Elizabethtown College residence halls are a place to live, grow, succeed, develop friendships, and experience college life. Resident Assistants (RAs) play a vital role in developing and maintaining this atmosphere of academic, personal and social growth. Resident Assistants are qualified and experienced Elizabethtown College students who live on every floor, section or wing throughout the residence halls. They assist students with the transition to college, serving as mentors and friends during the academic year. RAs organize hall meetings and activities to bring residents closer together, inform residents of events taking place within the campus community and create a special bond and a sense of belonging for students. Resident Assistants are dedicated and enthusiastic about being an important part in the transition to everyday student life.

 

Responsibilities include:
	Build and lead a community of peers by being available and accessible to residents
	Connect peers to educational, social and cultural activities
	Check-in and check-out paperwork
	Address policy violations
	Crisis intervention
	Attend required staff meetings and training sessions
	Serve as a academic and social role model, friend, confidant, and resource for a diverse group of students

 

What are the Requirements? All Resident Assistants must:
	Have a minimum 2.5 GPA
	Have a clean judicial record
	Be enrolled full-time (12 credits) while an RA
	Work no more than 10 hours at another job
	Attend RA Training in the Fall and Spring semesters
	Accept employment for a nine month period beginning in early August with training and concluding soon after the halls close at the end of Spring semester in May

What are the Benefits? In addition to being part of a dynamic team, RAs receive the following:
	A free single room each semester
	Starting stipend of $800 per year, increases with years of service. This may impact your financial aid award. (Check with Financial Aid counselor for more info.)

What's in it for you?

Resident Assistants grow socially and professionally by working with people from various backgrounds. You have many opportunities to learn about your own strengths and weaknesses and gain valuable skills and beneficial experiences. Student staff play an important role as new residents make the transition to college and share their experiences with others. You will develop greater confidence and gain a sense of accomplishment as you help students get more out of their educational experiences. Resident Assistants become leaders and develop strong interpersonal skills, which prepare them for success in their future careers. The commitment provides practical experience by learning from one another through positive interaction and mutual respect. Past staff members have remarked about their enjoyment of being part of a staff team that helps create a comfortable and supportive home away from home for fellow Etown students. Additionally, many RAs feel satisfaction in helping students to become academically successful.

Who is an ideal candidate?
	Possesses great communication skills
	Can take charge in situations that may arise in their hall
	A great team player
	Is personable and can set a positive environment for their assigned hall
	Ability to time manage and multi-task

The selection process focuses on seeking qualified candidates for the available positions while providing an educational opportunity for all applicants.

The RA selection process is a great experience. At worst, you will meet a lot of nice people who respect you for getting involved and you’ll learn how to express yourself in interview situations. At best, you can have a rewarding, challenging and exciting year as a member of the Residence Life team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students.

The selection process for Fall positions take place each year in February and March. It ends in April when candidates are notified of their selection status for the following academic year. We also conduct smaller selection processes for our available Spring positions.

RA selection includes an application, an individual interview, and coordinated group activities

What's Training Like?