So you want to be a RA?

The 2012-2013 RA Selection process kicked off in mid-November 2011 when application packets were made available. Over 170 applications were submitted by the deadline at the beginning of February 2012. In addition to new RA candidates, 65 current RAs have indicated a desire to return to the position for the following academic year. A total of over 230 applicants are being considered for the 99 available RA positions for the 2012-2013 school year. An amazing number of students interested in being a RA.

In addition to their application packet, new RA candidates participated in a Group Process activity during a Saturday in mid-February. The activities allowed our evaluators the opportunity to identify each candidate’s ability to work in a team and assist others while completing tasks together. After this activity, 105 new RA candidates were selected to move on to the individual interview portion of the selection process. This final step in this process for the new RA candidates asked each of them to schedule two 30 minute interviews that were conducted by two Hall Directors.

Our returning RA candidates followed a separate process. These candidates were asked to submit a reapplication packet to their Hall Director and sit down in a meeting with that person to talk about their current work abilities and their needs for next year. Hall Directors were then asked to submit a letter indicating whether they supported the staff member’s return or not for the following year. Additionally, the returning RA candidates were required to participate in an individual presentation to the entire Hall Director team during the first weekend in March, which was a new wrinkle in our process! This presentation asked that they provide responses to a case study that had been selected for them and answer any follow-up questions the Hall Director team had for them.

The RA selection process will culminate on March 20, 2012 when the Hall Director team will spend several hours selecting and placing all 99 of the RAs for next year. All returning and new RA candidates will be informed whether they have been hired for a position, offered an alternate pool spot, or are no longer being considered for the RA position via letter on March 21, 2012. Good luck to those of you interested in joining the Residence Life staff.