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 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 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.
Three Common Myths about the RA Position
- ) You no longer get Fall and Spring Break. False! RA's do have to remain on campus to conduct Health and Safety Inspections for all of their residents's rooms/suites/apartments for each break, but they are typically able to leave by the following morning.
- The main duty of RAs is to get students in trouble. False! The primary job of a RA is to be a mentor to his/her residents and to build a strong community in their respective area. RAs do not go around looking to document students for violating the Code of Student Conduct, but are required to do so when they encounter behaviors that may be detrimental to the safety and well-being of residents or the community as a whole.
- Being an RA is not a fun job. False! There is no doubt that being an RA can be quite challenging at times, but the position allows you to meet and interact with a wide variety of students that you probably would have otherwise never met. In your community you will get to interact with peers from many backgrounds, cultures, and academic majors. In addition to your residents, you will undoubtedly make many new friends and have a lot of fun with your co-workers on the Residence Life Staff.
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.
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 in the spring semester.
Timeline
A full Desk Assistant search for the academic year begins in early March.