become an everyday HERO

Transcription

1 become an everyday HERO Application Packet: This packet includes: Welcome Letter Timeline Job Description Application Form Essay Questions Application Check List: A Completed application includes: Completed application form A professional Cover Letter AND ONE PAGE Resume Answers to application short essay questions Completed recommendation forms o These are to be submitted DIRECTLY to the Department of Residence Life from the individual completing the form no later than the deadline for the application; Friday February 13, Peer Reference excluding a current Residence Life Staff Member 2. Dominican Faculty or Staff Member excluding a current Residence Life Staff Member Sign up and attend shadow hours as shown in the timeline Attend the Leadership in Action Day as shown in the timeline Select your PIECE of SELF EXPRESSION; as detailed in the Welcome Letter Return Applications (Via hard copy) to: Department of Residence Life Office no later than 5PM Friday February 13, 2015 The Director of Residence Life: 2 nd floor Edgehill Mansion / Office Hours: Monday Friday 9AM 5PM If you have question or concerns, please contact: The Department of Residence Life: / housing@dominican.edu LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

2 WELCOME: We are glad you re interested in becoming a Resident Advisor (RA) for the academic year! This is an opportunity for you to use your leadership skills and special abilities to help the residents and campus community at Dominican University of California. Moreover, these positions are formative for you as an individual, and we look forward to being a part of that growth in your life. Although you will be evaluated on everything from your interviewing skills to the information you provide, it is best to remain relaxed and show us the real you! We don't expect you to know the job at this point; what we will be looking for is character, integrity, creativity, enthusiasm, the ability to communicate with others, and the ability to be both a leader and a team member. There will be several meetings during the application process. Please pay special attention to the mandatory meetings on the included schedule. The information sessions will be very helpful to you, but you will not be required to attend one. Failure to attend all of the mandatory meetings may affect your application process. Please submit your COMPLETE application packet to the Department of Residence Life no later than 5PM Friday February 13, Please include in your cover letter; a brief description as to why you want to be a RA and what specific qualifications set you apart as a candidate. Please ask two people you trust to complete the reference form. One of your references MUST be from a University faculty/staff person that you have interacted with positively while at Dominican. The second reference should be from an individual you consider a peer, a roommate, group member, teammate, etc. PIECE of SELF EXPRESSION: This is a simple or complex personalized creation, which is what you believe, represents the type of community you would like to establish in your assigned area if chosen as a RA for the academic year. Additionally it should represent your leadership in the community, either literally or figuratively! Please be prepared to discuss the PIECE of SELF EXPRESSION, and its relation to the Resident Advisor position during the leadership in action day. This piece should be creative, well thought-out and meaningful to you as an individual, it should be no larger than an 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper, and can include images, magazine clippings, text, objects, or whatever else inspires you. We will be happy to answer any questions regarding the individual interview and the PIECE of SELF EXPRESSION Information Sessions. In Closing: This process is intended to be worthwhile by using a similar process you will go through when you apply for a job in the real world. Take advantage of this process to prepare you for the future. Please dress professionally for all meetings and interviews. If you will be missing any part of the required training because of previous scheduled activities or major requirements related to classes, such as student teaching, internships, etc., please speak to the Director of Residence Life before applying. It is expected that you will attend all training and job requirements moving forward, if hired as a Resident Advisor. Please be sure you understand that the RA position is an enjoyable and educational experience as well as a major time commitment. Being an RA can be the best part of your college experience, if you put your whole heart into it. Most importantly, read through this entire packet, including the position descriptions to understand all the responsibilities and terms before you continue. Thank you for considering the Resident Advisor position, Loralie S. Young and the Department of Residence Life

