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RA Application & Resource Packet
2015-2016
Dear RA Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in being a Resident Assistant with the Department of Housing and Residential
Life! We are excited that you are interested in joining our team and we look forward to getting to know you
better through the selection process.
RAs play an important role for the department by providing resources and support for our students.
Therefore, we are looking for students who are thoughtful and caring, and willing to be role models and team
players. This RA job is a rewarding and challenging experience, but it will require you to be able to balance
your academic requirements, job requirements and personal commitments.
As an RA, you will have the unique opportunity to gain or development valuable leadership skills. You will
also develop many other skills that will be of valuable to you in your future career aspirations; critical
thinking skills, conflict resolution skills, event planning, and communication skills just to name a few. It is a
priceless opportunity to be challenged, grow as a leader, and develop as an individual.
This packet will provide you with information to aid in applying for the Resident Assistant position. It is full
of important information so it is important that you read the information carefully and seriously reflect on its
content before you apply. Once you decide if this job would be a good fit for you, utilize the checklist to
ensure you have successfully completed all of the required components of the application process.
Applications will be made available on-line between November 3, 2014 and January 21, 2015. Please note
that you are able to attend one of the information sessions scheduled between November 3, 2014 and
November 13, 2014 at various locations and time on campus prior to submitting your application. Please pay
special attention to the timeline and application process details provided for you at the information session
you attend.
Once again, thank you for your interest in the RA position! We look forward to meeting you and wish you the
best of luck should you choose to apply! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Residential
Life and Education staff in your area or the central housing office at 512-245-3705 or email
[email protected].
Sincerely,
Susan L. Dudolski, Associate Director
Residential Life and Education
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE
601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.2382|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU
Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.
RA Application & Resource Packet
2015-2016
RA APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Please use this checklist to make sure you are completing everything you need to throughout the process.
• Read through the information packet, especially the job description, thoroughly. Consider and reflect on what will
be asked of you in this position as well as your time commitments before you apply.
• Attend an Information Session. Attendance at an information session is not required. The information provided to
you during the session will help you understand the process and may also answer some of the questions you have.
If a topic in the job description or information in this packet is not clear to you, the information session is the place
to seek clarity! Information session dates, times, and locations can be found later on in this packet.
•
•
Everyone needs to apply through Jobs4Cats and submit a cover letter and resume through that process. In
Jobs4Cats, you will find the link to the RA application. You must then complete the online application. The
application can be found online at http://www.careerservices.txstate.edu/campus-jobs.html. The due date
for submission is Wednesday, January 21, 2015 by 5pm.
References: You will need to find THREE references to fill out our reference form in order for your
application to be complete. One must be a hall staff member (Residence Director, RA, etc.), one must be a
faculty/staff member at Texas State, and the third can be anyone else (not related to you) that can speak to
your character. Your three references will fill out an online form. Please make sure you send them the link
that needs to be filled out http://bit.ly/1toBL01. An example of what will be asked is attached to the end of
the packet for you to view.
 Resume: A current resume should be uploaded to your application
 Cover Letter: A current cover letter should be uploaded to your application.
• Hold February 6, 2015 on your calendar for an RA Introductory Workshop. This will be a time where you can
interact with other candidates, current RA’s and Residence Directors. The social will take place from 1pm-6pm
and you will be assigned time slot.
• Hold February 11-13 and 18-20 on your calendar for interviews within the process. February 11-13 will be
individual interviews, in which you will participate in your first round of one hour interview on one of these days.
February 18-20 will be your second round of one hour interview on one of these days and you will participate in a
two hour interview on one of these days. All applicants must participate in both individual interview processes to
receive full consideration for the position.
• Check your Texas State email account. We will be emailing you throughout the process as important information
will need to be communicated to you. In order to ensure you don’t miss any reminders or updates, please be sure
to check your Texas State email account at least once per day!
