Ohio University

CA Program Pupose Statement

The Community Assistant Program identifies, trains, coordinates and supports a network of paid students who serve as liaisons between university and students – distributing information and announcements and referring students to services both on and off campus. The other major objective of the program is educational out-reach in student neighborhoods specifically aimed at areas of concern such as in home safety, tenant-landlord relationships, and community connections. In addition, the Community Assistants are to help promote civic responsibility among students; thus, forging a more positive relationship between the Athens community and the students living off campus.

CA Job Description

Community Assistants are graduate or undergraduate students hired by the Off-Campus Living Office. They report to the Assistant Director of Residential Housing for Off-Campus Living. The Community Assistant is responsible for acting as a resource, disseminating information, helping solve problems, and coordinating programs for students within a designated neighborhood. The Community Assistants (CAs) are similar to Resident Assistants (RAs) as these individuals provide information, resources and programs to students. Nevertheless, the CAs are not in a position to set rules or guidelines for their street’s residents nor enforce local or community laws.