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RA Hiring
Why become an RA?
The RAs are recognized leaders on campus and maybe you feel that desire to serve the community in a greater capacity. It could be that your RA is a great role model for you and that you want to be a role model for future students. Maybe you just like to help people and want to be more involved. Perhaps it has been a recommendation from others because it will look good on the resume. Maybe the Lord has put this on your heart and you are interested in finding out more about what it means to be an Ave Maria RA.
Whatever the reason, you are reading this and as John Paul II said "in the designs of providence, there are no mere coincidences". Don't second guess yourself. If you are nervous or timid; that is okay. This is a great opportunity and should be taken seriously.
The Resident Assistant represents the Office of Residence Life as a key staff member in its operations. As a full-time undergraduate student, the RA works under the direct supervision of the Residence Director (RD) who is in charge of that particular residence hall. Together, these staff members work with students to create and maintain an atmosphere which fosters meaningful, educational opportunities, as well as valuable personal growth experiences.
Qualifications for Employment
- Maintaining a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average in every semester while employed in the RA position.
- Adhering to all college policies and procedures.
- Enforcing all college policies and procedures.
- Fulfilling all RA duties, responsibilities, and expectations as outlined in the job description, and as explained by his/her supervisor, as well as other responsibilities as required.
- Supporting the Office of Residence Life's mission and the mission of the university.
General Position Responsibilities
- Act as a resource for residents and make appropriate referrals to campus services
- Plan, implement and evaluate programs for the community or building according to the current programming model
- Attend weekly staff meetings, monthly all staff meetings, staff development activities, and training sessions
- Attend regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings with your Residence Director
- Participate in a weekly duty rotation and conduct building rounds
- Note and report any damages to the building or building facilities
- Enforce University policy within our residential communities (on or off duty)
- Assist with semester and break openings/closings and additional duty as needed
- Support the Office of Residence Life in its mission to create an environment that will foster the education of the whole person.
How to Apply
1. Attend an Information Meeting
We strongly encourage all students interested in applying for a Resident Assistant position to attend the question and answer session led by the current Residence Life staff. See below for dates.
2. Read the RA Information
In order to fully understand the responsibilities associated with the RA position, we strongly encourage you to carefully read all information on this site, especially the Resident Assistant job description. We also recommend that you talk with your RA to learn more about the position before applying.
3. Complete an Application
You can obtain an application by clicking here or by picking one up at one of the three Residence Hall Offices. If you have difficulty completing the application, you can receive assistance in the Office of Residence Life, located in Student Union on the 2nd floor. All applications must be submitted no later than 4:45pm on Monday, March 10th. Please call (239) 280-2540 if you have any questions.
4. Sign-up for an Interview Time
The Residence Directors will have times for each of you to have an individual interview with the RDs. Prior to your interview, please take some time to review the Student Handbook as well as the university mission.
The Interview Process will consist of an individual interview with a panel of Residence Life staff which will last approximately 30 minutes. The staff will ask a variety of questions pertaining to Residence Life and may make some comments based on your application.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Residence Life Q & A Session:
Week of February 26th Time and Location: TBA
Application Timeline and Due Dates
Application due | Friday, March 10th | 4:45 pm | Office of Student Life |
Individual Interviews | Thursday, March 13th thru Wednesday, March 19th | TBD | Office of Residence Life |
Notification of Job Offer | Wednesday, April 2nd | After 3pm | Letters in Mailbox |
Acceptance Letters due | Monday, April 7th | 4:00pm | Individual Residence Directors |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to become an RA?
Any full-time, undergraduate student (12 or more credit hours), who will be a member of the sophomore, junior, or senior class for the year in which they will be employed is eligible to become a Resident Assistant. Students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, interpersonal, organizational, and decision making skills are encouraged to apply.
When can I apply for a RA position?
Applications are generally available during the month of February each year. See above for key dates.
What are the benefits of becoming a Resident Assistant?
Resident Assistants receive a Room and Board Waiver, a single room assignment in the Residence Hall (if available), as well as key access to the Residence Hall Office. In addition, RAs return to campus one to two weeks before classes begin in August to receive intensive training in conflict resolution, crisis management, leadership, programming, counseling, and more. The experience of being a leader and helper among peers is often the most rewarding benefit of the position.
I am going abroad in the Spring Semester and will miss the RA interviews. Can I still apply?
Yes. The Office of Residence Life accepts applications from all students who are going abroad in the spring semester. RA Interviews for these students are held by phone. Please see a member of Residence Life for more information.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Please email Luke Condit, Director of Residence Life or one of your Residence Directors for any questions regarding the RA position.