UVa-Wise Resident Advisors

2008-2009 RA Application can be downloaded HERE.

RA SelectionTimeline

Are you ready to lead...learn...live?

Resident Advisors (RAs) report directly to a Resident Director (RD) and to the Director of Residence Life (DRL).  THe RA's primary responsibility is to assist residential students in realizing opportunities for self-development through group living in the residence halls at UVa-Wise.  Fundamental to the position is the conecpt that role model staff members are the closest and most vital link with residents.  The RA is assigned responsibilities that encompass both student personnel services and general administrative functions.

Expectations

Academics - Possess a 2.5 cumulative GPA when hired, and maintain a 2.5 GPA per semester.  Should the GPA fall below 2.5, the RA has the next semester (probationary) to raise the GPA to a 2.5.  Should the GPA remain below 2.5 after the probationary semester, the RA's contract will be terminated.

Communication - Develop a working relationship with the residents, fellow RA’s, Resident Directors, and the Housing & Residence Life professional staff team, as well as with your own residents and Residence Hall Association (RHA) representative.

Duty responsibility/availability - Share responsibility for duty nights and hall security. RA’s are expected to be in their respective halls most nights of each week and be available to meet student needs.

Emergency situations - Assist in maintaining order in emergency situations.

Ethics - Maintain a high level of ethical standards both on and off duty.

Hall/room assignments - RA staff will be placed to provide the best housing program possible for our residents. The capabilities, personality, and interests of each RA will be taken into consideration when specific assignments are made. RA hall assignments and placements are for the entire academic year. It should be noted that the Director of Residence Life can re-assign when/if necessary. NOTE: It is our preference that RAs do not have roommaters and everything will be done in an effort to accomplish this. However, if the need arises, RA rooms can and will be used as temporary housing spaces. With this in mind, a RAhired for 2008-09 will be allowed to choose a roommate if he/she so desires.

Meetings - Attend and participate in all meetings called by the professional staff, including weekly staff meetings and work group meetings.

Miscellaneous administrative tasks - Maintain records concerning room/key inventory and damages from student rooms.  Assist in student room check-in/check-out processes.

Opening/closing - Must remain in the residence halls until all students have left for breaks (fall break, Thanksgiving, winter break, spring break, spring closing) and are required to return early from breaks to open the residence halls.

Professionalism - Maintain a professional attitude and manner while employed as a RA for UVa-Wise. RA's are held to the highest standard whether on campus or off.

Policies - Know, understand and effectively communicate the rationale for college and residence ahll policies and procedures.

Training - Required to participate in fall and spring training and any in-service sessions.

Community development

Programming - Facilitate academic, cultural, intellectual, emotional, vocational, spiritual, recreational, and social programming both individually and in cooperation with others (RA's, RHA, residents).  RA's are required to plan and implement programs and bulletin boards monthly, to meet the developmental needs of their residents.

Counseling - Help students adjust to roommate(s), floormate(s), residence hall-mates, and the College community.  Be available to assist students with personal and group concerns withing training/knowledge -- know limitations and make referrals when appropriate.

Mentor - Become acquainted with each resident as soon as possible, as well as with the residents of the hall.

Compensation

The Office of Housing & Residence Life credits each RA's account for half the minimum board plan rate required for the specified living area prior to the start of each semester (fall & spring). Additionally, each RA will receive $360 per month on an eight month contract.

 

Frequently asked questions

Q - Who can be an RA?

A - Any currently enrolled student who has lived on the UVa-Wise campus for at least one semester (including freshmen)and carries at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA is eligible to apply.

Q - What is the time commitment for an RA?

A - It is difficult to pinpoint an exact time fram, as the job varies every day. That's what makes it so great1 You can expect to be on duty 1-2 weeknights per month and 1-2 weekends per semester. With the exception of the weekly staff meeting and periodic work group meeting, a majority of your time will be devoted to spending time with your residents.

Q -Is the RA position a year-long commitment?

A - RA's are hired on a semesterly basis. Each RA undergoes an evaluation at the conclusion of the fall semester and, if the RA has met or exceeded his/her expectations, he/she will be re-hired for the spring semester.

Q - Are current RA's guaranteed a position if they re-apply?

A - Current RA's are welcomed and encouraged to re-apply for the following year. They are not guaranteed a position and must go through the same selection process as a new applicant.

Q -What kind of training is involved?

A - The RA staff takes part in a spring retreat 9at the conclusion of exams) and returns early in August in order to undergo the training necessary to prepare them for the RA position.

Q - Can I be an RA if I have been judicially charged?

A - You can be considered, depending on the severity of the charge(s).

Q - Can I work another job?

A - Jobs other than the RA position must be approved by the DRL. If approved, the secondary job cannot exceed 10 hours per week.

 

Need more information?

Contact Jason Lewkowicz, Director of Residence Life at jhl6n@uvawise.edu or 276/328-0178.