Thank you for your interest in applying for a Resident Advisor position at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. We believe that being a Resident Advisor is one

of the most challenging and rewarding experiences that WPI can offer you.

RA APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The procedure of applying for the RA position consists of three parts: 1. Written Application 2. Individual Interview 3. Group Process

For your application to be considered, we must have the following by 5pm on Wednesday, December 15, 2010:

Completed Application

Two references completed by individuals with whom you have had some sort of evaluative relationship (i.e. a current or past supervisor, WPI administrator, faculty member, staff person, or coach.) Only one of these recommendations may be from a current RA.

All application materials must be received at the Office of Residential Services by Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 5:00pm. The Office of Residential Services closes at 5:00pm. Late applications will not be accepted. Please be sure to give your references sufficient time to complete these forms so that your application is not delayed or disqualified.

RA SELECTION TIMELINE

Monday, November 1, 2010 RA Applications available

(Residential Services Office, East Hall)

Monday, November 8, 2010 Information Party 7-8pm

(Riley Commons)

Monday, November 15, 2010 Info Table in Campus Center 11am-2pm

Tuesday, November 16, 2010 Info Table in Wedge 11am-2pm

Wednesday, November 17, 2010 Information Session 5-6pm

(Hagglund Room, Campus Center)

Thursday, December 2, 2010 Information Session 12-1pm (East Hall Conference Room)

Wednesday, December 15, 2010 Applications due by 5pm

(Residential Services Office, East Hall)

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Group Process Interview ** NOTE: This is a required session. You will be

assigned to the AM or PM session and notified on Friday, January 14th via email about assignment**

Monday, January 24 and Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Individual Candidate Interviews These interviews will be scheduled on the

day of the group process interviews.

Friday, January 28, 2011 Decision letter will be sent out via email

Tuesday, February 1, 2011 RA contracts due to Residential Services

(no later than 5pm)

Prior to beginning the application process, we encourage you to take a couple of minutes to look over the questions below and complete a quick self assessment. The following questions are designed to help you assess your readiness for the Resident Advisor position. Keep track of the number of questions you answer with a yes. Be honest with yourself for best results.

1. Do you feel like you balance your academics and current activities well?

2. Do you feel there is room for another 10 hour a week time commitment in your schedule?

3. Since there are times when the job is demanding and you can’t go home or hang out with friends, could you go long periods of time without seeing family and/or significant other?

4. Are you comfortable with giving up some of your free time to work weekends or holidays as part of the RA position?

5. Do you feel you could approach a resident about a personal concern that has been brought to your attention?

6. Would you feel comfortable assisting a student from an underrepresented group (e.g., student with a disability, gay/lesbian/bisexual, African American, Hispanic, etc)?

7. Are you able to confront other people's behaviors in a constructive manner?

8. Can you accept the fact that not everyone will want to be involved in your floor activities?

9. Can you accept the fact that you may have to plan events that you do not like to do however your residents may enjoy them?

10. Can you handle the fact that everyone on your floor or staff may not like you?

11. Can you remain objective and fair when dealing with a conflict involving your friends and fellow staff members?

12. Do you think you can be a good role model when you are off-campus/away from the hall?

13. Are you an outgoing person who is easy to get to know?

14. Are you able to initiate conversation easily?

15. Are you able to react and express yourself clearly in a tense situation?

16. Do you know the limits of confidentiality?

17. Do you know when someone is asking for help, but is not directly verbalizing their need?

18. Is the satisfaction of knowing you did your best enough for you?

19. Do you utilize constructive ways to relieve stress or tension?

20. When faced with criticism, are you flexible?

21. Do you project a positive self-image?

22. Would you feel comfortable writing reports about situations that occur on your staff or floor?

You should have answered the majority (17 or more) of the questions with a "yes" answer to show that you have a good understanding of the time and energy it takes to be a Resident Advisor. You are strongly encouraged to look at the questions you answered "no" to and discuss these questions with a Residential Services Staff member.

SKILLS THAT YOU CAN GAIN AS AN RA:

Team Building Communication Skills Creativity Community Leadership Interviewing Skills Safety and Security Time Management Networking Skills Crisis Intervention Skills Leadership Skills Event Planning Skills Active Listening Skills Public Speaking Long Range Planning Skills Exposure to Diversity Assertiveness Training Customer Service Skills Empathy

PLEASE NOTE: The RA position requires a significant time commitment. For this reason, RA’s:

may not serve on the Orientation staff (because of conflicts in training and program scheduling).

who are seeking outside employment will need to discuss this with the Associate Director of Residential Services

may not leave campus overnight more than 1 weekend per month without prior approval form the Office of Residential Services.

RA TRAINING SESSIONS

RAs that are hired for the 2011-2012 Academic Year are required to attend the following Spring 2011 Training Session:

* Saturday, April 9 9am-4pm

Additionally, RA staff returns to campus early before the start of A and C terms. RA staff will train for 2 weeks in August before school begins. RA Training will begin no earlier than August 6, 2011. RA staff members are required to attend this training in its entirety. In January, the staff typically returns 2-3 days prior to the start of classes/opening of the residence halls.