• You will pick up your notification letter about your hiring status during the week before Spring Break. An email
will be sent informing you when you can pick up your letters from Department of Housing and Residential Life
Office (corner of Comanche and Woods St.).
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE
601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.2382|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU
Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.
RA Application & Resource Packet
2015-2016
• Confirm or decline your appointment and return contracts to secure your position. All paperwork should be
submitted by 5pm on Monday, March 23, 2015 the Department of Housing and Residential Life Office (corner of
Comanche and Woods St.).
PROCESS TIMELINE
Date:
Item:
November 3
Applications available
November 10-13
Information Sessions held in halls
November 3-6
January 21
January 30
February 11-13
February 18-20
Notified week prior to
Spring Break
March 23
Arranged before end
of semester by RD
August 3
APPLICATIONS DUE
Notification of application status and interview details
February 6
April 25
Information Sessions held in halls
RA Candidate Introductory Workshop
1st Individual Interview
2nd Individual Interview
Notification letters available for pickup
Accept/Declination Due
Meet and Greet with 2014-2015 staff*
New RA Orientation*
Training begins*
*Times for these events are still TBD. We will communicate with you about these events when we get closer to the date.
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE
601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.2382|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU
Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.
RA Application & Resource Packet
2015-2016
INFORMATION SESSION
*All info sessions are optional, however, it is recommended to attend one to obtain important information about the position
and process. All sessions will present the same information so there is no need to go to multiple sessions.
DATE:
TIME:
LOCATION:
November 3
6pm
Gaillardia: Traditions Room
November 4
6pm
Jackson: Theater
November 3
November 3
November 4
November 4
November 5
November 5
November 5
November 6
November 6
November 6
November 10
November 10
November 11
November 11
November 11
November 12
November 13
November 13
7pm
8pm
7pm
8pm
6pm
7pm
8pm
6pm
7pm
8pm
6pm
7pm
6pm
7pm
8pm
7pm
6pm
7pm
San Jacinto: Theater
Chautauqua: Traditions Room
Bobcat Village: Clubhouse
Lantana: Second Floor Lobby
Falls: Seminar Room 112
Arnold & Smith: Arnold Admin Lobby
Bexar: Main Lobby (near front desk)
Hornsby & Burleson: Burleson Lobby
Butler: Second Floor Lobby
Laurel & Retama: Laurel Lobby
Beretta & Brogdon: Beretta Lobby
Elliott: Elliot Administration Building
San Marcos:
Sayers: Seminar Room 112
The Tower: 1st Floor lobby
The College Inn: Lobby
Sterry: 1.5 Lobby
Blanco: 3rd Floor A/B Lobby
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE
601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.2382|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU
Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.
RA Application & Resource Packet
2015-2016
Application Deadline:
Applications are available beginning November 3, 2014.
They are due January 21, 2015 by 5pm (references must be submitted by this time as well)
Candidate Introductory Workshop and Location:
RA Candidates will get the chance to informally spend time with current Residence Directors and current Resident
Assistants. This social is to provide a chance for networking, asking any follow up questions, and to get to know one
another better. This will take place Friday, February 6, 2015 from 1-6pm in the Department of Housing and
Residential Life Building, Room 312. You will be assigned a time slot based off of your schedule.
Individual Interview Dates and Locations:
Your first individual interview will take place during February 11-13, 2015. During this one hour interview, you will
get a chance to speak with a Residence Director and one or two current Resident Assistants. Dress for this interview is
professional. They will take place in the Department of Housing and Residential Life building (corner of Comanche
and Woods St.). You will be assigned a one hour time slot based off your schedule.
Your second individual interview will take place during February 18-20, 2015. During this one hour interview, you
will get a second chance to speak with a Residence Director and one or two current RA’s. During this interview,
questions will explore topics a bit more in depth than the first interview. You will be assigned a one hour time slot
based off your schedule.
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE
601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.2382|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU
Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.
