Resident Advisor
The search process for Fall 2008 is temporarily closed. Check back at a later date for more information and updates.
What is a Resident Advisor and who can become one?
The Resident Advisor (RA) is a vital member of the Georgia Southern Department of University Housing
Staff. The RA is a live-in member of the Department of University Housing Staff and works with a
group of students in one of 10 Residence Halls or 2 Apartment Complexes. The RA works with the
Department of University Housing Directors in establishing a positive living environment for the
resident students. The RA's immediate supervisor is the Building Director.
The RA is primarily involved in creating a positive community environment. In order to accomplish
this, the RA is expected to play a variety of constantly changing roles. The RA must be flexible and
creative in meeting residents' needs by serving as a counselor, advisor, activity programmer,
educator and friend. The position requires a serious time commitment and willingness to be available
and accessible to other students.
Why should you consider this incredible opportunity?
The Resident Advisor (RA) position allows you to grow as a student and as an individual in preparation for a career of your choice. You will learn many valuable skills that you will be able to apply to your future experiences and help support the development of any desired skills and attributes. Some of those skills and attributes may include:
- Time management proficiency
- Decision-making/critical thinking ability
- Leadership
- Interpersonal communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Personal accountability
- Organizational skills
- Strong work ethic
- Confidence
- Conflict management
What is needed to apply for this position?
- Complete Student Employment Center Application: Click Here
- Requires a current resume
- Complete Supplemental Housing Application: Click Here
- Inclues two essay questions
- Requires names and e-mail addresses for two references (may include RA, BD, professor, advisor, previous employer, etc.)
- Know availability for selection process on January 24-29, 2008 (preferences requested)
- Attend one of the two information sessions (optional)
- Monday, November 26, 2007 @ 7pm - Russell Union, Room 2044
- Tuesday, Movember 27, 2007 @ 7pm - Russell Union, Room 2041
- Attendance to RA Candidate Social on Thursday, January 24, 2008 @ 7pm - Russell Union Ballroom
- Participation in all aspects of Interview Process: January 27-29, 2008
- Priority Application Deadline: December 18, 2007
Learn more of the specifics for the Resident Advisor position:
Qualifications
Requirements
Benefits
Responsibilities
Qualifications
- A resident of a Georgia Southern University residence hall for at least one semester or a resident advisor at another insitition
- Cumulative GPA of 2.25
- Have a clear discipline record - not currently on or have been on probation (Judicial Affairs or University Housing) in the past 18 months
- Available for Fall Training: August 5, 2008
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
- Sensitivity to students' growth and developmental needs in the university and residence
hall settings
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Requirements
- Academic Standards: The Department of University Housing recognizes that a students' first obligation should be towards his or her scholastic endeavors. Work for the Department of University Housing should not impede the students' academic progress toward their degree. As a Resident Advisor, the following academic requirements are upheld:
- Enroll for an academic load of 12-17 hours, and not carry an academic overload of more than 17 hours during the first semester of employment. After the first semester of employment, must have approval of supervising Building Director in order to carry an academic overload
- Maintain a GPA of 2.25 during the period of employment
- GSU 2222: Each Resident Advisor (RA) must enroll and successfully complete GSU 2222. It is strongly encouraged that interested students enroll immediately for the course prior to serving as a RA. Those having taken the course will be better prepared for service as a RA. The RA is responsible for tuition and books for the class. This course must be passed with a "C" or better. The objectives of the course are to provide an overview of the student personnel profession, leadership skills needed for a peer helping position, personal and group advising skills, and principles of community development/student growth. This course is strongly recommended for any leadership position on campus. The course will add value to any chosen career path.
- Outside Involvement: Frequently, members of the Department of University Housing Staff are individuals who are involved in many facets of campus life, leadership, sports and work. The Resident Advisor (RA) position demands a significant amount time and energy that should not detract from student academic performance. Involvement in residence life activities such as on-call responsibilities, staff meetings, programs, staff training, and quality time with residents must take priority over other social and work activities. Therefore, RAs are not to pledge a fraternity, sorority, student teach, hold an internship, or hold another paying or nonpaying position during the first semester of employment. After the first semester of employment, the RA must receive approval from their Building Director in order to be involved in any of the above listed time commitments.
- Term of Employment: Resident Advisors (RA) are hired on a year-to-year basis. RAs are at will employees and will be subject to semi-annual reviews of job performance by supervising Building Director. Continued employment from one year to the next will be determined by these evaluations in conjunction with a returning staff interview process.
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Benefits
- Each Resident Advisor (RA) will receive a stipend of $4,100.00 for the first year and $4,400.00 for service beyond the first year. This stipend is distributed in bi-weekly amounts and pro-rated by employment start date. Summer RA stipends are determined in February prior to the first summer session.
- RAs are guaranteed on-campus housing, for which they are financially responsible.
- RAs are allowed a single room at double occupancy rates when space is available in our traditional residence halls. RAs in apartments and deluxe suites receive a private bedroom in their unit at a reduced rate. However, the Department of University Housing may assign roommates whenever the need arises.
- Equally important are the non-tangible benefits: the opportunity to interact with a variety of people and the chance to develop skills such as leadership, communication, organization, time management, and counseling.
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Responsibilities
- Time Committment: The Resident Advisor (RA) position is the RA's principle non-academic responsibility. All RAs are expected to:
- Be available and accessible to the students on their floor.
- Remain on their floor in the Residence Hall during the weekdays and or weekends according to the on-call duty schedule and as required by the Building Director. Requests to be out of the building overnight during the week must be approved in advance by the Building Director.
- Remain in the hall until building is deemed closed by Coordinator of Residential Education or designee preceding vacation periods (Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break, and Summer Closing), and return early to open the halls after a vacation break. Requests to leave early or return late must be submitted in writing and approved in advance by supervising Building Director.
- Participate in extra-curricular activities in such a way that they will not conflict with the RA position. (See Requirements section)
- Attend regular staff meetings, training sessions, and other meetings as required by the Department of University Housing.
- Administrative Duties: The Resident Advisor (RA) is administratively responsible to the Building Director and is expected to:
- Complete periodic room inspections as assigned
- Report and follow-up on all necessary facility concerns as specified by the
Building Director
- Complete weekly reports as specified by the Building Director
- Document all behavioral infractions in a timely manner to the Building Director
- Maintain regular office hours as specified in the on-call duty schedule and as specified by the Building Director
- Perform any duties requested by the Coordinator of Residential Education and Building Director that relates to the operation of the hall
- Abide by all policies as outlined in the staff manual
- Personal Behavior: By accepting employment with the Department of University Housing, the Resident Advisor (RA) has accepted the responsibility to know, understand and abide by Georgia Southern University's policies, procedures, and regulations. RAs are responsible for all materials and information provided in the staff manual, including the corrective action process. RAs serve as role models and their behavior should convey an image of responsibility and maturity.
Violations of regulations by RAs or encouragement of residents to violate Georgia Southern University's policies will not be tolerated and could result in immediate termination.
RAs are expected to:
- Assist students in knowing what is expected of them and the reasons for these expectations
- Attempt to create an environment that promotes consideration and respect for others
- Confront all behavioral infractions and follow-up with appropriate procedures
- Set an example by adhering to the rules and regulations of Georgia Southern University
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Student Employment
All applicants must apply through the Student Employment Center at jobs.georgiasouthern.edu/SEC. Visit their website for application materials and additional information.
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Hours of availability
M-F 8am-5pm
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