ELIGIBILITY

All full-time WPI students are eligible for RA positions provided they are in good academic and community standing. Successful candidates must have achieved at least sophomore status by the start of the Fall 2011 term.

JOB COMPENSATION

Resident Advisors receive a single room in an assigned hall/house free of charge. They also receive ½ of a 190 meal plan. RA staff members are required to be on a residential meal plan, regardless of where they are assigned to live. Please note that this compensation is considered a financial resource and financial aid candidates selected as RA’s may have an adjustment made in the self-help category of their aid package. If you feel that this may apply to you, we recommend that you speak with Financial Aid to see how the RA position may affect your aid. Financial status is not considered as a factor in selecting RA’s.

RESIDENT ADVISOR - POSITION DESCRIPTION - 2011-2012

A Resident Advisor is considered an integral part of the University’s effort to meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of

students. As a member of the Residential Services staff, Resident Advisors live and work with students to cooperatively establish an

educational living/learning environment with a well balanced variety of departmental activities. The specific responsibilities are outlined

below. A Resident Advisor reports to the Complex Coordinator (Residential Services professional staff).

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

All Resident Advisors are expected to assist with fulfilling the mission of the Office of Residential Services:

The primary mission of the Residential Services Department is to provide on-campus residential facilities that are attractive and

well-maintained by working on conjunction with other campus offices. Recognizing that student learning takes places in the

living environment, the Residential Services staff enhance and enrich students’ residential experience by providing services and

opportunities for personal and intellectual growth, and by creating a community that fosters an appreciation of diversity.

Student Development and Leadership

1. Set an example by adhering to the rules and regulations of the University and Residential Services.

2. Actively initiate contact with students on the floor to develop a rapport with each individual.

3. Be available in the residence hall, especially evenings and weekends and peak times for student interactions.

4. Recognize and assist students with social, personal, academic and related concerns and needs.

5. Provide assistance and mediation in resolution of conflicts between roommates or floor members.

6. Understand the necessity for confidentiality as well as the limitations.

7. Foster a positive and cooperative environment in the residence halls.

8. Help develop an atmosphere on the floor where students have concern and respect for the rights and privileges of others.

9. Promote and understand tolerance and acceptance of diverse lifestyles and individuals.

10. Help students develop a respect for private and University property.

11. Foster an atmosphere conducive to study and the development of effective study skills.

12. Know, communicate and enforce WPI and residence hall policies and regulations fairly and consistently while displaying

good judgment.

13. Confront, document and/or make referrals of inappropriate behavior.

14. Knows the University’s philosophy of discipline.

15. Be familiar with fire alarm systems and evacuation procedures as well as other emergency procedures.

16. Provide assistance and leadership in emergency or crisis situations.

17. Conduct periodic floor meetings for the purpose of planning activities, distributing information, explaining residence hall

policies and procedures, and strengthening floor community.

18. Be familiar with campus resources and services such as Student Development and Counseling Center, Health Center, Dining

Services, Financial Aid, Career Development Center, Religious Center, Campus Police, Student Life Office, Student

Activities, Academic Advising, Diversity Services, and International Students and Scholars.

19. Work cooperatively with building staff team including building custodial staff.

Programming

1. Encourage and facilitate the planning of programs based on the needs and interests of residents.

2. Provide information and encourage involvement in residence hall and campus programs.

3. Fulfill programming requirements as established by Residential Services.

4. If you are placed in a first year residence hall, you will work collaboratively with the Community Advisor (CA) and fulfill the

programming requirements for the Insight Program. Some examples of these requirements include: attending CA sponsored

programming and all trainings, and co-sponsoring programs with your CA.

Administrative

1. Complete all administrative tasks efficiently, promptly, and accurately.

2. Distribute and/or assist in collecting notices, reports and forms as requested by the Complex Coordinator and Residential

Services.

3. Attend all staff meetings, training sessions, and one-on-ones as scheduled by the Complex Coordinator and Residential

Services.

4. Be on duty weeknights and weekends according to the schedule developed. Duty includes: rounds of building(s),

documentation of incidents, checking on building security, and completion of duty log.

5. Assist in providing term break duty coverage between A and B term, C and D term as well as Thanksgiving Break.

6. Assist in the opening and closing of the residence halls at the beginning and conclusion of the academic year as well as term

break periods.

7. Be alert to safety and security hazards.

8. Assist in preserving the facilities and furnishings of the buildings by assessing the condition of the room before and after

occupancy, and conducting periodic maintenance and safety checks.

9. Other duties as assigned.

Who can apply? Any current WPI student that meets the following requirements:

Must be a full time student throughout

course of employment

Must be in good academic standing

Must be in satisfactory disciplinary status

Must have achieved sophomore status by the

start of the Fall 2011 term

Must be available to return to campus early

for training in August and in January.

