I Heart Community: Frequently Asked Questions

 

General questions
Resident Assistant specific questions
Community Relations Facilitator specific questions

General Questions

I've never lived in a residence hall. Can I still apply?

Yes, you are still able to apply if you have not lived on campus. However, for the Resident Assistant position we require that each applicant have completed at least one term as a full time student at Oregon State University or, have been an RA for at least one year at another institution.

I know that by being a Resident Assistant or Community Relations Facilitator, I will receive a room, meal plan, and a yearly stipend. How will that affect my financial aid?

The position can affect your financial aid or scholarship award. However, to determine how that will affect your situation specifically, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

I’ve heard that there is a student staff  class during the spring, is that optional?

The spring student staff class (AHE 199) is required for all new staff. 

When does training begin in the fall?

Resident Assistants will begin training as early as August 31, 2013. Community Relations Facilitators will begin training as early as August 24, 2013.

If I have a conflict, can I miss training or be late for it?

No. Attending training in its entirety and fully participating in opening the halls is required to hold the position. Training lasts approximately through the first day of classes and covers a breadth of information ranging from programming and confrontation, to community building and social justice. The time invested is critical to prepare Resident Assistants and Community Relations Facilitators on how to serve as resources for their residents. Students interested in taking Summer 2013 courses will be expected to plan their schedule around all training sessions.

What if I don't have the required GPA?

Applicants are expected to maintain an OSU cumulative GPA of 2.5. Candidates who do not meet minimum GPA requirements at the time of application may not receive full consideration.  Applicants will not be considered for placement until they meet the GPA requirements. All Resident Assistants must be full-time students and progressing toward graduation.

If I have been documented through the university conduct process, can I still be a Resident Assistant or Community Relations Facilitator?

Students must be in good conduct standing with the university and UHDS. Good conduct standing means: you are not currently on probation nor have been evicted from UHDS, nor are you currently suspended, expelled, or on interim suspension from the university. In addition, you must not have any incomplete sanctions with the UHDS or Dean of Student Life office.

What if I don’t have a resume?

We encourage applicants who are not familiar with the resume or general interviewing process to visit Career Services at OSU. They can provide valuable resources to help you as you apply and interview for the RA position.

Can I have my mom write one of my recommendations?

No. You should select 2 non-family members who can speak to your job-related and/or leadership skills to be your recommendations. At least one should be from OSU (or your current institution).

What does the interview process entail?

Your interview will begin with your written application. After a review of applications, candidates will be informed on whether or not they will be offered an interview. Interviews are held on campus during the weekend of February 8 – 10, 2013.

If I will not be available during the stated interview times (February 8-10). Should I still apply?

Please make every effort to modify your plans to be in Corvallis the weekend of February 8-10. If you are still not able to attend, please contact David Akana (Assistant Director for Residential Education) or Teresita Alvarez (Assistant Director for Diversity Initiatives and Programs).

Who should I contact if I have further questions?

You can speak to your Resident Director, Cooperative Director, or email, David Akana, Assistant Director for Residential Education or Teresita Alvarez, Assistant Director for Diversity Initiatives and Programs.

Do I have to be involved in my hall council or other clubs in order to be selected?

Involvement in clubs and organizations is not a prerequisite for the position. Being involved in the residence hall community can provide candidates with insight into the role of the RA or CRF and the dynamics of a residence hall community. Additionally, student leadership experience can provide candidates with insight into effective steps in planning events, managing time and working within a team, all of which are important aspects of being an RA or CRF.

What is the process to be a Co-Op Director at one of the four Co-Ops on the East Side of Campus?

Azalea, Avery, Oxford and Dixon each have a Cooperative House Director (CDs), who live in the Co-Ops and work with the house executives. The selection process to be a CD is separate from the RA selection process, and requires significant leadership experience on campus before applying. If you are interested in applying for a CD position, please go to the student jobs page and click on “CD selection information.”

What can I do to better my chances of being selected?

The selection process is very competitive. Candidates are strongly encouraged to take every step of the selection process seriously. Consider taking your application materials to a writing center and/or Career Services, and attend an interview skills workshop prior to your interview.

What should I wear to the interview?

Your interview is an opportunity to show your potential employer who you are as a candidate. Wear something that will allow you to be comfortable and give you confidence as you demonstrate your skills to the interviewers.

OK,  why is your slogan 'I Heart Community' and not something else. Wasn’t this different last year?

Our RA’s and CRF’s serve a critical role in the lives of our students by facilitating caring, safe, and engaged communities in our residence halls. In short, being an RA or CRF requires a lot of commitment, excitement and engagement in our Residential Communities. At the same time, it is a hands-on, on-the-go job that we believe warrants its own branding.

Lastly, in previous years our slogan has been different. However, RA’s are not the only student leaders and staff members that contribute to our community. The CRF’s play a huge role in our communities and so we have combined our efforts to recruit the best student leaders we have. The only way to find out if you will RA or CRF next year is to fill out our comprehensive, on-line application. 

 

Resident Assistant Specific

Do I already need to know how to confront people or deal with emergencies?

Prior experience in this area is not a requirement to be a Resident Assistant. All staff members receive training before the academic year on many situations that might arise.

Do I have to stay until the residence hall is closed and/or return before the residence halls open?

RAs help facilitate check-in and check-out for residents, and need to have an increased presence during transitional times. For 2013-14, most residence halls will be open continuously from September - June, including during Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, and Spring Break. Each hall will need to have RA duty coverage to serve students who choose to remain on campus during break times. Details of dates and times, which are specific to each academic year, are listed on that year’s current Resident Assistant Agreement.

Can I hold another position on/off-campus if I am a Resident Assistant?

Resident Assistants who desire to hold another position must have prior approval from their Resident Director. Please note that the RA position is a 15 hour per week position, therefore approved additional on-campus employment cannot exceed 5 hours per week.  Resident Assistants wishing to take more than 16-credits a term also need to seek prior approval from their Resident Director.

Can I choose the building I want to be a Resident Assistant in?

When you apply, you are applying for the position and not for a specific residence hall. Hall placement is determined by the Resident Directors and is based on the needs of the building, as well as the applicant’s skill set.

How can I apply for summer RA positions?

UHDS has a limited summer of Resident Assistant positions available for Summer 2013.  Application information will be available at the end of winter term.

 

Community Relations Facilitator Specific

Do I already need to be an “expert” on diversity and social justice issues?

What does the interview process entail?No. However, you must have a strong commitment to learning and acting towards diversity and social justice. We prefer you to have a working knowledge of these concepts but it is not expected.

The interview process will include an individual interview with Teresita Alvarez, Assistant Director for Diversity Initiatives and Programs, a Resident Director, and a current Community Relations Facilitator.

Where can I get more information about the CRF Program?

Please visit the CRF website.