Become a Resident Assistant (RA)

Being a Resident Assistant (RA) is one of the most unique and rewarding leadership opportunities that students can have during their time at MSMU. Not only do RAs serve as exemplary role models to peers living in our residential communities, but they also acquire a multitude of transferable skills that will assist them with many of their personal, professional, and academic endeavors at the Mount and beyond.

Attend an Interest Session to learn more about the RA position and the selection process. If you have questions, we can answer them, or your current RA can tell you more about life as a RA at the Mount.

RA Applications

Available until December 13, 2019 on Symplicity.
See Selection Timeline >

RA Job Description

A Resident Assistant is a full-time undergraduate student, and part-time paraprofessional staff member in the Residence Life Office who works closely with the Residence Life professional staff and desk assistant staff to develop residential communities. Each RA reports to an assistant director of Residence Life and ultimately reports to the Director of Residence Life/Dean of Students.

RA Job Functions and Expectations

Maintain frequent and consistent contact with residents living on their assigned floor or area.
Ensure that community residents understand their rights and responsibilities within the community and can effectively address concerns or conflicts that arise within the community.
Develop and implement a variety of social and educational programs and community development opportunities for the residents living in their respective area.
Plan and lead floor and/or area meetings with residents to discuss upcoming events, such as residence hall closings for break periods and housing selection for the upcoming academic year.
Assist students in developing hall/community programs which contribute to areas of their development according to departmental and supervisory expectations.
Design and regularly update passive education displays and community building tools such as bulletin boards and door decorations on their respective floor or area.
Approach students of all racial/ethnic, religious, physical ability level, gender, and age differences with an attitude of respect, fairness, and equity.
Provide information, referrals, and crisis intervention for any resident who may request or demonstrate a need for assistance.
Participate in a rotating evening and weekend duty schedule with other RAs in their assigned residence hall or area under the direction of their supervisor.
Participate in all aspects of the Fall Training Program, Winter Training Program, and RA In-Service Program throughout the academic year.
Serve on at least one Residence Life Committee throughout the academic year, including RA Selection, Staff Training, Diversity, and Staff Appreciation.
Assist with all major events hosted by or involving the Office of Residence Life, including but not limited to, RA Interview Days, New Student Orientation, and Freshmen & Returning Student Move-in Days.

Academic and Student Conduct Requirements

RA candidates must have minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA to apply for the position, and;
Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA to accept an RA position and retain the position in subsequent semesters
RA candidates must be in and remain in good judicial standing with the University to be employed as a Resident Assistant

Resident Assistant Compensation

RA 1 - 100% Room Remission, 25% Board Remission, $500 stipend per semester.
RA 2 - 100% Room Remission, 50% Board Remission, $750 stipend per semester.
RA 3 - 100% Room Remission, 75% Board Remission, $1,000 stipend per semester.

PRO TIP

Talk to your current RA about about what the job is like, or sign up for an RA Info Session to learn more.

How to Become a Resident Assistant

1. Attend the RA Interest Session

During the month of November, we will be hosting several RA Interest Sessions to provide candidates with more information about the position and selection process. Each session will be led by current RAs and members of the Residence Life Professional Staff, who will be able to answer all of your questions as well as provide some insight and advice for candidates. Below is the schedule for this year's information sessions:

Nov. 18, 8pm - McCaffrey Main Lounge
Nov 20, 12pm - O'Hara Conference Room
Nov 21, 8pm - Powell Main Lounge

2. Complete the RA Application

Applications are available through about December 13, 2019. The Residence Life professional staff and the RA Selection Committee will carefully read each application before sending out invitations to participate in January's interview days.

3. Acquire Two References

Please have your references complete the Candidate Reference Form. You may enlist your current RA, a former/current supervisor, employer, professor, or coach. The form is due January 17, 2020.

4. Participate in Interview Days

All candidates who have successfully completed the steps above and meet all other criteria to be eligible for the RA position, will be invited to participate in Interview Days. All interviews will be conducted beginning late-January 2020 and will continue throughout the week.
You will be contacted during the winter break with information on which day and time you have been assigned to attend. In addition, you will participate in a group process interview with other RA candidates.

5. RA Training

By early March, all RA candidates are contacted regarding the status of their application. Those candidates who are offered RA positions for the 2020-2021 academic year will need to attend the mandatory Spring RA Training dates. Dates are TBD. In addition, new RAs will be staying for hall closings through the Monday after commencement.

RA Selection Timeline

Date & Time	Event	Location
Nov 8, 2019	RA Applications Available	Online
Nov 18, 8pm	RA Selection Interest Session	McCaffrey Main Lounge
Nov 20, 12pm	RA Selection Interest Session	O'Hara Conference Room
December 13, 2019	Deadline to Submit Applications	Online
January 2020, dates TBD	RA Selection Interviews	Residence Life Office
TBD	Mandatory Spring RA Training and Closing	TBA

Become a Desk Assistant (DA)

Desk Assistants (DAs) are paraprofessional staff members who work collaboratively with Resident Assistants and MSMU Public Safety to ensure to security of University residence halls. Desk Assistants are responsible for monitoring security, safety, and service for the Residence Halls of Sheridan, Pangborn, Powell, and Terrace Halls. In addition to assisting with the safety and security of the residential communities, DAs also serve as general information resources for students and guests.

Job Responsibilities

Desk assistants are an integral part of the Residence Life team. The DA position is much more than a typical on-campus student employment or work-study job. Being a DA gives students the unique opportunity to work hand-in-hand with the resident assistant staff in creating positive communities in our campus residence halls. The DA position also allows students the opportunity to develop and strengthen their communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. As important members of the Residence Life team, all newly-hired and returning desk assistants are required to participate in fall and winter training programs in conjunction with the Resident Assistant staff.

Application Process

All students interested in applying to become a desk assistant should check their email for more information. Applications for 2020-2021 will be available late spring semester.

Timeline

A full Desk Assistant search for the academic year begins in early March.

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