How to apply

1. Please read through all the materials in the

packet, especially the tips on interviewing.

They will help you to prepare for the selection

process.

2. Complete application and essays

Please type or clearly print your application.

Be sure to include your name.

Essays should be completed in a thoughtful

and comprehensive manner. Questions must

be typed and attached to your application.

Candidates must return their completed

applications to the Office of Residential

Services (East Hall Lobby) by 5pm on

Wednesday, December 15, 2010.

Late applications will not be accepted.

3. Distribute Reference Forms

You will need to distribute Reference Forms

to at least two individuals that can speak of

your potential ability to fulfill the RA

responsibilities. The first reference must be completed by a

member of the WPI community (faculty,

staff, administrator, or RA). The second reference may be completed by

an individual outside of the WPI community

(for example, a former teacher, a coach, or

an employer) or a second member of the

WPI Community. It is recommended that you speak to your

references about the position and why you

want to apply so they can accurately

complete the form.

4. Group Process Interview In the group interview, you will work with

other applicants to solve various tasks. The

group interview helps us see how you will

work with residents and the other members

of your RA staff. The Group Interview process is scheduled

for Saturday, January 22, 2011. All

candidates are required to participate in this

process. The session will run from 9am-

5pm. You will be assigned to a half day

session. Please mark your calendar

accordingly.

5. Individual Interview

Your individual interview will be with a

member of the Residential Services

professional staff.

Individual Interviews will take place on

Monday, January 24 and Tuesday, January

25, 2011 only.

You must sign up for your individual

interview at the Group Interview on

Saturday, January 22, 2011. Please bring

your calendar or planner and be prepared to

sign up for a convenient time. 6. Notification letters

Letters will be delivered to your WPI email. We

will distribute decision letters on Friday, January

28, 2011. We anticipate that all applicants will be able to complete the entire selection process. If there are an extremely large number of candidates, we may need to assess candidates before each portion of the process in order to identify those who will continue in the process. Final decisions are made based upon evaluations of both interviews, recommendations, and written application. The more staff that gets to know you and the more information we have about you, the better off you are.

Missing interviews, especially without prior notice, is

generally perceived as a lack of interest on your part.

Missing an interview will automatically remove you from

the process, unless you obtain permission to continue

from the Associate Director of Residential Services. If

you choose at any time to withdraw from the process,

please contact Kristin Murphy by email at

kconti@wpi.edu.

Applying to be a Resident Assistant

Some notes about the position and the application process

What we are looking for in applicants:

We want to see what you are like.

Interviewers are not after a deep psychological profile,

only a general picture. During the interview, we will be

looking at general traits such as poise, ability to

communicate, leadership qualities, self-awareness,

interpersonal skills and your awareness of what the RA

job entails.

We want to see why you are applying.

An important consideration is finding out what you want

and why. Why are you applying for the position? What

do you want to accomplish? What do you expect to get

out of it?

We want to see what you have done.

We are interested in your experiences, jobs, special

training, volunteer work, hobbies, extracurricular

activities and especially residence hall or group living

experiences.

We want to see what you might do.

We look at your skills and experiences and how they

might relate to the position. We also look at your

potential to develop the skills required to be an effective

RA.

The Interview Process:

The interview is very important in the hiring process.

Most employers would tell you that it’s one thing to look

good on paper, but how you come across in person may

be much more important than your credentials.

Since the Resident Advisor position is clearly a “people” job, what you are like as a person and how you relate to others is critical to the selection process. Still, even when applicants are aware of this, and of the importance of interviews in the selection process, it is remarkable how many come into the interview without adequate preparation and with only a vague idea of what they want to say.

Interviews may be tense situations, even for the most

experienced. Interviewers expect and understand your

nervousness. However, you can enhance your interview

experience and be more relaxed by knowing what is

expected of you and by making a few simple

preparations before the interview.

How to Prepare: Know all you can about the position:

Read the Resident Assistant position description

included in this packet.

Take the time to talk to current or past Resident

Advisors about their jobs. If you have friends who

are Resident Advisors at other schools, talk to them

too. Staff at most schools share similar

responsibilities and challenges.

Attend an information session to talk with

current staff.

Information Sessions will be taking place at the

following times:

o Wednesday, November 17 at 4pm

(Hagglund Room, Campus Center)

o Thursday, December 2 at 12pm

(East Hall)

Know Yourself as an Applicant Be ready to express your values and what you are hoping

or looking to gain as a staff member. Consider what

experiences and capabilities you offer. Education,

summer jobs, hobbies, clubs, residence hall activities

and personal aspirations are all important. Everyone

brings a combination of strengths and weaknesses. Your

awareness of both is a plus.

Notes on References All applicants are required to submit two (2) reference forms. One reference must be from a WPI community member (faculty, staff, administrator, RA). The second reference can be from someone off campus or another member of the WPI community. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that both reference forms are returned to the Office of Residential Services by Wednesday, December 15, 2010.