2014-15
Resident Advisor
Application
Application deadline is January 15, 2014
Office of Resident Education and Development
Division of Student Affairs
resedev@uc.edu
To Potential Resident Advisor Candidates:
It is with great pleasure that the Office of Resident Education and Development announces our resident
advisor (RA) selection process for the 2014-2015 school year. Becoming an RA provides an opportunity
to develop skills that will benefit you for a lifetime and to serve as a leader on campus. We hope that
you will consider us in your opportunities for the next year, as the experience you will gain is unlike any
other you can find.
Resident advisors are campus leaders committed to the welfare of students. The RAs’ primary job is to
serve as peer advisors, helping students to become knowledgeable about campus. They create and
implement programs to educate residents and to help build strong community connections within their
floors and halls, and they share with residents the responsibility to maintain hall environments that are
conducive to safety, learning, and personal development. RAs make life-long contacts, both personally
and professionally. The RA position not only serves you while you are a student of the University, but
also upon graduation, where former RAs typically are looked upon favorably because of their
heightened sense of responsibility and their well-developed interpersonal and communication skills.
If this sounds like you—APPLY! We have room in the Office of Resident Education and Development for
students who are committed leaders. Applicants should be dedicated to the well-being and
development of fellow students, value learning, and embrace diversity. Read the information
thoroughly before applying. Please remember to return the completed application to 203 Scioto Hall
by Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 5 p.m.
We wish you the best of luck this upcoming year. Please take a moment to review this packet of
information. The contents of this packet include the following:





Selection process dates
Application
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Contact information
Current job description
Please not that all communication regarding the RA process will be sent to the candidates’ University
(UConnect) account. To prevent any emails being inadvertently sent to RED staff members’ spam/junk
mail folders, it is highly recommended that all candidates use UConnect to correspond via email.
Sincerely,
Curtis E. Adamson
Residence Coordinator
RA Selection Process Timeline (Revised)
Monday, December 2 – Friday, December 6, 2013
In-hall information session
Monday, January 13, 2014
Information sessions----come learn more about the RA position.
Calhoun Hall Lobby at 7 p.m.
Morgens Hall Lobby at 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January, 15, 2014
Applications and resumes must be turned in to 203 Scioto Hall, 2nd floor by 5 p.m. Application must
include:




Reference information
Short essays
Resume
Cover letter
Friday, January 17, 2014
Notification letters to applicants regarding candidacy via University email.
Saturday, January 25, 2014, 8a.m. - 5p.m. (Swift Hall)
Activity Day: Group process
A large portion of the RA position is the ability to work as a team and to effectively problem solve
different situations. Candidates will travel in groups of 8-10 and participate in group activities. Each of
the group process activities will show us how a candidate reacts to these situations. Eligible candidates
will be assigned to a group and will participate in activities on Saturday, January 25, 2014.
Individual interviews
Candidates are interviewed, on an individual basis by a panel of current Residence Coordinators and
other Professional Staff members of Resident Education & Developments. During this interview,
candidates will be asked a variety of questions assessing their knowledge of the Resident Advisor
position, and the skills and abilities each candidate possesses. There will be anywhere from one to four
people interviewing you, so be prepared to speak with a small group of current staff members during
the interview.
Tuesday, January 28, 8a.m. to Thursday, January 30, 5p.m.
Eligible candidates sign up at 203 Scioto for resident advisor instructional sessions.
Monday, February 3 – Friday, March 7, 2014
Resident advisor instructional sessions. **Actual start and end date will vary for each candidate
depending on day of instructional session.**
Tuesday, March 11 or Friday, March 14, 2014
Deadline for invited candidates to accept offers of employment or membership in the eligible pool.
Week of March 24, 2014, 9p.m. (500 Swift)
First in-service for 2014-2015 staff. Candidates who are offered and accept the RA position for 20142015 are required to attend in order to meet fellow team members and complete necessary hiring
paperwork.
Selection timeline may be subject to changes or ratifications as deemed appropriate by Resident Education & Development
DIRECTIONS
Please read application thoroughly before beginning. Complete each item completely and accurately.
Applications are due on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 by 5p.m. You are required to turn in
this application, typed and printed out with a copy of your resume and a cover letter to the
RED office on the 2nd floor of Scioto Hall. Candidates must have at least a cumulative 2.3 GPA at
the time of application (a 2.5 GPA is preferred) in order to be eligible for further consideration; GPAs
will be verified by our office. Candidates should consult a University Service Associate at One
Stop Student Services, 2nd floor University Pavilion, to determine the potential impact of an
RA position on the student’s financial aid package.