3 RESIDENT ADVISOR SELECTION TIMELINE 2015/16 January 27, 2015 February 2, 9pm - ENCOURAGED February 3, 9pm - ENCOURAGED Application Release Date Informal Information Session Edgehill Mansion/Garden Room Informal Information Session Edgehill Mansion/Garden Room Jan. 29 Feb MANDATORY Shadow Hours Beginning Wednesday January 28, please sign up for 3 separate shadow nights; (2 week days: Sunday Wednesday and 1 weekend: Thursday Saturday) each with different Resident Advisors & each in different locations. Sign up will be located in Loraile s office (2 nd Flr Edgehill Mansion) February 13, 5pm February 16, 1PM 4PM - MANDATORY February 26 March 5 March 6 May 17 - MANDATORY IF HIRED 1-3PM Application packet due to the Department of Residence Life Office (Late applications NOT ACCEPTED) Leadership in Action Day Edgehill Mansion Interviews Offers Extended Circles of Support

4 JOB EXPECTATION / DESCRIPTION Required Time Commitment May 17, 2015 Circle of Support August 1 August 24, 2015 Staff Training, complete attendance is required August 24 December 13, 12PM, 2015 Residency Requirement January 12 January 18, 2016 Staff Training, complete attendance is required January 18 - May 16, 12PM, 2016 Residency Requirement Purpose The primary role of a Resident Advisor is to build a strong bond with residents, fellow teammates and the student body as a whole to create a connection that ensures all students are working to create a better community. The position of Resident Advisor is one that is complex, dynamic and at times unpredictable. The following highlights areas of responsibility. General Expectations In accepting employment with the Residential Life Team, you will be expected to fulfill Residential Life requirements and meet the established standards and duties outlined in your job description. Listed below are some of the expectations you are required to meet. This list is by no means complete common sense, initiative, and professional residential life staff will dictate others. Show an active interest in your job Work constantly to improve your job performance and areas of responsibility Be pleasant, polite, courteous, and cooperative with fellow workers, supervisors, and the residents Remain in assigned work area unless instructed to do otherwise Be punctual and professional in all employment responsibilities Know and comply with the rules and regulations of Dominican University of California The Department of Residence Life Team conducts regular orientation and training for its employees because we believe that your growth is important. All orientation and training sessions are mandatory. The leadership will also arrange appropriate ongoing job training sessions and/or staff meetings. Each individual who interacts with any aspect of the Department of Residence Life formulates an opinion of it by the team s attitude along with the appearance of our buildings. Our success and your success as a team member is based in large part on our ability to project a desire to serve and faithfulness in service to our students. Each team member must take pride in the physical appearance of their designated area and the buildings in general. The Department of Residence Life recognizes that due to your academic pursuit at Dominican University of California each member must be committed to attending classes, studying, and taking exams. Being a member of the Department of Residence Life will not jeopardize your status as a student through unreasonable or unjustified demands. Terms of Employment You are employed on a semester basis with pay equivalent to that of a single occupancy room and 14-meal plan You are expected to comply with all policy and regulation as outlined in the student handbook, and to act as an representative of Dominican University of California You must maintain a least a 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA, as a full time undergraduate student while holding no more than 18 semester units.

