Western Maryland College
Resident Assistant Application Packet
McDaniel College Office of Residence Life Resident Assistant Position Description The Resident Assistant (RA) is a part-time para-professional staff member working for the Office of Residence Life and the Division of Student Affairs. RAs must possess a willingness to commit time and energy to help develop an educational environment in the residence halls and to provide services for residents. RAs are expected to work cooperatively and effectively with peers, college staff and faculty. The RA position requires flexibility, adaptability, strong decision-making skills, and enthusiasm in order to respond to changing needs and situations. RAs must also be willing to confront violations of college policy and effectively resolve individual and group conflicts. The necessary qualifications and major responsibilities of the position are described below.
Qualifications Due to the nature of this position, all RAs are required to meet or fulfill certain qualifications established by the Office of Residence Life. The following stipulations are placed on students hired to serve as RAs: Have and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5. Attain sophomore status by start of employment. Have and maintain a good disciplinary record at McDaniel College (i.e. not on disciplinary probation as of the start of employment). Be a full-time student. Live on-campus for a minimum of one semester by the start of employment.
Responsibilities The following items are the basic responsibilities of a Resident Assistant. Specific responsibilities may vary slightly according to residential area. I. Community Development A. Foster a sense of community among students living in residential areas. B. Know residents individually and develop appropriate interpersonal relationships with each member of the community. C. Provide consistent communication with residents through individual interaction, post all college and residence life notices appropriately, hold regular floor/hall meetings, develop programs, etc. D. Work with college staff and residents to maintain safe living conditions including fire safety and personal security equipment. E. Identify, develop and work with student leaders in residence hall areas including Greek organization officers, Affinity group managers, etc. F. Encourage participation in floor, building and campus-wide programs and activities. G. Foster an environment conducive to academic success. H. Create monthly bulletin boards. II. Programming A. Develop, implement and evaluate programs and activities for residents. B. Support and encourage participation in college activities sponsored outside the Office of Residence Life. C. Solicit faculty participation in residence hall programs and activities. D. Involve residents in the planning and implementation process of programs. III. Peer Advisor/Referral Person A. Role model appropriate behavior and attitudes. B. Help residents adjust to college life with respect to a variety of developmental issues. C. Mediate conflicts between students including roommate conflicts. D. Spend adequate time on floor and in residential area fostering approachability with residents.
E. Serve as a resource person for college services such as the Wellness Center, Campus Safety, Student Academic Support Services, Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, etc. F. Refer students to the appropriate college resource for assistance and information G. Respond to emergency situations. H. Maintain a positive attitude and demonstrate enthusiasm for the RA position. I. Information you learn regarding fellow McDaniel College students should be kept confidential unless it is a health or safety concern, which should then be brought to your Area Coordinator’s attention. IV. Community Standards Agent A. Adhere to residence life and college policies. B. Confront all incidents of inappropriate behavior and refer students for assistance. C. Document violations of college rules and regulations. D. Inform students of policies and procedures as well as safety and security issues. E. Maintain a fair and impartial disposition towards residents regardless of their disciplinary history. V. Administrative A. Attend and participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings. B. Meet with AC on a regular basis to discuss floor/residential issues, performance issues and personal concerns. C. Attend and participate in all training activities including Fall Training, Spring Orientation, January Staff Preparation Days, and Staff Development Sessions. D. Assist with the opening/closing of the residence halls at the beginning/end of the year and for all break periods, and conduct required health and safety inspections. For residence hall closings, RAs are required to remain on campus until each residential areas inspection is complete. E. Complete routine paperwork (i.e., program request forms, room condition reports, occupancy checks, incident report forms, etc) accurately and on time. F. Be on duty for an entire residence hall area on a rotating basis with other RAs (including January term). G. Assist in filling the void if a position within your area becomes vacant. H. Check room voicemail, email, and Office of Residence Life mailbox on a daily basis.
