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2013-2014 Resident Assistant & Peer Academic Leader Selection Information
RA Application Materials: RA Position Description | RA Application | RA Recommendation Form
PAL Application Materials: PAL Position Description | PAL Application | PAL Recommendation Form
APPLICATIONS DUE FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2013!
Brief Job Descriptions
RA - The Resident Assistant is a paraprofessional member of the Residence Life staff who is trained to function as a peer counselor and resource person to a group of undergraduate residence hall students. The purpose of the Resident Assistant (RA) is to enhance the quality of life in the residence halls. The position requires an individual who is flexible enough to assume a variety of roles as dictated by the changing needs of students. It is crucial that an individual be able to relate well to others and handle administrative responsibilities. The RA is more than just a friendly presence; she/he is the crucial link in creating an environment in which students develop independence and learn to live cooperatively with others.
PAL -
Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) are responsible for a floor(s) in first-year residence halls. PALs report to staff in the Academic Success Center and Residence Life and work directly with the Resident Assistants. They are typically sophomores or juniors that are interested in serving as academic mentors to first-year students.
Minimum Qualifications
Resident Assistant
- Attain sophomore class standing at the time of appointment.
- Must be in good social, disciplinary, and academic standing at the time of application and appointment.
- Cumulative GPA minimum of 2.7 must be attained at time of application.
- Must be a full-time Oglethorpe University student.
- Must have one semester of live-in experience.
Peer Academic Leader
- Overall academic achievement in all areas with a 3.0 cumulative GPA at time of application.
- Ability to be a positive role model.
- Positive attitude and self-motivated.
- Be familiar with and provide referrals to campus resources and support services.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Must be in good social, disciplinary, and academic standing at teh time of application and appointment.
Term of Employment
The position is for the academic school year (9 months) with the opportunity for reappointment.
The Application and Selection Process
Important Dates
- January 18, 2013 – All applications due
- February 7, 2013 – Group Interviews
- February 14-February 21, 2013 – Individual Interviews
- March 1, 2013 – Applicants notified of decisions
Information Sessions
Information sessions are a helpful way for you to learn more about the position. All students interested in applying for the RA or PAL positions are invited to attend one of the following session times. Information sessions ARE required to apply. The Residence Life Professional Staff and current RAs/PALs will be available to answer questions at these sessions.
- Wednesday, December 5, 2012 from 6:00-7:00pm in Earl Dolive Theater in the Library
- Tuesday, January 15, 2013 from 6:00-7:00pm in TBA location
Frequently Asked Questions About the RA Position
What is the job like?
An RA is a student staff member within Residence Life. The position varies depending on the community assigned and the day to day can never be determined. Generally, though, the RA's principal duties include serving as the advisor, peer-counselor, friend, disciplinarian and resource person for their residents. In order to perform these duties, the RA must develop a personal relationship with the residents in his community. There will be on-call duties, resident concerns, programs, meetings, and student issues.
What can you expect from the position?
As an RA, you will receive a room stipend. Beyond this, you will develop leadership and life skills not provided by other student jobs.
RAs are involved in a number of training and development opportunities to enhance skills used in the position. This includes training before the halls open and during the semester, mainly through staff development activities in staff meetings and regular all-staff events.
What will be expected of you?
Since training and staff meetings are such a key part of the job, they are required activities. Therefore, RAs must return early to campus each semester. If you are on the RA staff for the Fall 2012 semester, you are expected to be available for training in early August.
As an RA, you must be available to work approximately 20 hours per week, including night and weekend hours. You will participate in an on-call rotation in which you handle after hours calls including lock-outs, noise complaints, policy violations and other student issues. RAs are provided support by other student staff and professional staff members whenever necessary.
More than anything else, you are expected to be yourself while also being a role model. RAs, like all employees of Residence Life and Oglethorpe University, are expected to make ethical and responsible decisions. RAs must carry out policies to promote the general welfare of the students. This involves support of the Residence Life policies and regulations. RAs also need to make the commitment to balance personal issues, school, and work so they can perform the job effectively. Strong time management skills are required. In addition, RAs are entrusted with great responsibility and are expected to treat it with care.
Frequently Asked Questions About the PAL Position
What are the specific requirements of the position?
Mentor
- Connect with students on his/her assigned floor. Responsible for knowing each student by name.
- Should make contact with every student on at least a bi-weekly basis.
- Complete monthly check-ups and make appropriate referrals
- Has designated posted hours when they are available to meet with students.
- Conducts monthly programs focused on academic and personal success skills/strategies.
- Holds regular study times in the residential area for students.
- Develops appropriate bulletin boards/passive educational materials (i.e. door hangers) on a monthly basis.
- Role model appropriate behavior and study habits.
Administrative and Facility Management
- Complete check-up paperwork.
- Make contact with students of concern based on faculty/staff referrals.
- Keeps floor residents informed on community life and involvement opportunities.
- Assists RA in the prevention, investigation, and reporting of misconduct and damage to property.
- Attend staff training in the fall, refresher training in the spring and all staff meetings.
- Assists with check-ins, check-outs, and holiday closings.
Other
- Possiblity of serving as an Orientation Leader for Summer Passport and Welcome Week Activities
- Possiblity of serving as a FYS Peer Mentor
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