Services, Environmental Health and Safety, Campus Safety, and Residence Life – to maintain residential spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, and functional for all. They actively educate residents about community expectations and the skills needed to contribute positively to their living environment.

At their core, Junior Advisors embody the values of inclusive community, growth, curiosity, and reliability. In their role, they serve as peer educators, mentors, mediators, department liaisons, and role models – helping to foster living environments that reflect positive wellness perspectives and respond to student needs.