Will AI replace Residential Advisors?

AI can do 29% of the work Residential Advisors do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 2 of their 30 tasks, while 9 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 3 physical tasks. 16 still need a person.

AI is already doing this2 · 5% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Develop program plans for individuals or assist in plan development.Mostly automated3% of time
  • Answer telephones, and route calls or deliver messages.Mostly automated3% of time

AI could do this next9 · 23% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Develop and coordinate educational programs for residents.5% of time
  • Mediate interpersonal problems between residents.4% of time
  • Compile information such as residents' daily activities and the quantities of supplies used to prepare required reports.4% of time
  • Collaborate with counselors to develop counseling programs that address the needs of individual students.3% of time
  • Provide requested information on students' progress and the development of case plans.3% of time
  • Assign rooms to students.1% of time
  • Confer with medical personnel to better understand the backgrounds and needs of individual residents.1% of time
  • Process contract cancellations for students who are unable to follow residence hall policies and procedures.1% of time
  • Oversee departmental budget.1% of time

Robots can technically do this3 · 10% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Make regular rounds to ensure that residents and areas are safe and secure.Robots: structured workplaces8% of time
  • Sort and distribute mail.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Inventory, pack, and remove items left behind by former residents.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time

Still needs a person16 · 61% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Observe students to detect and report unusual behavior.8% of time
  • Enforce rules and regulations to ensure the smooth and orderly operation of dormitory programs.6% of time
  • Communicate with other staff to resolve problems with individual students.6% of time
  • Counsel students in the handling of issues such as family, financial, and educational problems.6% of time
  • Supervise, train, and evaluate residence hall staff, including resident assistants, participants in work-study programs, and other student workers.5% of time
  • Administer, coordinate, or recommend disciplinary and corrective actions.4% of time
  • Determine the need for facility maintenance and repair, and notify appropriate personnel.4% of time
  • Hold regular meetings with each assigned unit.4% of time
  • Direct and participate in on- and off-campus recreational activities for residents of institutions, boarding schools, fraternities or sororities, children's homes, or similar establishments.4% of time
  • Chaperone group-sponsored trips and social functions.3% of time
  • Accompany and supervise students during meals.3% of time
  • Provide transportation or escort for expeditions, such as shopping trips or visits to doctors or dentists.3% of time
  • Provide emergency first aid and summon medical assistance when necessary.1% of time
  • Supervise the activities of housekeeping personnel.1% of time
  • Order supplies for facilities.1% of time
  • Supervise students' housekeeping work to ensure that it is done properly.1% of time

Your week is not the average

Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.

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What this means

AI can speed up parts of this job, mostly the paperwork and information work around it. The core still depends on hands, presence or relationships.

What to do next

  • Do the 2 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 9 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 3 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 16 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
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