PERSONAL DATA
Name
Gender:
Local Address
Local Phone (
)
Permanent Address
Permanent Phone (
)
UConnect Address
E-mail addresses used by RED must be students’ UConnect account.
Student UCID#
M
Class:
College
GPA (Fall 13)
Cell Phone (
FR
SO
)
Pre-JR
JR
SR
GR
Major
GPA (cumulative)
Total Credits Earned
Are you in the Honors program?
Yes
No
Are you a transfer student?
Yes
No
__
If yes, please list schools and attendance dates.
Do you plan to co-op or student teach during 2014-15?
Yes
No
Please see frequently asked questions for further discussion of RA employment, co-op and student
teaching eligibility.
If yes, what quarters do you plan to complete these programs?
List the residence halls in which you have lived at UC or at another institution. Include the
dates as well.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
COVER LETTER and RESUME
Please include a printed copy of your professional cover letter and resume reflecting your qualifications
for the RA position.
REFERENCES
Each candidate is required to submit two reference names. References should have experience working
with candidate in the areas of academics and/or co-curricular activities. Family members,
significant others, friends, resident advisors, assistant residence coordinators, residence
coordinators, assistant directors and other Resident Education and Development staff should
not submit references for candidates. Please choose people who can speak in unbiased terms
regarding your skills, character and areas for growth.
Name
Phone
1.
(
)
2.
(
)
Email
Relationship
ESSAY QUESTIONS
Your answers should be typed and each answer should be at least 500 words, but no more than 1000
words.
1.
What are two important topics you believe residents should be educated about when they live in
campus housing? Why do you think each topic is important? What are some creative ways to
educate residents about these topics?
2.
Please identify two of your personal qualities that you feel will help you succeed in the Resident
Advisor position, and two of your qualities that you think you will need to improve upon to succeed
in the RA position.
3.
Describe any past or present leadership roles that you have had and explain how those experiences
might help you in the RA position?
4.
Please list all outside obligations you anticipate that might limit the amount of time you would have
for the RA position (include research, field work, student teaching, athletics, lab classes, youth
groups, etc. (Your answer does not need to reach 500 words.)
I hereby certify that the aforementioned statements are true and accurate:
 I understand if selected I will become a paid employee of the University and the Office of Resident
Education and Development. I will abide all policies, rules and regulations set before me. As a job,
the RA role is considered to require prioritization ahead of activities other than academic
requirements.
 I understand that by falsifying this document I disqualify myself from further consideration for the
Resident Advisor position.
 I acknowledge my responsibility to inquire with One Stop Student Services regarding the potential
effect of RA compensation on any financial aid package I may receive.
 By affixing my signature hereunder, I authorize Resident Education and Development to verify the
information requested from the Registrar and any other appropriate University of Cincinnati staff.
 I understand that any offer to employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a
criminal background check and verification of my enrollment status and grade point eligibility.
 I authorize the Office of University Judicial Affairs to release information regarding my current
disciplinary standing.
 I acknowledge that if accepted I will be required to attend the in-service on the week of March 24,
2014 and must attend the RA instructional sessions which begins the week of February 3, 2014 and
ends the week of March 14, 2014.
Your name:
Your signature:
Today’s date:
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some questions frequently asked by candidates interested in becoming resident advisors. Please read
the information carefully. All candidates are expected to be familiar with the concepts discussed below.
1. What exactly does an RA do and how is an RA compensated?
In general, the RA does the following:




provides leadership and support for students;
assists in the general administration of floor and hall;
presents programs and activities for residents;
performs duties as assigned by the RC/ARC.
For more information, please refer to the job description in this packet. The RA is compensated through a
scholarship that pays room and board charges, a wage of approximately $35 every two weeks for the term of
employment and a bookstore discount (pending bookstore support). The provided meal plan is in effect only when
the dining halls are open. Please check with the One Stop Student Service Center regarding the RA
compensation since the room and board takes the form of a scholarship. Your total financial aid award
may be affected, whether you have grants, loans, scholarships, or any combination thereof.
