Qualifications for Prospective RA Candidates:

The Department of Residence Services seeks applicants who stand out among their peers, are capable of handling responsibility, and have strong academic standing with the University. Candidates must also have the interest and ability to relate to students from a variety of cultural backgrounds and lifestyles. In carrying out the mission of the department, RAs are responsible for developing communities that emphasize self awareness, support and develop relationships, engage students in learning, encourage responsible citizenship and honor human differences. In doing so, RAs also assist with the administrative functions needed to run the hall community. The RA position is generally accomplished by fulfilling six roles: role model, community leader, educator, administrator, helper, and team member.

Candidates must meet eligibility requirements (listed below) and successfully complete the RA Selection Process. This process includes two parts including the application and the Leadership in Student Affairs workshop. Please see the RA Recruitment & Selection Process Timeline for additional information.

Eligibility to Apply for the RA Selection Process:

• 2.50 current & cumulative GPA and 30 credit hours for undergraduates, 3.00 current & cumulative GPA for graduate students. Candidates must maintain the required GPA at all points of the selection process.
• Must be admitted to Kent State University by the RA Application Deadline.
• Applicants cannot currently be under sanction from the Office of Student Conduct.
• Must have lived in University housing for at least one semester/quarter.
• • Minimum on-campus residency of 1 academic semester at Kent State University (may include the current semester); OR
  • Minimum on-campus residency of 1 academic semester or quarter at another college or university
• Attend an RA information session.
• Completed application, three references, cover letter, and résumé must be submitted by the designated deadline date and time - please see RA Recruitment & Selection Process Timeline for dates.
• Candidates must be available to reside on the Kent campus for the entire 2013-2014 Academic Year. Candidates who will not be present on the Kent campus for both the Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 semesters (due to December 2013 graduation, study abroad, internship, or any other reason) are not eligible to apply for an RA position.

Candidates who meet eligibility requirements and who complete all of the application steps will be invited to attend an RA group selection process session.

Candidates who successfully pass the group selection process will be invited to enroll in a section of the Leadership in Student Affairs course, held during the Spring 2013 semester. Candidates must successfully complete this course and receive a recommendation from the instructor(s) to be placed in the “Eligible for Hire” pool from which Residence Hall Directors fill vacant staff positions.

Top 10 things to consider when applying for the RA position 

1.) The RA position is a lifestyle change

2.) Can you be responsible for setting a good example?

-  Serving as a role model is expected of RAs, when on-campus or off campus.

3.) Consider your credit load and the type of classes you plan on taking for the next academic year, and your study habits.

- RAs are required to make time for duty (in the building from 6:00pm until 8:00am the next day weekdays, and from 6:00pm to 6:00pm the next day on weekends),one on one meetings, staff meetings, trainings, hall council, programs/events, floor activities, bulletin boards, staff committees, 15 hours each week of scheduled availability on the floor, and more.

- RAs have to be back by 3:00am so there are no all nighters in the lab, studio, etc

-During duty RAs cannot leave the building, and can be called frequently to assist with situations.

4.) When are you used to doing homework, socializing, spending time with family, etc.?

- RAs can take up to ten (10) nights away per semester, and there are times RA staff are required to be on campus; this does include many nights and weekends.

- RAs also come early and stay late. This does involve RA staff coming back approximately 2 weeks early before school starts in August, staying on campus and working for the Thanksgiving holiday, staying several days late and coming back several days early during winter break, staying several days late and coming back days early during Spring Break, staying several days late after classes end in May, etc.

5.) Do you hold leadership positions? How many organizations, clubs, or activities are you involved in?

- RA events will take priority over involvement in outside organizations, so if an RA event happens at the same time as your organization meeting or event, individuals will need to be at the RA event.

6.) Consider how your previous job experience and teamwork may be similar or different from the RA position.

- RAs frequently work together as a staff team, which can mean working with 5 or more other people to accomplish something.

- RAs are also called on to confront violations, and are expected to remain professional at all times.

7.) What are your financial responsibilities and will you receive adequate financial aid for the next academic year?

- Because of the compensation received, being an RA may reduce the amount of financial aid people receive.

- Contact the Financial Aid office to inquire about potential changes in your specific situation.

8.) How often do you go home?

- RAs have up to ten (10) nights away per semester. And, there are frequently times and weekends RAs are required to stay on campus and work: events/programs, training, Homecoming, Halloween, Thanksgiving, in-service, etc.

9.) Are you willing to work late nights?  Will this impact your sleeping habits?

- While on duty, RAs walk through the building multiple times per night. For most RAs, this means staying up as late as 2:00am on weekends.

10.) Will you be able to plan and attend multiple programs each week?

- RAs are required to host one event for their floor(s) during the first six weeks of school, and one every two weeks following that, along with completing four other events for the semester, attending hall council, and more.