The Resident Assistant
Resident Assistants (RAs) are student peer leaders responsible for communities of residents in on-campus housing. The RA position is a premiere leadership experience and one of the most challenging and fulfilling student leadership opportunities at Worcester State University.
RAs are compassionate, responsible, fun, and out-going student leaders who serve as a valuable resource to their residents. RAs receive extensive training and classroom instruction in preparation for carrying out their responsibilities. The RA position is more than just a job; it is a leadership journey that offers infinite opportunities for one’s success and development at Worcester State and beyond.
Reasons for becoming a Resident Assistant:
- I’m looking for an exciting leadership opportunity.
- I want to share the experiences I’ve had working with groups and be a resource to others.
- I am willing to learn more about what it means to work with a diverse population.
- I want to be a member of, and contribute to, a staff team.
If so, consider becoming a member of the
RA leadership team!
HOW DO YOU DEFINE YOURSELF?
ALL POSITIONS ARE FULL FOR fall 2013
Each candidate will need to complete the
application and the forms found below
Fall 2013-Spring 2014 Resident Assistant Selection Timeline
Info Sessions:
* Friday, January 18th at 12pm in Wasylean Hall Java Junction
* Tuesday, January 22nd at 1:30pm in Dowden Hall Community Room
Friday, February 8, 2013 - RA Application & Reference forms due by 4:30pm to WH 103
Monday, February 11, 2013 - Creative Expression task due by 4:30pm to WH 103
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 - Publicity 101 task due by 4:30pm to WH 103
Wednesday, February 13th - RA Duty Shadow round task due by 4:30pm to WH 103
Individual Interviews:
* You will sign up for your Individual Interview when you submit your application & reference forms
* Tuesday, February 19th - Friday, March 1st
* Interviews will be 50-60 minutes in length. Please dress professionally.
Group Interview:
* Monday, February 18th from 1pm- 5pm in the Student Center N/S lounge
* Group process day is another formal part of the selection process and is
mandatory for you to attend if you wish to be considered for the RA position.
*Some hints for Group Process:
- Dress is casual; jeans and t-shirts are acceptable
- It is imperative that you arrive on time – we will start without you!
- Bring a writing instrument and be prepared to interact with other candidates
Monday, March 11th - RA Selection letters will be emailed by 5pm.
* All candidates are encouraged to request feedback from the interview process
Friday, March 15th - Acceptance Form due by 4:30pm to Res Life (WH 103)
Table of Contents |
- What are the Position Responsibilities?
- What are the Benefits of Becoming an RA?
- When Would I Begin the Position?
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- When Does Training Take Place?
- What about My Academic Standing?
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- How Will I Be Able to Maintain Balance Between Being an RA and Being a Student?
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Position Description (pdf)
What are the benefits of becoming an RA? |
Leadership experience! A chance to learn new skills or enhance those you already have. Experience for your intended career path; employers know what being a RA means, so it’s a great resume builder.
ResLife also provides housing, and RAs live in single rooms. RAs in apartment housing will share an apartment with 1 - 10 other students.
RAs receive a stipend each semester. It is typically paid out 4 times per semester (depending on when the staff member's contract begins and when s/he submits her/his employment documentation paperwork).
A local phone with voicemail is provided, along with basic cable and internet connection.
When Would I Begin the Position?
RAs are hired for one academic year or 2 consecutive semesters [pending satisfactory job performance]. The contract period consists of the move-in date for training in August and/or January through the day after commencement in December and May.
When Does Training Take Place?
RA Training takes part in 2 steps this year:
June 8th - June 13th & August 23rd - September 2nd
The 'training period' begins with the day you’re required to move-in/return to campus. If you accept the position offer, you cannot expect to have any other time commitments during the training period. Other time commitments include, but are not limited to: winter or summer session classes, internships, practica, vacations, family trips, training for other organizations, etc.
What can I expect from Training Day, in April?
This day is sponsored by Residence Life and is a condition of employment for all newly-hired RAs. It’s specifically designed to address information and on-going situations you’ll encounter on the job.
The day consists of a team builders, lectures and discussion groups.
If offered a position, you’ll be notified in your appointment letter of the date and time of Training Day.
What about my academic standing?
RAs must have a minimum of sophomore class standing at the time of employment and a minimum of a 2.25 GPA.
Newly-hired RAs are not eligible to participate in any academic course, program, internship, practica, student teaching, fieldwork, etc. that would require their absence from campus 5 days per week during their first semester of employment.
As an RA, you must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student.
How will I be able to maintain balance between being an RA and being a student?
Glad you asked! You’re a student first and foremost. We’re very proud of the fact that the majority of our RAs achieve a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average. We also understand that you may also want to be involved in co-curricular activities or hold another job.
If you’re interested in participating in co-curricular activities or holding a job outside the RA position, you must talk with your supervisor once hired, to determine if this will be possible. The supervisor will ensure that the combination of your course load, the requirements of the position, and the requested activities or outside work, will not impair the your academic progress or ability to perform the RA position.