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RA applications for 2017-2018 are now available online!

Complete applications and all recommendation forms are due at 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6. The selection process will include one session of group process activities that will take place between Monday, Feb. 13 and Thursday, Feb. 16 and a hall director interview between Tuesday, Feb. 21 and Friday, Feb. 24. You will select your preference for group process evenings in your application and you will sign up for your hall director interview in the Division of Student Affairs Office after you submit your application online. Candidates selected for employment will be notified of their appointment no later than Friday, March 17. If you have questions, please contact Amber Krusza at akrusza@carthage.edu.

Resident assistants are full-time undergraduate students who work with students and staff to facilitate a learning environment in the residence halls. They serve as role models and resource people, contributing positively to the intellectual, social and cultural development of students.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Has been a Carthage student for one semester and has lived in the residence halls.
  • Be a full-time undergraduate student.
  • Be available for the full academic year of employment.
  • Possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 at time of appointment and maintain good academic standing.

Position Description

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Expectations

  • Assist students in their orientation to campus.
  • Accept duty responsibilities on a regular basis.
  • Assist in the opening and closing of residence halls at vacation periods and at the beginning and end of each semester.
  • Develop and maintain a close, supportive working relationship with the Division of Student Affairs Office staff members, hall directors, assistant hall directors and fellow resident assistants on your staff and throughout campus.
  • Adhere to all established policies and procedures.
  • Significant extracurricular involvement must be discussed with your hall director prior to your commitment.
  • Additional employment requires permission by your hall director and should not interfere with the RA position.
  • Your presence is expected during the January Term. Exceptions to this expectation are subject to approval by your hall director and the Assistant Dean of Students/Director of Residential Life.

Interpersonal Development

  • Be a role model for students.
  • Know and assist students by maintaining visibility and availability, particularly in the evening hours.
  • Advise students who express personal, social and academic concerns.
  • Be knowledgeable about Carthage policies, regulations, and general information. Refer students to the appropriate department(s) for assistance.
  • Assist students in meeting their academic responsibilities by monitoring their academic achievement, maintain a floor environment conducive to academic success and foster the development of successful study habits.
  • Respect and maintain privacy of residents.
  • Encourage students to act with reason and responsibility.

Community and Program Development

  • Integrate the on-going academic, cultural and social life of the College within the residence halls by providing opportunities for programming.
  • Pursue opportunities to engage college faculty and staff in programming activities.
  • Support and encourage student involvement in the program planning of their residence hall/floor.
  • Meet departmental programming and community development requirements each semester, and work with the hall director and assistant hall directors to establish appropriate programming expectations for individual residence halls.
  • Keep students informed about the college through floor meetings, posters, flyers and other means of publicity.

Environmental/Safety Development

  • Encourage students to act responsibly in the care of their environment.
  • Educate students about safety.
  • Report emergencies or serious illness to appropriate personnel.
  • Facilitate emergency and crisis management procedures.
  • Discuss with students the need for neatness and cleanliness on the floor and building (e.g. hallways, lounges, bathrooms, elevators, stairwells, etc.).
  • Act as a liaison between housekeeping, maintenance staff and residents.

Enforcement of College Policy

  • Encourage responsibility and maturity on the part of all students.
  • Interpret and enforce college policies.
  • Confront students who violate community standards and/or college policies.

Administrative Duties

  • Complete all administrative tasks, which include but are not limited to: maintenance reports, room inventories, incident reports and program reports.
  • Attend all residence hall staff meetings.
  • Assist in RA Selection for new staff.
  • Other administrative duties as assigned by hall director. 

All Residential Life staff members selected for employment for the 2017-2018 academic year will receive a full waiver for the cost of their room, regardless of their housing assignment in regards to their compensation. This waiver does NOT include the cost of the student’s meal plan.