In this research brief, a team of four researchers report their observations on the changing role of university housing complexes and their evolution into learning communities designed to foster students' learning, development, and overall well-being. The observation also revealed that the role of the resident assistant (RA) had evolved in a similar manner. This team reviewed and discussed a sample of the literature on undergraduate residential life and housing services to identify prominent responsibilities associated with the position of a RA. The researchers analyzed research articles from the student leadership, student development, and residential assistance in university housing literature's. They also cross-referenced a syllabus from an RA training program with the goal of identifying common themes and critical features that define the duties and responsibilities associated with the contemporary RA role.