Terms of Employment The employment period for an RA is for one entire academic year (Summer, Fall, January Term, and Spring). While employed it is expected that all RAs: Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 throughout the entire term of employment. Remain full-time students at McDaniel College. Complete an online training module series during the summer. All modules need to be complete before August 1. Return approximately 2 weeks early during the summer to attend Fall Training and return to the college prior to the opening dates at each break, as well as stay beyond the closing dates at each break as directed by the Office of Residence Life. Receive approval from supervising AC prior to participating in secondary employment or major extracurricular activities (athletics, Greek organizations, student government, etc.). Fulfill all RA responsibilities
Remuneration RAs receive a credit that covers residence hall room rate (advance room deposit not required), meals during Fall Training, Spring Orientation, January Staff Preparation Days, and January Term and approximately $2600 to be credited directly to the student’s account. RAs are also eligible for a parking pass through the Department of Campus Safety at no charge. Remuneration for the RA position will be prorated if one should leave his/her position mid-year for whatever reasons. In addition, the RA must re-locate from the RA room and is financially responsible for any prorated charges for the remainder of the year.
Resident Assistant Application Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Last First Preferred Student ID _____________________ Campus Box ____________________ RA_________________________
Residence Hall & Room _________________ Email Address _____________________ Current
Home Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Home Telephone ____________________________ GPA___________ Number of Semesters Living on Campus _________ Major(s) __________________________ ______________
Cell Phone ________________________ Cumulative
Current Class (Fr, Soph, Jr. Sr.) ________________
Minor(s) ______________________
Anticipated Graduation Date
Please attach your typed response (12- point font, double spaced) A. Please list any campus groups or community organizations in which you are currently involved. Be sure to include any leadership positions that you hold. B. Please list all other time commitments you plan to be involved in during the next academic year. Approximately how many hours per week does this take up in your schedule? Please rank these commitments in relation to your RA job (1=most important). C. Will you be participating in an internship or student teaching at any time during the next academic year? If yes, please describe. Yes No D. Are you planning to study abroad during the next academic year? If yes, what semester?
Yes
No
E. Have you ever been found responsible of a violation of the Code of Student Conduct via the McDaniel College Discipline Process? Yes No If yes, please explain. Be sure to include the semester during which the violation occurred as well as the nature of the violation. F.
Use the following space to record your employment history for the past 3 years beginning with the most current employer. Please list dates of employment, names and addresses of employers and duties performed in the position.
Date (To-From) 1.
2.
3.
Employer / Title
Address
Duties
References Please provide the name, title and phone number of the 2 people who will serve as references for you. Your references must meet the following criteria: (1) present or former employer (if you do not have any, please use a faculty or staff member), (1) McDaniel faculty or staff member (a recommendation from your current resident assistant is encouraged).
Name
Title/Relationship
Telephone Number
E-mail
1. 2.
Reflection Questions Please attach your typed responses to the following questions (12-point font, double spaced). Responses to reflection questions will be scored. When in doubt provide more information than not enough. 1. What specifically interests you about the Resident Assistant position? What strengths do you possess that would contribute nicely into the RA role? What weaknesses might you possess that would be a challenge in the RA role? 2. How do you see the RA position contributing to your personal growth? Please provide at least two examples. 3. In your opinion, what are two important aspects of the RA role? Please expand on why you believe these are important aspects of the role. 4. Describe what you perceive to be the most pressing issue facing residential college students at McDaniel College. If you were a Resident Assistant, how would you address this issue? 5. When you hear the word “community”, what comes to mind? As a Resident Assistant, what role do you envision yourself playing in the development of community on your floor/building? How would you go about building community if selected as an RA? 6. What would two of your goals as an RA be? 7. All RAs must arrive on campus 16 days prior to the start of the academic year for RA Fall Training. The actual date is pending Board of Trustee approval. Do you have any commitments that will interfere with this training? If yes, please explain in detail. Yes No
McDaniel College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. McDaniel College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, or abilities.
