About the Position:

Being a Resident Assistant (RA) is an exciting and challenging experience. The position allows you many opportunities; a chance to interact closely with a diverse group of people, to assist them in creating a hall community, to encourage them to grow personally and academically, and to help them make the most of their on-campus living experience. Undoubtedly, you will be challenged by the demands of the job to grow personally and to stretch towards the limits of your own potential. You will be in a position to positively impact the "Centre Experience." We feel these rewards and responsibilities warrant high expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How are RAs selected?

RAs are selected based on point system. Each candidate receives points for his or her application, two recommendations, self-evaluation, peer evaluations (sent out randomly by the Student Life Office), RA Pursuit scores and written exercises. Applications, recommendations, and self-evaluations are scored blindly by professional members of the Student Life Office. During RA Pursuit, candidates are scored by staff members who do not know them well, thus limiting bias. Written exercises from RA Pursuit are scored by professional staff in the Student Life Office. After RA Pursuit, approximately one half of the candidates will go on for an interview, in which they will receive 3 scores, one from each interviewer. Each candidate will be interviewed by 3 people: a Student Life Office member, a current RA or RD, and a professional counselor from the Comprehensive Care Center .

As you can see, the process is set up to be as objective as possible and there are many opportunities for candidates to shine!

What if I can't make it to RA Pursuit?

Candidates who have a legitimate excuse (illness, family emergency, class, or athletic event) may make up a limited version of RA Pursuit the next day. These are rare cases and students should talk with the Director of Residence Life as soon as possible to make arrangements.

Do RAs get paid?

Yes! RAs currently have a monthly salary of $280-$340 depending on seniority and position. RDs make slightly more money than RAs. If you are a work study student, this money will come from your work study award.

Who should I have complete the two recommendations?

Any former supervisor or person in authority who knows you well. Current Centre College faculty and staff or faculty and staff from high school (if you are a first year student) are appropriate. Current RAs and Student Life Office members may not fill out recommendation forms.

What if my application is incomplete?

Your application must be complete before you can be selected for an interview. Points will be taken off for late materials. Feel free to contact the Director of Residence Life at any time to inquire about the status of your application completion.

May I have a roommate as an RA?

As part of compensation, RAs are allowed to live without a roommate for no extra charge. Many RAs prefer to have roommates, which is permissible for all RAs except those working with first year students.

May I still apply to be an RA if I am applying to go abroad?

Yes! Since RA Pursuit is only held in the Spring, all students who plan on being abroad the following Spring should definitely go through the application process now. Some new RAs may be hired on a half year basis if needed, however, we prefer to hire new RAs for full years if possible. Being abroad in CentreTerm does not have any affect on hiring. See Sarah Scott Hall in the Student Life Office if you have questions.

Am I guaranteed an RA position for the remainder of my time at Centre once I am hired?

No. All RAs are evaluated and their rehire for the following year is determined by their performance. However, the overwhelming majority of RAs are rehired each year until they graduate.

May I hold another job as well as the RA job?

Since the RA position is very time and energy demanding, all outside work must be approved by the Director of Residence Life. Positions that take you away from the halls on the weekends or in the evenings may be particularly problematic.

What if I am not offered a position?

Realize that only about one half of all applicants will be able to make it to the interview stage of the application process. Since it is so competitive, it is normal for people to go through the entire RA application process multiple times. You always have the option of keeping scores from the previous year or going through again. Almost always, people do better when going through the process a second time.

May I apply if I have been cited for a policy violation?

Yes. We realize that everyone makes mistakes. We are more concerned about patterns of policy violation than one isolated incident.

 

If you have questions about this selection process or about the RA position in general,
please contact Sarah Scott Hall at sarah.scott@centre.edu

Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the Centre College Residence Life Staff!