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.