McDaniel College Office of Residence Life Resident Assistant Position Description The Resident Assistant (RA) is a part-time para-professional staff member working for the Office of Residence Life and the Division of Student Affairs. RAs must possess a willingness to commit time and energy to help develop an educational environment in the residence halls and to provide services for residents. RAs are expected to work cooperatively and effectively with peers, college staff and faculty. The RA position requires flexibility, adaptability, strong decision-making skills, and enthusiasm in order to respond to changing needs and situations. RAs must also be willing to confront violations of college policy and effectively resolve individual and group conflicts. The necessary qualifications and major responsibilities of the position are described below.
Qualifications Due to the nature of this position, all RAs are required to meet or fulfill certain qualifications established by the Office of Residence Life. The following stipulations are placed on students hired to serve as RAs: Have and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5. Attain sophomore status by start of employment. Have and maintain a good disciplinary record at McDaniel College (i.e. not on disciplinary probation as of the start of employment). Be a full-time student. Live on-campus for a minimum of one semester by the start of employment.
Responsibilities The following items are the basic responsibilities of a Resident Assistant. Specific responsibilities may vary slightly according to residential area. I. Community Development A. Foster a sense of community among students living in residential areas. B. Know residents individually and develop appropriate interpersonal relationships with each member of the community. C. Provide consistent communication with residents through individual interaction, post all college and residence life notices appropriately, hold regular floor/hall meetings, develop programs, etc. D. Work with college staff and residents to maintain safe living conditions including fire safety and personal security equipment. E. Identify, develop and work with student leaders in residence hall areas including Greek organization officers, Affinity group managers, etc. F. Encourage participation in floor, building and campus-wide programs and activities. G. Foster an environment conducive to academic success. H. Create monthly bulletin boards. II. Programming A. Develop, implement and evaluate programs and activities for residents. B. Support and encourage participation in college activities sponsored outside the Office of Residence Life. C. Solicit faculty participation in residence hall programs and activities. D. Involve residents in the planning and implementation process of programs. III. Peer Advisor/Referral Person A. Role model appropriate behavior and attitudes. B. Help residents adjust to college life with respect to a variety of developmental issues. C. Mediate conflicts between students including roommate conflicts. D. Spend adequate time on floor and in residential area fostering approachability with residents.
E. Serve as a resource person for college services such as the Wellness Center, Campus Safety, Student Academic Support Services, Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, etc. F. Refer students to the appropriate college resource for assistance and information G. Respond to emergency situations. H. Maintain a positive attitude and demonstrate enthusiasm for the RA position. I. Information you learn regarding fellow McDaniel College students should be kept confidential unless it is a health or safety concern, which should then be brought to your Area Coordinator’s attention. IV. Community Standards Agent A. Adhere to residence life and college policies. B. Confront all incidents of inappropriate behavior and refer students for assistance. C. Document violations of college rules and regulations. D. Inform students of policies and procedures as well as safety and security issues. E. Maintain a fair and impartial disposition towards residents regardless of their disciplinary history. V. Administrative A. Attend and participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings. B. Meet with AC on a regular basis to discuss floor/residential issues, performance issues and personal concerns. C. Attend and participate in all training activities including Fall Training, Spring Orientation, January Staff Preparation Days, and Staff Development Sessions. D. Assist with the opening/closing of the residence halls at the beginning/end of the year and for all break periods, and conduct required health and safety inspections. For residence hall closings, RAs are required to remain on campus until each residential areas inspection is complete. E. Complete routine paperwork (i.e., program request forms, room condition reports, occupancy checks, incident report forms, etc) accurately and on time. F. Be on duty for an entire residence hall area on a rotating basis with other RAs (including January term). G. Assist in filling the void if a position within your area becomes vacant. H. Check room voicemail, email, and Office of Residence Life mailbox on a daily basis.
