How much time will I spend a week as an RA?

In a sense, you will spend seven days a week, 24 hours a day as an RA. This does not mean that you’re always actively participating as an RA, but that you are an RA wherever you go. One of the most difficult responsibilities of being an RA is role modeling. Because people look to you for guidance, you have to be careful about the things you choose to do and say. This doesn’t mean you can’t be yourself. As far as other RA duties go, the amount of time per week that you spend working really depends on your commitment to your job. On average, you should spend about 15 hours per week. It is up to you to make the most of your time to balance your studies, RA position, friends, and other activities.

Are there different expectations for RAs in Theme Learning Communities (TLCs)?

RAs in Theme Learning Communities will be expected to work with their residents to plan and implement programs focusing on the community’s theme. Additionally, the theme should be integrated into the hall’s Community Standards.

What College conduct policies do I have to follow?

As a leader and a role model in the residential areas and the College community, every RA must abide by all College policies. It is especially important for RAs to abide by the alcohol, noise, and guest policies, as they are usually the policies most often confronted. It is very difficult to be a credible leader if you don’t practice what you preach! If you are in violation of the student disciplinary code, you will be treated as any other student under those situations. In addition, your status as an RA will be evaluated and your position may be terminated.

If you are of age to consume alcohol, you may consume it in the privacy of your room (unless you are on a Wellness/Substance Free community) or in bars like any other student. However, you must be aware that you are no longer “any other student.” Your choices and actions now influence others in a way that you may not realize. Therefore, RAs who are over 21 must follow the following rules for alcohol consumption:

· Intoxication is never acceptable because you may be called upon for assistance even if you are not on duty.

· It is inappropriate for you to buy alcohol for your residents, even if they are over 21.

· It is inappropriate to drink with your residents.

· You should never consume alcohol during pre-semester training or while you are completing your RA responsibilities (duty, programs, inservices, etc.)

· Because RAs are role models for their residents, some RAs choose not to drink where their residents may see them even though their behavior is legal. Remember: Being an RA is like living in a fishbowl – your actions are magnified and could easily become distorted.

How and when do I get paid for being an RA?

RAs are paid on a bi-weekly basis using direct-deposit. The final $75.00 each semester of your salary will be withheld until the end of each of semester. You will receive your $75.00 if you complete all hall closing tasks, programming, and in-service requirements for that semester. Your RA placement letter indicated the salary you will receive. Every year that you return as an RA, you will receive an increase in salary.

Can I date the residents?

The Office of Residence Life strongly cautions you about dating your residents or members of our staff. The underlying issues involved with dating residents revolve primarily around your role as a student leader and as a neutral party in any situation. Will you be comfortable enforcing policies when the person you are dating is involved? Will you be neutral if a break-up should occur?

Equally important are residents’ perceptions about the situation. If they perceive that someone is being treated differently because of the relationship, this may affect your ability to do your job. Additionally, your fellow staff members might be uncomfortable documenting or counseling someone you are dating.

Dating another RA within your hall can bring similar challenges. It can make an uncomfortable situation for your fellow staff members. Should your relationship end, it can create severe tensions that affect other members of our staff.

How important are staff meetings?

Staff meetings are something you shouldn’t miss. You’ll find out early in the fall semester when they’ll be scheduled, so plan accordingly. They are important times to get information as well as an opportunity to interact with our staff. Sometimes, it’s the only time you’ll see some of them. If you absolutely need to miss a staff meeting, make sure to discuss this with your supervisor well in advance.

Do I have other meeting requirements besides staff meetings?

In addition to staff meetings, you will have a weekly or bi-weekly individual meeting with your supervisor. This meeting is generally called a “one-on-one” because it provides a private time for you and your supervisor to discuss your progress as an RA and what is happening on your floor. Your one-on-one will generally last one-half hour to one hour.

At least once during the year, you will participate in a staff development activity. This is a time for your staff to interact socially while participating in an educational and fun activity. Your supervisor will work with your staff to select and plan an activity that everyone will enjoy.

What is duty?

Sunday through Thursday, duty is from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 am. You will sit in the hall office until 11:00 p.m. While in the hall office, you will be available to assist residents and answer the telephone. Each hour, you will walk through the building checking for safety concerns and policy violations. After 11:00, you are to be available in your room and by telephone.

On Friday and Saturday, duty is from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. RAs are expected to sit in the hall office until 1 AM. Duty rounds are also conducted, with a final round performed at 2:00 a.m.

Depending on the size of the hall staff, you will have duty approximately once a week. Under no circumstances are you to leave the residence hall when you are on duty. Additionally, staff should limit the number of friends in the hall office and their amount of time watching television or movies. It is important that the hall office is a welcoming and comfortable environment for students.

Am I required to open and close the hall, and what does that entail?

The RA staff in each hall works with their supervisor to determine who is responsible for opening and closing during each break period. Closing duties include checking students out and securing the building once all the students have left. Opening entails arriving before the other students to welcome residents, trouble shoot, and be available to help others. We open and close the residence halls for Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, Spring Break, and Easter Break, as well as at the beginning and end of the academic year.

Please do not make vacation or travel plans until you have consulted with your supervisor to determine what role you will be playing during each opening and closing. Your first priority is completing your RA job responsibilities.

What paperwork is required?

RAs are responsible for posting flyers, distributing surveys, maintaining bulletin boards, and coordinating other “information sharing” tasks. Additionally, RAs are responsible for completing several types of paperwork:

· Weekly reports to their supervisor

· Program registrations and evaluations

· Incident Communication Forms (ICFs)

· Room Inventory Forms (RQIs)

Can I leave on weekends?

Yes, you can leave on some weekends. Each supervisor will establish procedures for deciding which RAs can leave for any given weekend. However, some weekends, such as Homecoming and TGIS, we ask that all staff members stay on campus. Having more staff members available during these times helps provide a comfortable and safe environment for students and visitors on campus.

Can I hold another job in addition to being an RA?

After your academic commitments, your position as an RA must be your #1 priority. The Office of Residence Life recognizes that many students need to work additional hours in order to pay for their education and living expenses. The RA position is time consuming; therefore, RAs cannot work more than 10 hours per week outside of the RA position. If you do not perform well as an RA, you will be asked to cut back your outside employment.

An RA may not work as a Peer Mentor (PM) due to conflicts in scheduling and responsibilities. Student employment on-campus is preferred.

If you would like to take a position in addition to your RA job, you must submit a written request to your supervisor before beginning work. Your written request should include the following information:

· Your name and campus address

· Type of position you would like to take, including the number of weekly work hours

· Your reason for taking an additional job

Why do I have to have 2.5 minimum G.P.A?

Your first priority is that of student. That is why you are here. A minimum G.P.A. requirement has been established to ensure that you succeed as a student. You are required to maintain the 2.5 minimum during your tenure as an RA. Falling below the minimum G.P.A. will result in your dismissal as an RA.

If you are experiencing academic difficulty, please seek help immediately. There are a number of resources available on campus to assist you. Your supervisor can help you with this.

Should I be taking a certain amount of academic credits each semester?

If you plan to have a heavy course load, you should discuss this with your academic adviser and supervisor. They can help you determine if your goals are achievable. It is better to give your plans some forethought before you get in over your head.