2. If I apply does this mean I am automatically able to take the RA instructional sessions?
No. The RA Recruitment and Selection Process Committee completes what we call a “paper screen” of the
applications. In this process candidates must meet the following requirements: GPA (2.3 minimum) and completion
of all appropriate application materials including the essays at the end of the application and submitting a resume.
You will be confirmed as a candidate for the RA position as long as your written materials are within the
committee’s standards.
3. What are you looking for in an application?
We are looking for completed applications including a resume. We are looking for accuracy, honesty and a
conscientious effort in the essay portion. We are also assessing your skills in written communication, including your
ability to follow directions. Proper spelling and grammar are important. The essay gives us insight as to why you
want to become an RA and what that means for you personally and professionally. Applications that are
typewritten are required. Also attach the required resume.
4. What candidate qualities are preferred?
We seek candidates who are mature among their peers, reliable, demonstrate self-awareness, are experienced
students (first-year students are eligible, and sophomores and juniors are strongly encouraged to apply),
demonstrate academic competence and commitment, respect others, and work well with others.
5. What if my GPA is a 2.29 or lower? Can I still apply?
We recognize the role of academics in a student’s life, and because of the demands of the RA position we require a
cumulative 2.3 GPA to be considered for candidacy. This GPA must be maintained throughout your candidacy as it
shows us your good faith effort at putting academics at the top of your priority list. We value your academic
success and would not be meeting our mission as an office if we did not set a standard for academic achievement.
The grade point minimum also helps us select RAs who set good examples academically. The requirement is in
place for the best interest of candidates and residents.
You may submit an application, but you will not be considered further until you meet the minimum GPA. It is your
responsibility to notify our office in writing when you do meet it.
6. How do I complete my background check?
This process will not be completed until you are hired. Written instructions will be provided at that time.
7. What is the selection process?
We are designing a multi-step process to assess candidates in both group and individual settings as noted below.
In short we will first review applications. Eligible applicants will progress to take the RA instructional sessions, an
interview at the end of the instructional sessions will be conducted, and finally the Resident Education and
Development full time and graduate staff will extend job offers to qualified candidates. Each status letter you
receive will contain specific instructions about the next step.
The key is that we WANT you to do well! We hope that you will come in giving your best and showing us the skills
in leadership and community building that we are looking for in RAs.
8. What exactly does being a candidate mean?
There are four phases of candidacy:
Phase 1: Applicant. This means that you have completed all parts of the application and submitted all necessary
materials as described in the application.
Phase 2: RA instructional session candidacy. This means that your application has successfully passed the
screening stage. You will be permitted to sign up for the RA instructional sessions offered in the spring semester.
The RA instructional sessions will not be offered for credit. In order to be placed one must successfully complete
the RA instructional sessions.
Phase 3: Final Selection and Pool Status. If you complete the RA instructional sessions successfully, there is a
chance that you will be selected for an RA position. PLEASE NOTE: There is no way to guarantee you a position.
Whether you are placed during the initial round of selection is based on many factors. The number of staff
members wishing to return varies year by year and, thus, the number of available RA positions varies by year. The
Office of Resident Education and Development is committed to creating teams for each building consisting of a
balance of people of different experience levels, strengths and weaknesses, cultures, ethnicities, genders, sexual
orientations, and other dimensions of difference. Not being selected during the first round does not necessarily
mean that you are an undesirable candidate. Those who successfully complete the process but are not selected
initially for a 2014-2015 position will be placed in the primary pool of eligible candidates to be considered as
vacancies occur. Candidates in the primary pool receive first consideration for vacancies, and in almost all cases,
candidates who have successfully completed the selection process and are in the primary pool will be given
preference in hiring for such vacancies. However, we reserve the right, in exceptional circumstances, to select
someone from outside the pool when we deem it necessary. The pool is maintained until the following year’s
process begins.
9. How will I know if I am a candidate? How will you communicate with me?
Following each stage of the process, you will need to check your UConnect email account. Please note that we will
be using your official university email account for all communication.
10. I am a student with special needs. Is there a way that I can make special arrangements throughout
the interview process?
Absolutely! We encourage all students to apply. Resident Education and Development is committed to providing
everyone an equal opportunity for employment. If you have special needs, contact Faye Lattimore at 556-6476.
We will work to see that appropriate accommodations are provided.
11. So once I am selected is that it?
Almost. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check and
verification of your enrollment status and grade point eligibility. If you are selected for employment for next year,
you will need to attend a mandatory initial in-service tentatively scheduled for the week of March 24, 2014. Next,
pre-service training will take place beginning in late summer. Training is a great time to make new friends, build
strong teams, and learn the “ins and outs” of the RA position. RAs are also required to stay late at the end of each
semester and return early before each semester begins.
