Whether it’s enforcing rules among their peers or finding a burning sofa in a trash bin, resident assistants and Freshman Interest Group academic assistants face an array of challenges throughout their time as University residence-hall employees.
Residence Life Director Sandy Schoonover said being a residence-hall staff member can be difficult but rewarding.
“I think you really have to want to do the job,” she said.
For those who want to give it a shot, Wednesday is the last day to apply for a position as an RA or FA for the 2004-05 school year. Students selected to work as RAs receive free room and board for the academic year and a stipend of $600 — $650 for returning RAs — while FAs get a stipend of $250 and free room and board.
Residence Life Assistant Director Tem Sedgwick said RAs and FAs are required to enforce University Housing policies in the residence halls and build community. They create programs for residents such as movie marathon nights and dances. FAs are also required to assist with fall term Freshman Interest Group classes.
Schoonover said having good people skills is probably the most important quality a residence-hall staff member can have.
“Being a good community developer is the No. 1 rule,” she said.
Throughout the hiring process, she said, applicants are evaluated for their abilities to interact and work well with others.
In February, applicants will go through an interview process, which includes a group interview, an individual interview and group exercises to evaluate how applicants handle situations they may face with residents.
“The goal of the exercise is to see, how do they interact and communicate with each other as a group?” Schoonover said.
After the interview process, applicants attend a spring-term training course. This year, applicants will not know if they have been hired or chosen as alternates until about halfway through the course, Schoonover said.
“When they’re in the class, we’re better able to assess their strengths and weaknesses,” she said.
About 125 students apply each year, she said, and about 30 to 50 are hired depending on how many current employees return to work the next year. About 15 applicants are placed on an alternate list.
Junior Wendy Kieffer, an RA in the Bean Complex, said she thinks waiting to make hiring decisions until applicants complete part of the training course will help ensure the right people get the job.
“I think that’s definitely beneficial because in the past there were some direct hires that really shouldn’t have been there,” she said.
Kieffer said she is also glad current staff members help in the interviewing process because they are aware of the qualities necessary for the job.
When she applied, the hiring process — especially the group interview — was a challenge because there were so many applicants, Kieffer said.
“You’re in this room full of leaders and you have to try to stand out somehow,” she said.
But she added that it is a good opportunity to get experience applying for jobs in general.
Sedgwick agreed the process is a good opportunity for students who may not have applied for many jobs.
“Even just the chance to participate in the group interview is a growth opportunity,” he said.
Sedgwick said one of the most difficult parts of the job is enforcing policies among fellow students.
Junior Will Seiler, an RA in McAlister Hall, said residents do break the rules at times. He said his most interesting experience so far was when staff members found a sofa on fire in a trash bin outside his hall.
“That just kind of made for a crazy night,” he said.
But overall, Seiler said he has enjoyed his job.
“My favorite part about it is getting to meet all sorts of people,” he said. “It’s also been rewarding to know that I’ve helped people.”
Freshman Cynthia Karpowicz, who lives in H.P. Barnhart Hall, said she appreciates the residence-hall staff members and their attempts to make residence life enjoyable.
“RAs do try to help build the community,” she said.