RA Application & Resource Packet
2015-2016
LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITY POSITIONS
Within the Department of Housing and Residential Life, there are multiple Learning Communities that our
residents can choose to live in. These Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are where a group of students live
together on the same floor, wing, or building, take classes together, and agree to participate in a co-curricular
experience. This co-curricular experience consists of events and programs that happen outside the classroom, to
help connect the students and their learning to both in and out of the classroom experiences. Faculty and staff
members are involved in each Learning Community and play a role in the activities that happen.
Living Learning Community RAs have some expectations that differ from our Resident Assistant position. There is
a bigger emphasis on programming in the halls, especially with an academic focus. There are a few more meetings
involved, ensuring that all stakeholders in the community are involved. Below is an overview of our positions and
communities available. For the most part- in order to apply for these positions, you must be in that specific major.
When you fill out your application, be sure to acknowledge that you are interested in a Living Learning Community
position, when appropriate.
LLC
# beds
reserved
Business
56
Terry Scholars
24
Future Teachers
PreMed/PreDent
Psychology
Journalism/Mass
Comm
Career Exploration
Non Tower LCs
STEM (Science,
Technology,
Engineering, Math)
LEAD (Leadership)
Honors
Residential College
56
18
28
28
56
location
floor
#RAs
RA majors
Tower
6th
2
Accounting, marketing, management, finance, $125
CIS.
8 desk hours
Tower
3rd
1
Curriculum & Instruction/Interdisciplinary
Studies
Any. Preferably a Terry Scholar.
1
Psychology.
Tower
Tower
Tower
Tower
Tower
5th
4th
7th
7th
8th
2
1
1
Any. Preferably Chemistry or Biology.
2
Advertising, print, electronic media,
photography, public relations.
Any.
18
Sayers
2nd
1
Science, math, engineering, technology, etc
18
San
Jacinto
Laurel
1st
1
Any. Preferably a 3rd year RA.
80
210
Females- 3
4th
Males2nd
Beretta Hall and
9
Brogdon Hall
Compensation and
Desk Hours
$125
8 desk hours
$125
8 desk hours
$125
8 desk hours
$125
8 desk hours
$125
8 desk hours
$125
8 desk hours
$125
3 desk hours
Any. Need to be students in good standing in
the honors college.
$125
3 desk hours
$125
3 desk hours
Any. Need to be willing to do lots of general
community building.
$100
Regular desk hours- 8
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE
601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.2382|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU
Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.
RA Application & Resource Packet
2015-2016
JOB DESCRIPITION
Resident Assistant (RA) Job Description
The resident assistant is a student staff member of Housing and Residential Life who assumes major responsibilities in a
residence hall for developing an environment conducive to comfortable living, academic excellence and personal growth. The
following expectations specify the major responsibilities of the resident assistant position.
REPORTING
The resident assistant reports directly to the residence director of his/her assigned residence hall
PRIORITIES
The resident assistant is expected to establish the following priorities for his/her time: 1) academic commitments, 2)
residence hall staff responsibilities, and 3) extracurricular activities
Housing and Residential Life believes resident assistants are first and foremost students. However, an RA should be the
caliber of student that can handle the position responsibilities and academic requirements without neglecting any of these
areas.
QUALIFICATIONS TO APPLY:
The resident assistant must meet the following requirements at the time of application:
a. Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher Semester GPA of 2.5 or higher
c. 15 completed college credits by time of appointment
d. Minimum of one semester of residence hall living experience (or equivalent) by time of appointment
e. No current or pending disciplinary sanctions
f. Good standing with the University, Dean of Students, University Police, Housing and Residential Life, and eligible for work
in the United States
REQUIREMENTS TO MAINTAIN THE POSITION:
a. Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher
b. Semester GPA of 2.5 or higher
c. Be enrolled minimum of 12 semester hours throughout the semester (unless otherwise approved)
d. Receive a grade of “C” or better in SAHE 4178 (previously COUN 4378) prior to or during the first semester of employment
e. Under special circumstances and on a case-by-case basis, RAs with at least one semester of RA experience may work in a
position outside of his/her DHRL job. Before they begin work, written approval must be obtained from his/her residence
director and assistant director. In order to work outside of the RA position, RAs must be in good academic and job
standing. Outside employment in off campus employment must not exceed 10 working hours per week for that position. If
working on campus, RAs may never work more than 5 additional hours. RAs must understand that his/her RA role comes
first before any other employment position.
f. Written approval from your supervisor and assistant director for any regularly scheduled outside activities that require an
inordinate amount of time. This would include club involvements, internships, and officer position in any organization.