12. I plan to be on co-op next year or to be student teaching next year. How does that work?
Candidates who are planning to co-op or student teach during 2014-2015 must be aware of the following
expectations:




Co-op or teaching sites must be local.
RAs who plan to co-op or student teach will be required to return to campus and participate in fall preservice training at the same time as the rest of the staff.
RAs who are on co-op or who are teaching are required to be flexible in regard to their schedule during
training, hall opening and hall closing periods. We expect RAs who are on co-op to participate in at least
most of fall training both during the day and at night as well as to be available to fulfill hall opening duties.
Your primary responsibility during this time should be the RA job, and it is your responsibility to negotiate
solutions with your co-op supervisor.
RAs who are on co-op or who are student teaching must be appropriately available to assist residents
and to meet job expectations during the semester.
13. I am graduating before April 2015. Am I eligible to be an RA?
No. Candidates and current RAs must be able to commit to working an entire academic year in order to be
considered for a position for the 14-15 school year. Staff stability is important to both the floor community and to
the staff team.
14. I am thinking about running for an RHA or hall government executive position for the 2014-2015
school year. Can I be an RA at the same time?
No. Resident advisors are not permitted to serve in either RHA or hall government executive positions. Effective
executive board members devote a great deal of time to their positions, which can diminish one’s ability to be a
successful RA. In addition, residence hall executive positions are valuable leadership opportunities for residents.
RAs already hold key leadership roles in the halls, so other students should be given the chance to serve.
15. I would like to hold a student government or other leadership role on campus for the 2014-2015
school year. Would this conflict with the RA position?
Possibly. Hiring preference is given to candidates whose academic and co-curricular commitments are most
compatible with the demands of the RA position. Students interested in the RA job need to think critically about
whether their responsibilities for the next year are complementary to the RA role. An overcommitted RA does a
disservice to her/himself as well as to residents and co-workers. You may hold other leadership roles on campus,
but the RA job should be second in priority only to academics.
16. I am a graduate student--can I apply?
Absolutely! Graduate students should also note that there is an assistant residence coordinator (ARC) selection
process in spring and summer semesters. Call Faye Lattimore at 556-6476 for more information.
17. I plan to live on campus next year regardless of whether or not I am offered an RA position. Should
I participate in the contract renewal process?
Candidates who are current residents and wish to live on campus next year whether or not they are hired should
proceed with the contract renewal process with Housing and Food Services during the winter semester. Off-campus
students who subsequently accept an RA appointment will be required to complete a housing agreement and may
be required to pay a $150 application fee/housing deposit.
18. If you do not wish to continue in the RA process, please do the following.
Email Curtis Adamson (Curtis.Adamson@uc.edu) or submit a paper letter to RED at 203 Scioto Hall.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you require further answers to your questions, please call Curtis Adamson at 513-556-6483 or Faye Lattimore at
513-556-6476.
Resident Advisor Job Description
Summary of Description:
The RA is responsible for promoting the core values of Resident Education and Development to create an environment
conducive to living and learning, to foster the personal growth of students and to build a sense of community within the
residence hall system.
Supervision:
The RA reports directly to the Residence Coordinator of her/his assigned building. RCs report to an Assistant Director, who
in turn reports to the Director of Resident Education and Development.
Requirements & Specifications:
The Resident Advisor must have the following professional skills and qualities:




Ability to communicate effectively
Sensitivity to the needs of all residents
Familiarity with campus services, policies, regulations, facilities and the surrounding community
Capability of responding to immediate crisis situations until qualified professional help is available
The Resident Advisor must possess the following personal attributes:



Full-time student status in good standing with the University, with minimum cumulative grade point average of
2.3 at time of application and 2.3 semester and cumulative grade point average while employed. Please note that
a 2.5 grade point average is preferred.
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Emotional maturity
Job Description:
Commitment
 Follows University and residence hall policies as stated in the Housing Agreement, Residence Hall Rules and
Regulations as noted in Home Pages, and other applicable expectations as communicated.