5 It is advised that you speak with the Director of Residence Life before committing to but not limited to the following; night classes, part-time jobs, extracurricular activities and collegiate athletics, additional positions of leadership at Dominican University of California. You will be evaluated by your supervisor and your residents at the end of each semester Expectations RAs must be available as designated before the residence halls officially open each term/break and remain in the hall until the Director of Residence Life gives permission to leave (not longer than 24 hours after official closing) RA appointments are for one full academic year, excluding summer sessions Extracurricular activities are encouraged, but outside commitments require prior permission by the Director of Residence Life RAs that are removed or resign from their position are still held to honoring the conditions in their housing contract. Intercultural Competency Promote awareness of the individual rights and responsibilities of residents as members of the community according to the guidelines established in the Resident Advisor Handbook and the DUC Student Handbook. Establish personal contact and rapport with wing residents to be aware of possible problems or opportunities as they develop and assist in implementing any corrective or preventive measures as necessary. Assist residents with personal, social, health, and academic problems by maintaining individual contacts and making appropriate referrals. (This includes knowing your own limitations in an advising situation and familiarity with referral services.) Holistic Growth To support, promote, and uphold the Dominican University of California Ideals; Study - Community - Reflection - Service Attend all professional development and training sessions (these take priority over all commitments except academics): o Weekly staff meetings o All hall meetings o Individual weekly or bi-weekly meetings with Residence Life professionals o Training sessions (beginning no more than 21 days before fall semester starts) o Mandatory in-services during the school year o Spring Orientation (beginning no more than 5 days before the spring semester starts) o Special retreats/conferences o Support campus events, encourage participation, and attend various functions Individual Student Contact Know names and pertinent info about your residents; maintain regular contact with the residents. Maintain a high profile in the hall and floor; be approachable and receptive. Promote an awareness of cultural diversity among residents in the hall. Student Group Activities Assist students in building and maintaining community. Plan social and educational programs; be sure to involve residents in program planning. Assist in the recruitment, development, and support of other student leaders.

6 Assist with Management Functions in the Hall Involve residents when addressing policy violations or issues of concern. Know and communicate the room change procedures. Inform supervisor of student/floor concerns regarding facilities and housing procedures. Programming / Activity Planning In addition to promoting activities and events on campus, you are expected to organize a regular schedule of social activities for your floor you should be as creative as possible and engage residents in the planning/implementation of these programs. These programs should reflect and be guided by the interests and needs of your floor. Programs should address social, educational, multicultural, recreational, and community service needs. Safety Each Resident Advisor is his/her own best protection against accidents. Each Resident Advisor or is expected to be alert and careful. If an accident does occur, it is to be reported to the appropriate director no matter how minor it may seem. Further, it is the responsibility of each Resident Advisor or to report to the appropriate director of any unsafe condition or practice. Time Off If you plan on being away from campus for more than 24 hours, please inform your supervisor and the other RAs in the building. Be on campus and visible as much as possible; it will help in establishing relationships with your residents Some days require all RAs to be on-call, likely dates include, but are not limited to; building opening, homecoming, dance nights, and major campus wide events. The professional staff tries their best to give RAs two weeks notice; however, this may not be possible for all situations. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Residence Life professionals.. RA On-Call Duty Coverage RAs are required to be on duty on a rotational basis determined according to staff size and building needs RA Duty is for the purpose of being present in the residence halls, monitoring hall safety, and upholding the Universities code of conduct RAs must conduct at least three sets of rounds each duty night. RAs must be inside their respective residential hall when on duty Termination The Director of Residence Life reserves the right to terminate a Residential Advisor or if it is in the best interest of the Residential Life Team. The following may be cause for termination: Unacceptable job performance. Violation of contract. The Director of Residence Life will make the initial decision. The Resident Advisor has the choice to appeal the decision to the Dean of Student Life.

7 become an everyday HERO Personal Information Full Legal Name: DUC ID#: Current Residence Hall Assignment: Contact Phone Number: T-SHRIT SIZE: JACKET SIZE: Residential Information Previous residence on campus: Date: Building / Floor: Date: Building / Floor: Date: Building / Floor: Academic Information Current Class: -Year Student Major: Cumulative GPA: Anticipated date of graduation: Previous Work/Leadership Experience Activity / Employer Position Dates Commitments in the 2015/2016 Academic Year Anticipated course load for the school year: Number of units Fall 2015 Number of units Spring 2016

