Summary, Scope, and Responsibilities
Community Advisors (CAs) are paraprofessional representatives of the Office of Residence Life who play a vital role in shaping the residential experience at Bates College. Recognizing that student life in residence halls and houses is central to the College’s mission to educate the whole person, CAs contribute significantly to fostering supportive and enriching living environments.
The primary responsibility of Community Advisors is to build inclusive residential communities that promote the personal and intellectual growth of their peers through meaningful social connections, thoughtful dialogue, and engagement beyond the classroom. As upperclass students, CAs mentor residents, helping them navigate the complexities of balancing academic, social, and personal responsibilities.
Community 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, accessible, and functional. They also take an active role in educating residents about community expectations and resources, empowering them to contribute positively to their living environment.
All Residence Life staff members, including Community Advisors, are dedicated to fostering inclusive living environments informed by positive wellness practices, responsive to student needs, and grounded in the core values of inclusive community, growth, curiosity, and reliability. In their role, Community Advisors serve as peer educators, mentors, mediators, department liaisons, and community role models.
The Basics
Department:Housing and Residence
Supervisor:
Cole Taylor
Office Location:
Chase Hall 217
Email:
ctaylor3@bates.edu
Hours:
5
Workers:
20
Qualifications, Requirements, and Responsibilities
Responsibilities
- Complete all Monthly Reflection Forms by the published deadlines.
- Attend all pre-term staff training sessions.
- Participate in monthly Residence Life All-Staff Meetings (first Monday of each month, 7:00–8:30 PM).
- Attend at least (1) one JEDI-focused training or event per academic year to foster inclusive residential communities.
- Facilitate (4) four community programs per semester (approximately one per month) to engage residents and build community.
- Complete all associated program documentation, including Program Proposal, Program Evaluation, and funding forms.
- Conduct (1) one building walkthrough per week to maintain signage, submit facilities requests, and engage with residents.
- Attend at least (1) one ResLife Building Block Workshop per semester to enhance professional skills.
- Participate in formal reflection conversations, including a Mid-Year and End-of-Year session with the Area Coordinator.
- Meet regularly with your Area Coordinator while classes are in session for support, guidance, and mentorship.
- Attend bi-weekly Area Meetings, co-facilitated by your Team Leader and Area Coordinator, to stay informed, collaborate, and support the team.
Requirements
- Must be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior at Bates College.
- Willingness to live in a mixed-year residence hall or house for the full academic year.
- Maintain good academic standing throughout the term of service.
- Be in good standing with the Office of Community Standards.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in community building, peer support, and residential leadership, supporting residents across all class years.
- Show a commitment to holistic student support and peer mentorship.
- Demonstrate dedication to anti-racism, inclusion, accessibility, and equity in the residential community.
- Possess strong interpersonal communication skills, or a willingness to develop and strengthen them.
- Availability for all required training sessions and readiness to fulfill the full scope of position
responsibilities
Reporting
Reports to: Area Coordinator
Works Closely with: Students, peers, campus partners
Working Conditions