Terms of Employment The employment period for an RA is for one entire academic year (Summer, Fall, January Term, and Spring). While employed it is expected that all RAs: Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 throughout the entire term of employment. Remain full-time students at McDaniel College. Complete an online training module series during the summer. All modules need to be complete before August 1. Return approximately 2 weeks early during the summer to attend Fall Training and return to the college prior to the opening dates at each break, as well as stay beyond the closing dates at each break as directed by the Office of Residence Life. Receive approval from supervising AC prior to participating in secondary employment or major extracurricular activities (athletics, Greek organizations, student government, etc.). Fulfill all RA responsibilities
Remuneration RAs receive a credit that covers residence hall room rate (advance room deposit not required), meals during Fall Training, Spring Orientation, January Staff Preparation Days, and January Term and approximately $2600 to be credited directly to the student’s account. RAs are also eligible for a parking pass through the Department of Campus Safety at no charge. Remuneration for the RA position will be prorated if one should leave his/her position mid-year for whatever reasons. In addition, the RA must re-locate from the RA room and is financially responsible for any prorated charges for the remainder of the year.
Resident Assistant Application Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Last First Preferred Student ID _____________________ Campus Box ____________________ RA_________________________
Residence Hall & Room _________________ Email Address _____________________ Current
Home Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Home Telephone ____________________________ GPA___________ Number of Semesters Living on Campus _________ Major(s) __________________________ ______________
Cell Phone ________________________ Cumulative
Current Class (Fr, Soph, Jr. Sr.) ________________
Minor(s) ______________________
Anticipated Graduation Date
Please attach your typed response (12- point font, double spaced) A. Please list any campus groups or community organizations in which you are currently involved. Be sure to include any leadership positions that you hold. B. Please list all other time commitments you plan to be involved in during the next academic year. Approximately how many hours per week does this take up in your schedule? Please rank these commitments in relation to your RA job (1=most important). C. Will you be participating in an internship or student teaching at any time during the next academic year? If yes, please describe. Yes No D. Are you planning to study abroad during the next academic year? If yes, what semester?
Yes
No
E. Have you ever been found responsible of a violation of the Code of Student Conduct via the McDaniel College Discipline Process? Yes No If yes, please explain. Be sure to include the semester during which the violation occurred as well as the nature of the violation. F.
Use the following space to record your employment history for the past 3 years beginning with the most current employer. Please list dates of employment, names and addresses of employers and duties performed in the position.
Date (To-From) 1.
2.
3.
Employer / Title
Address
Duties
References Please provide the name, title and phone number of the 2 people who will serve as references for you. Your references must meet the following criteria: (1) present or former employer (if you do not have any, please use a faculty or staff member), (1) McDaniel faculty or staff member (a recommendation from your current resident assistant is encouraged).
Name
Title/Relationship
Telephone Number
1. 2.
Reflection Questions Please attach your typed responses to the following questions (12-point font, double spaced). Responses to reflection questions will be scored. When in doubt provide more information than not enough. 1. What specifically interests you about the Resident Assistant position? What strengths do you possess that would contribute nicely into the RA role? What weaknesses might you possess that would be a challenge in the RA role? 2. How do you see the RA position contributing to your personal growth? Please provide at least two examples. 3. In your opinion, what are two important aspects of the RA role? Please expand on why you believe these are important aspects of the role. 4. Describe what you perceive to be the most pressing issue facing residential college students at McDaniel College. If you were a Resident Assistant, how would you address this issue? 5. When you hear the word “community”, what comes to mind? As a Resident Assistant, what role do you envision yourself playing in the development of community on your floor/building? How would you go about building community if selected as an RA? 6. What would two of your goals as an RA be? 7. All RAs must arrive on campus 16 days prior to the start of the academic year for RA Fall Training. The actual date is pending Board of Trustee approval. Do you have any commitments that will interfere with this training? If yes, please explain in detail. Yes No
McDaniel College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. McDaniel College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, or abilities.