Pledging activities that consume a great deal of time or energy are not allowed during the first year of employment. During
the second year of employment, pledging activities may take place with the residence director’s permission.
COMPENSATION:
a. A single room (on-campus) and a board plan.
b. A monthly stipend of $103 (RAs and Residential College), $125 (Living Learning Community RAs), $400 (Bobcat Village
RAs)
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE
601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.2382|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU
Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.
RA Application & Resource Packet
2015-2016
EMPLOYMENT POLICIES
Student staff members serve without fixed terms and at the pleasure of the Director of Housing and Residential Life. As
employees at will, either the University or the student staff employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time
with or without cause and without liability for failure to continue the employment. Each staff member will receive a formal
evaluation of his/her performance each semester, and reappointment to the position is based upon satisfactory job
performance.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION
As a member of the Housing and Residential Life Staff, the resident assistant is part of a team, and must establish effective
working relationships with other University personnel.
To the Residence Director:
a. Complete tasks delegated by residence director
b. Suggest and assist with projects contributing to the residence hall community
c. Inform RD of any events or conditions that could potentially affect a resident, a floor, a hall, or the University
d. Serve as a communication link between residents and staff
e. Assess areas needing improvement in the building each night
f. Clear any overnight time away from the building through the RD
To the Residents:
a. Know residents in the assigned area of responsibility
b. Be aware of resident needs, and assist them in meeting those needs
c. Be available to residents, interact with them daily and assist in his/her adjustment to Texas State
d. Refer students to other appropriate personnel
e. Encourage and facilitate positive interaction and respect between residents
f. Help residents understand his/her rights and responsibilities in accordance with residence hall and University policies
To Other Staff:
a. Assume a fair share of both individual and group responsibility
b. Cultivate an effective working relationship with all members of staff
c. Keep lines of communication open between staff members
d. Maintain a comfortable, safe and non-threatening atmosphere in which to work
e. Respect confidentiality
f. Support other RAs
g. Be friendly and cooperative to other personnel and appreciate his/her efforts
h. Be familiar with the roles and responsibilities assumed by other University personnel
i. Understand the role resident assistants assume as part of DHRL and establish effective working relationships with all DHRL
personnel
For Administrative and Office Procedures:
a. Act in the residence director's absence, as designated
b. Be familiar with all phases of hall and office operations
c. Fulfill office duty and on-call duty responsibilities whenever assigned
d. Assist in maintaining hall security and safety
e. Return early for training/hall-opening and remain for hall closing at breaks and until the hall closes after the
last scheduled graduation
For Discipline:
a. Know and understand policies and procedures as they relate to residents and emergencies
b. Role model appropriate conduct expected in the hall
c. Ensure problems or potential problems are addressed immediately and refer as necessary
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE
601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.2382|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU
Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.
