Why become an RA?

Maybe you've been inspired.  Maybe you've been to a program or an event, or had an interaction that sparked an awareness that you can do it too.  Maybe you're curious about what it takes to be the most multi-faceted, intentional leader in your residence hall and campus community.  Maybe you just like to help people.  Maybe you want to get involved. Maybe you're looking for a life-changing experience.  Maybe you've just learned that most graduate schools and post-graduate employers like to see "RA" on the resume.  Maybe you're just looking for an incredible experience to invest yourself in.

Either way, you've taken the first step: you're reading this.  You're that much closer to becoming a student leader among student leaders.  Don't second-guess yourself.  If you're nervous, that's good: after all, you're half-way to applying for a position that will forever change your life.

What is an RA?

The Resident Assistant represents the Office of Residence Life as a key staff member in its operations.  As a full-time undergraduate student, the RA works under the direct supervision of the Hall Director (HD) or Complex Director (CD) responsible for the RA’s assigned building.  Together, these staff members work with students to create and maintain an atmosphere which fosters meaningful, educational opportunities, as well as valuable personal growth experiences.

Qualifications for Employment

• Maintaining a minimum 2.25 cumulative grade point average in every semester while employed in the RA position.
• Adhering to all college policies and procedures.
• Enforcing all college policies and procedures. 
• Fulfilling all RA duties, responsibilities, and expectations as outlined in the job description, and as explained by his/her supervisor, as well as other responsibilities as required.
• Supporting the Office of Residence Life’s mission and the mission of the college.

General Position Responsibilities

• Know, support and advise the residents living in your community
• Act as a resource for residents and make appropriate referrals to campus services
• Plan, implement and evaluate programs for the community or building according to the current programming model
• Attend weekly staff meetings, monthly all staff meetings, staff development activities, and training sessions which may require you to arrive to campus two weeks prior to the start of the fall semester and one week prior to the start of the spring semester
• Attend monthly or bi-weekly one-on-one meetings with Hall or Complex Director
• Participate in a weekly duty rotation and conduct building rounds
• Note and report any damages to the building or building facilities
• Enforce College policy within our residential communities (on or off duty)
• Assist with semester and break openings/closings and additional duty as needed
• Support the Office of Residence Life in its mission to create inclusive and supportive educational living environments

RA Application Process

How to Apply

1.  Attend an Information Meeting
All students interested in applying for a Resident Assistant position must attend one of the three information sessions being held.  See below for dates.

2.  Read the RA Information
In order to fully understand the responsibilities associated with the RA position, we strongly encourage you to carefully read all information on this site, especially the Resident Assistant job description which you can access by clicking here.  We also recommend that you talk with your RA to learn more about the position before applying.

3.  Apply Online
You can complete the application online by clicking here .  If you have difficulty completing the application, you can receive assistance in the Office of Residence Life, located in St. Joseph Hall 110, or by calling 401-865-2392.  All applications must be submitted no later than 4:30pm on Wednesday, February 18, 2009.  View the key dates for deadlines below.

You must also submit a current and updated resume via email to Tiffany Gaffney at tgaffne1@providence.edu by Wednesday, February 18, 2009.

4.   Sign-up for an Interview Time
Prior to your interview, please take some time to review the Providence College Mission Statement  and the Office of Residence Life Mission Statement found  here .

The Interview Process includes two components.  First, each candidate will participate in an individual interview with a panel of Residence Life staff which will last approximately 30 minutes. 

Individual interviews will be held Wednesday, February 18, 2009 through Friday, February 27, 2009 in the Office of Residence Life from 8:30am through 4:00pm.  To set up an interview, please call the Office of Residence Life at 401.865.2392 or stop by the office located in St. Joseph Hall room 110.

Second, a limited number of candidates will then be invited to attend the Group Process Interview.  During this session, each candidate will be placed in a group of approximately ten people and will participate in a series of activities with each of the group members.  These activities will be monitored and evaluated by current Resident Assistants and other Residence Life staff. 

The Group Process Interview will be held on the 4th floor of Harkins Hall on Saturday, March 21, 2009 from 9:00am until 1:00pm.

5.  You’ll Need a Reference
You must obtain a reference from a College faculty or staff member, or a current Providence College student.  You will be able to download the reference form by clicking here.  You must print, sign, and give this form to the individual writing your letter.  If you are currently studying abroad, you may submit the reference form to the recommender via email.
Note:   Office of Residence Life staff members may not write letters of recommendation.  Your RA will have an opportunity to recommend you at a later date.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Information Sessions

Tuesday, February 3, 2009          7:00pm      Aquinas Hall Lounge
Wednesday, February 4, 2009     4:00pm      Aquinas Hall Lounge
Thursday, February 5, 2009         5:30pm      Aquinas Hall Lounge

Application Timeline and Due Dates

Forms and Information

Online Application Form
Recommendation Form.doc
Resident Assistant Job Description (summary).doc
Mission Statements.doc

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to become an RA?
Any full-time, undergraduate student who will be a member of the sophomore, junior, or senior class for the year in which you will be employed is eligible to become a Resident Assistant.  Students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, interpersonal, organizational, and decision making skills are encouraged to apply. 

When can I apply for a RA position?
Online Applications are generally available during the months of January and February each year.  See above for key dates.

How do I apply?
For detailed instructions on applying, please review the RA Application Process section above.   See above for key dates.

What are the benefits of becoming a Resident Assistant?
Resident Assistants receive a stipend according to their length of employment, a single room assignment in the traditional halls, as well as ID access to all residence facilities.  In addition, RAs return to campus one to two weeks before classes begin in August to receive intensive training in conflict resolution, crisis management, leadership, programming, counseling, and more.  The experience of being a leader and helper among peers is often the most rewarding benefit of the position.

I am going abroad in the Spring and will miss the RA interviews.  Can I still apply?
Yes.  The Office of Residence Life accepts applications in November from all students who are going abroad in the spring semester.  RA Interviews for these students are generally held towards the end of fall semester.  If you would like more information, please email Tiffany Gaffney at tgaffne1@providence.edu.

I signed up for housing during the fall housing selection process.  Am I still able to apply for the RA position?
Yes.  If you are offered a Resident Assistant position you will need to give up your previous housing assignment and will be given a housing assignment according to your staff placement.

Who can I contact if I have questions?
Please email Tiffany Gaffney, Assistant Dean of Residence Life for Staff Training and Development at tgaffne1@providence.edu.