Tips for Resident Assistants
Resident Assistants (RAs) play a crucial role in maintaining safe, clean, and comfortable residence halls. By following these tips, RAs can help students navigate service requests effectively, ensuring a smoother experience for everyone.
Encourage students to call the Service Center at 301-314-9675 promptly to submit service requests. Emphasize the importance of timely reporting to ensure issues are addressed quickly. The Residential Facilities email account is not monitored 24/7; calling the Service Center is strongly recommended.
When submitting a service request, students should provide detailed information, including:
- Exact location or room number
- Nature of the problem
- Relevant observations (e.g., strange noises, leaks, or malfunctioning equipment)
Our reflex staff is on call through the night to respond to emergencies. Educate students on what constitutes an emergency, such as major leaks, electrical issues, and heating/cooling failures, stressing the importance of immediate reporting.
Inform students that Residential Facilities staff will respond to their service requests. Advise them to clear at least 2 feet of space around their Fan Coil Unit for efficient and safe work. Staff will wait until 9 a.m. to enter for routine work unless it's an emergency.
Students do not need to be present while work is conducted in their rooms. If they prefer to be present or require work at a specific time, they should contact the Service Center to arrange it.
After completing work, our staff will lock the room door and leave a note or completed service request.
Remind students to follow up with the Service Center if they do not see progress on their request within a reasonable timeframe.
Advise students to check their emails and university notifications regularly for updates on their service requests. Prompt responses to any follow-up questions from the Service Center can speed up the process.
Warn students not to hang anything from, touch, or toss items near sprinkler heads in student rooms, hallways, and public areas. An activated sprinkler head can flood a room and building, often requiring residents to relocate temporarily.
Advise students against using vinyl “wallpaper” or similar products and LED lights, as they can cause significant damage when removed. If using products like “Command Strips,” students should follow the package directions to avoid wall damage. Students are responsible for any room damage and will be billed for excessive cleaning, repairs, or replacement of broken or missing furniture.
For personal property damage due to fire, smoke, or water, students should call the Office of Risk Management - Insurance Services at 301-405-3961 or email insurance@umd.edu.
Residents with personal property damaged by fire, smoke, or water may find coverage under a personal renters or homeowners policy or submit a claim to the State of Maryland for reimbursement by the State’s insurance program.
Reimbursement is not automatic and is based on findings by an independent claims investigator. Note: South Campus Commons and Courtyards residents must contact the Capstone On-Campus Management office at 301-314-2499 (Commons) or 301-314-2466 (Courtyards) for insurance claim inquiries.