RA Application & Resource Packet
2015-2016
For Peer Counseling:
a. Recognize that RAs are not professional counselors
b. Be a good listener, receptive and sensitive to residents when approached for assistance
c. Provide accurate information and referral to students who need further assistance
d. Aid residents in problem solving
e. Respect the confidential nature of the peer counseling role while also realizing it is necessary to share information with
your supervisor
For Programming:
a. Identify areas of student needs within the programming model and program accordingly
b. Direct residents to other individuals sharing similar interests
c. Encourage residents to participate in hall and campus program activities
d. Fulfill programming contract with staff and residence director
e. Create an attractive and comfortable environment in which to live
For Hall Government:
a. Articulate the integral role hall governments play in DHRL
b. Attend and assist with floor meetings, hall meetings, hall functions, and campus activities
For Maintenance and Custodial:
a. Establish good communication and relationships with custodial/maintenance staff
b. Teach residents how to report custodial and maintenance concerns
c. Emphasize the residents’ role in maintaining community living
d. Regularly inspect hall public areas and complete the appropriate reports
e. Help investigate and follow up on residence hall damage
f. Complete Room Condition Forms at hall opening and closing and whenever students move in or out of a room
g. Report maintenance work needed in public areas
h. Report damage or theft of University property to the RD
i. Assist in the follow up on damage of residence hall property
For Professional Development:
a. Prior to or during the first semester of employment, successfully complete the RA class with a grade of C or better
b. Return to campus early, and participate in the Fall and Spring pre-service training workshops
c. Attend all residence hall staff meetings
d. Attend training sessions as directed
e. Other duties as assigned
For Professionalism:
a. Convey a positive attitude toward the RA position and its duties and responsibilities
b. Act as a positive role model both for fellow staff members and residents by not participating in questionable
or unethical behavior
c. Refrain from gossip, complaining and negative comments about residents, the RA position, DHRL and other
staff members
d. Use the appropriate channels to voice your concerns or suggestions regarding DHRL policies and procedures
e. Take pride in your work, as it is a reflection not only of you but of your staff, DHRL, and Texas State
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE
601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.2382|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU
Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.
RA Application & Resource Packet
2015-2016
MANDATORY TIME COMMITMENTS & OTHER TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
• Reserve Monday evenings from 6pm-8pm or 8pm-10pm for staff meetings and Department in services (no
classes and no other meetings). If you are in Student Government, you must sign the appropriate paperwork
with your supervisor.
• RAs will be required to work before the halls open, during finals, and after halls close in order to prepare the
facilities.
• RAs must maintain full time status as students (at least 12 hours) and if enrolled for more than 18 hours, they
must obtain permission from their supervisors
• Any student working on campus can only work a total of 25 hours a week. The RA job consists of 20 hours a
week, therefore, if you are to hold another employment position within the University, it can only be for 5
hours a week. This additional employment MUST be approved by your supervisor prior to working. *DHRL
strongly encourages that our first year RAs do not hold other employment positions.
• Any employment that happens outside of the University is limited to 10 hours a week, and again, must be
approved by your supervisor prior to working. *DHRL strongly encourages that our first year RAs do not
hold other employment positions.
• You are encouraged to discuss any extra-curricular activities, clubs, and other organizational membership
with your supervisor to ensure that you are giving the RA job the proper focus and time.
• You will be a role model at all times. You will not be working 24 hours a day, but you will be a role model 24
hours a day. Your actions and decisions should ensure you are setting a positive example for the residents
(this includes social media, situations dealing with alcohol, and other behaviors).
MEETINGS/COMMITMENTS THAT WILL HAPPEN ON A REGULAR BASIS WITHIN THE RA POSITION:
•
•
•
•
•
Staff meeting (happens every Monday between 6pm-8pm or 8pm-10pm)
One on One meeting with your supervisor (about an hour a week)
Eight desk hours every week (happen between 10am-10pm)
On calls (varies on building- but average is one weekend a month and a weekday every other week)
Programs hosted by each RA (varies again, but average is an event every other week)
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE
601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.2382|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU
Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.
RA Application & Resource Packet
2015-2016
CONNECT WITH US!
Feel free to connect with us on any of our social media sites! We would love to hear from you!
FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/TexasStateHousing
https://www.facebook.com/TexasStateLearningCommunities
https://www.facebook.com/TexasStateRATraining
TWITTER:
@txstatehousing
@TXST_RA
@txst_lc
INSTAGRAM:
txstatehousing
PINTERST:
Texas State Housing
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE
601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.2382|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU
Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.