 Participates in pre-service training sessions and periodic in-services
 Lives in the residence hall to which s/he is assigned and may remain obligated to the conditions of the Housing
Agreement even in the event of employment termination
 Works an average of 20 hours a week plus an appropriate portion of on-duty responsibilities
 Remains on campus to assist with the opening and closing of residence halls at the beginning and end of each
semester, including times when dining facilities are closed
 Is mindful of being a role model 24 hours per day wherever s/he may be
 Demonstrates a positive, flexible and professional attitude towards residents, staff and job responsibilities
 Works appropriately within the scope of the RA role, referring and communicating issues as needed
 Remains attentive to job responsibilities and the hall/floor community and remains accessible to RC while
completing local co-op or similar assignment, if applicable
Communication
 Informs residents and visitors of University and residence hall policies
 Designs, maintains and updates bulletin boards and posts relevant material
 Imparts knowledge of University services and office to students
 Documents and deals with concerns promptly
 Communicates with RC on a regular basis through regularly scheduled meetings as well as weekly reports
 Assists in the assessment of residence hall damage
 Communicates maintenance and housekeeping concerns to proper personnel in a timely fashion
 Regularly checks and responds to paper, voice mail or other types of employment messages
 Assists in openings, closings, room changes and assignment verifications
 Requests Residence Coordinator approval for overnights (being out of the building after 2:30 am) before being
absent from the hall
Community
 Develops and maintains rapport with all floor residents
 Builds healthy, constructive community by establishing and deepening relationships among residents
 Acts as a mediator in the exploration of difference and management of conflict between students
 Helps residents understand and honor the balance between individual rights and group needs
 Calls floor meetings in response to administrative, policy and programming concerns
 Gives consistent care to the construction and maintenance of the floor and residence hall community
Learning










Provides a comprehensive slate of programs
Supports programming efforts sponsored by fellow RAs or by Resident Education and Development
Coordinates the development of an active floor government with other floor members
Acts as a resource and referral source for residents
Encourages residents efforts to achieve academic progress
Enforces hall policies designed to support effective learning communities
Role models appropriate student behaviors (e.g., regularly attending class, studying)
Manages time effectively to allow the RA position to be the first priority after academic responsibilities
Attends all meetings called by supervisors
Strives to improve her/his own performance when needed, both academically and professionally
Multiculturalism
 Shows respect to all residents, regardless of gender, race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, ability, age or
socioeconomic status or other dimensions of difference
 Confronts actions and words that damage the humanity of others
 Supports the Harassment Response Protocol developed by Resident Education and Development
 Understands and honors that staff and residents each have a unique style of doing things
 Uses inclusive language
Safety
 Upholds relevant policies and procedures
 Participates in a weekly on-call duty rotation
 Covers desk shifts when regularly scheduled desk clerks are unable to fulfill their obligations through an
automatic desk appointment
 Supports functions of desk operations when present in the lobby
 Maintains vigilance over issued keys (especially master keys) and refrains from using them in an unauthorized
manner
 Reacts appropriately to situations that pose a threat to the health and safety of the community
 Uses guidelines outlined during blood borne pathogens training when cleaning up spills of any type
 Addresses safety topics and risk taking with residents in a proactive manner
 Is prepared to respond appropriately in a staff role whenever he or she is present in a residence hall
Teamwork
 Holds fellow staff members accountable for upholding job expectations
 Assists in the selection of new staff members
 Supports central office staff as well as individual hall staff
 Develops constructive working relationships with desk staff, facility staff, Resident Advisors, Assistant
Residence Coordinators, Public Inquiries Assistants and Residence Coordinators
 Performs other duties as assigned
Compensation:
 Room during the term of the contract (beginning with RA pre-service training and ending on the last day of
check-outs for spring semester)
 Board when University dining facilities are in operation
 Wage paid bi-weekly
 Staff discounts on all purchases made at the UC Bookstore, pending Bookstore support
Being hired as an RA may affect your financial aid award. In general, the RA position is considered a part of the aid
package and is not considered as part of the student’s contribution. Please consult the One Stop Student Center on the
second floor of the University Pavilion for further information if you anticipate possibly receiving any aid (grants, loans or
scholarships) during the year of service as an RA.
Evaluation:
Each RA will meet individually with her/his RC on a regular basis throughout the year to discuss concerns and job
performance. The Residence Coordinator will complete formalized, written evaluations of RA performance. Resident
advisors will also perform a self-evaluation.
Effective as of November 2013.
Position description may be subject to changes or ratifications as deemed appropriate by
Resident Education & Development