Thinking about being an RA? Here are some things to think about:

• Why you want to be an RA ?
• Aspects you would like to improve about yourself
• What you value ?
• Your experiences & their impact on who you are today 

• Your goals in relation to the position
• Your problem solving techniques
• Your priorities

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Questions to ask yourself:

1. Are you interested in meeting new people and helping to build a community?
2. Are you willing to take on a role and responsibility that lasts 24 hours a day?
3. Will your study habits allow you to balance your academics with an RA position?
4. Do you feel you could approach a resident about a personal concern that has been brought to your attention?
5. Would you feel comfortable assisting a diverse group of students?
6. Can you handle the fact that not everyone will like you?
7. Can you remain objective and fair when dealing with a conflict involving friends?
8. Do you think you can be a good role model even when you are off-campus and/or away from your residence hall?
9. Are you able to react and express yourself clearly in tense situations?
10. Do you know the limits of confidentiality?
11. Do you know when someone is asking for help but is not directly verbalizing their need?
12. Are you a good team member?
13. Do you project a positive self-image?
14. Can you handle a significant reduction in privacy?



If you answered "yes" to any of these questions or are willing to expand your current skill set, the RA position might be for you!

What is a Resident Assistant?

The Resident Assistant (RA) is a paraprofessional staff member for the Residence Life Office. They are the closest and most vital link with the residents of the buildings, who serve as a liaison between the Department of Residence Life and the students. The Resident Assistant serves under the supervision of a Residence Life Coordinator.

The RA position is one that requires flexibility, adaptability, enthusiasm, creativity and commitment, as well as strong administrative and peer counseling skills.  The basic tasks of the RA position are community building, enforcing University policy, serving as a resource for residents and working as a team.  The areas of responsibilities listed above represent major expectations of the resident assistant position.  Additional guidelines are provided in the Resident Assistant Conditions of Employment, RA Job Description, Resident Assistant training manual, expectations set by your residential area, and area / individual supervisors.

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To be considered for selection as a Resident Assistant you must:

• Be in good academic, judicial, and financial standing with the university
• Have a cumulative / semester GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Lived on campus for at least one semester (preferred)
• Be a full-time student, enrolled for at least 12 credit hours per semester
• Additional requirements will be discussed at Mandatory Interest Meeting and will be specified in the RA Conditions of Employment Contract