8 Time Management Worksheet A point system has been devised to use as a framework for outside involvement. If your point totals 20 or greater, serious consideration must be given to prioritizing your schedule. As you do this, keep in mind that your commitment to academics and to the job of Resident Advisor should be the top priorities and adjustments should then be made. It is recommended by the Department of Residence Life that a Resident Advisor should be within the 20 point range on this scale. 1. Average semester load (15 units) +5 points Each unit over 15 Service learning course 2. Student teaching, LINES, hospital shadowing or nursing/ot clinical -or any other field work placement required for academic major- 3. Internship / Off-Campus Job (less than) 20 hours per week Must be pre-approved by the DRL On-Campus Work Study Position (less than) 20 hours per week Must be pre-approved by the DRL 4 Athletic Membership University team and/or Club team +1 point +2 point +10 points +10 points +8 points +8 points 5. Campus Organization Membership +8 points Officer +3 points 8. DUC Student Ambassador +15 points Team Captain +5 points TOTAL: If an applicant exceeds 20 points on this scale before hiring, the Department of Residence Life reserves the right to not hire the applying individual. If a hired Resident Advisor makes adjustments to their time commitments, a discussion must take place with the Director of Residence Life to confirm and evaluate the balance of added responsibilities and commitments. The Department of Residence Life reserves the right to periodically evaluate time management worksheet with the RA staff member and hold the RA accountable for the 20 point maximum.

9 Essay Questions On a separate sheet of paper please TYPE the answers to the following questions (yield 1-2 paragraphs per answer) 1. What experience have you had in residence life that has directed you to applying for this position? 2. Please describe your perception of the RA job. It should be a description of your abilities and limitations, as well as the attitudes and values which you will use in your performance on the job. 3. What can an RA do to make sure residents feel welcome and build a strong community? 4. A major part of the RA position is being a role model to residents. Please give an example of a person you identify as a role model and the qualities they possess. How might you utilize your strengths to be an outstanding role model in your community? 5. What personal qualities do you possess which make you a good RA candidate? Do you have any relevant experience? If, yes please describe. 6. As an RA you are asked to work on a team. What kinds of roles do you play on a team and how might you help that team be successful? 7. What do you foresee as your biggest challenge in this position and how do you envision overcoming and growing from the experience? 8. How do you define Diversity and how has it impacted you personally? 9. If interested in a specific location; Pennafort, Fanjeaux, Edgehill Village, please explain your preference. Why does this specific location spark your interest? 10. Please prioritize the following roles of the Resident Advisor with 1 being the most significant role to you and 8 being least significant to you. In your list, provide 1-2 sentences as to why you have ranked each role as you have. Keep in mind there is no one correct answer to this question. ADMINISTRATOR: RA administrative duties include the following: Duty nights, submitting work orders, room check-in and checkout, incident reports, staff meeting, etc. COMMUNITY LEADER: The RA works to help create a feeling of belonging, pride, responsibility, and consideration among all floor community members. AUTHORITY: Responding to problems in the community and confronting students concerning inappropriate behavior, actions, and attitudes. FRIEND: Developing positive relationships with residents, students, and staff. ROLE MODEL: Modeling mature behavior and attitudes that are consistent with educational goals, housing policy and philosophy. STUDENT: Concentrating on personal academic goals, not just to role model, but to continue learning and to personally grow. TEACHER: Informing and educating students concerning their rights and responsibilities in the halls, and presenting information that will help them achieve personal, leadership, and academic goals. RESOURCE: Acting as a resource about the Dominican community and referring to needed services as necessary.

10 Have you ever been found responsible of violating a University Student Conduct Policy? If yes, please attach additional information and how you have learned from the situation, and how the lessons learned will aid you in this position. Return Applications (Via hard copy) to: Department of Residence Life Office no later than 5PM Friday February 13, 2015 The Director of Residence Life: 2 nd floor Edgehill Mansion / Office Hours: Monday Friday 9AM 5PM If you have question or concerns, please contact: The Department of Residence Life: / housing@dominican.edu LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED Please review the following statements as your signature indicates your response: I have reviewed the attached Resident Advisor job description, and if chosen to be an RA, I agree to carry out all of the responsibilities it entails. I have reviewed the required time commitments and am committed to being present and available at the designated dates & times. I certify that to the best of my knowledge, all of the information contained in this application and attached documents are true and trustworthy. Applicant Signature Date