2018 2019 Resident Assistant Applicant Information Packet Included in this information packet is the following: 2018-2019 Resident Assistant Job Description Frequently Asked Questions Application Information, Link and Timeline Disclosure Form and Non-Discrimination Policy Statement Residential Living and Learning Vision Our communities foster student development and learning in a safe and inclusive environment through vibrant educational opportunities that challenge students to lead lives of significance. Contact hrljobs@stetson.edu with any questions.
2018-2019 Resident Assistant Job Description The Resident Assistant (RA) is responsible for a community in one of the Residential Living and Learning operated buildings on the Deland campus of Stetson University. Reporting to a Residential Life Coordinator (RLC), the RA has several areas of responsibilities: community & student development, general administration, social justice, maintenance & facility administration, and to the staff team. Through daily interactions with residents, it is the RAs responsibility to create a safe and secure environment that supports the educational mission of the university and personal development of students. RAs employed by Stetson University need to have a strong understanding of what it means to live in, take part, and cultivate a strong community atmosphere within their specific residence hall assignment. RAs must know, understand, and adhere to all university and departmental policies and regulations. General Requirements: Must be in Good Academic Standing and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher at application as well as maintain a cumulative and term GPA of 2.5 or higher while employed Must be in Good Conduct Standing with Stetson University The RA position is for the full academic year. Students with special considerations who may not be able to work the full academic year are encouraged to apply. For the 2018-2019 academic year, RAs return for fall training on August 5, 2018 and are released for winter break on December 17, 2018. RAs will return for spring training on January 8, 2019 and are released for summer break on May 13, 2019. These dates are tentative and could change before the 2018-2019 academic year begins. RAs need to be on campus and available to work on all staff weekends including but not limited to: opening, closing, school breaks and Hatter Saturday RAs are expected to be available for their communities on the following weekends: fraternity & sorority recruitment, Halloween weekend, and homecoming weekend RAs need to be available Wednesday evenings from 9:15pm-11:00pm for staff / departmental meetings RAs are limited to work no more than 10 hours per week paid employment and may not exceed 10 hours per week of outside time commitments (including other employment). RAs are unable to hold any leadership or work position that conflicts with the RA position description. Community & Student Development Responsibilities Sets an example through their own behavior and is available and visible in the community Will hold one on one conversation with each resident in RAs designated area in order to complete Hatter Chat form during first few weeks of school. Gets to know the residents in the building(s) and is able to identify and address the needs of the community Is known by residents as an approachable and resourceful staff member Coordinates and implements programs in the hall as outlined in the community development model Actively facilitates a positive living and learning environment in the RAs assigned area Helps maintain an atmosphere in the hall conducive to studying and sleeping while supporting student involvement Provides intervention in crisis situations which may include but are not limited to roommate conflicts, personal problems, and possible mental health concerns Responds appropriately to confidential/private matters and refers when appropriate Serves as a mandatory reporter in many incidents including but not limited to physical/mental health, sexual assault and/or violence Participates in both planned and spontaneous activities within the community and university at large Addresses inappropriate behavior, documents policy violations and provides essential information as appropriate Mediates conflict between residents appropriately and addresses conflict in close communication with supervisor RAs in themed based housing and Fraternity & Sorority Houses may have additional responsibilities which will be covered during the workshop class. RAs placed in alcohol free buildings must be willing to abide by and support alcohol free policies.
General Administrative Responsibilities Attends, participates, and engages in all pre-semester training sessions, staff meetings, and 1 on 1 meetings Checks their university email address on a consistent basis in order to receive and reply to information from supervisor and/or Residential Living and Learning Participates in a leadership assignment that enhances the operations of RLL Completes all paperwork accurately and within established timelines including but not limited to: regular reports, staff feedback, and program planning forms Distributes advertisements and university resources to residents in a timely manner Assists with the check-in and check-out procedures of residents throughout the year as well as other responsibilities including but not limited to: admission recruitment events, health and safety inspections, and traditions events. Assists with the opening and closing of the residential facilities and remains until all halls are closed Social Justice Responsibilities Creates inclusive environments that are free from hate, prejudice, and discrimination Promotes understanding between all students that leads to appreciation of differences regardless of individual identities including but not limited to those in the institutional non-discrimination statement Provides programming opportunities that challenge residents to broaden their perspectives about those who are different from them Role models appropriate language use and confronts bias speech Staff Team Responsibilities Works cooperatively as a part of the team of staff members responsible for the community Supports departmental policies and decisions and is able to articulate them positively to residents Participates in the building/area duty system by completing rounds, documenting policy violations and responding to resident concerns Communicates with supervisor when RA will be away from assigned building Participates in the recruitment and selection of Residential Living and Learning Staff All RLL operated buildings are open during fall, Thanksgiving, and spring breaks; staff coverage is required. Some buildings will be open during the winter break; partial staff coverage is required during this time. In order to provide adequate coverage during break periods, staff throughout the system may be asked to assist with break coverage. Assumes other responsibilities as assigned Maintenance and Facility Administration Responsibilities Follows departmental procedures for reporting housekeeping, maintenance problems and follows up to see that these requests have been completed Maintains open communication with building housekeepers and their direct supervisor concerning maintenance and housekeeping requests Identifies and investigates any damage to the building and reports it to their supervisor immediately in addition to offering suggestions for community enhancement Remuneration RLL provides full housing accommodations for the selected staff member o Depending on placement the housing may be in an individual, shared, or apartment style space When placed in a shared room, the RA may have the opportunity to choose their roommate, however this is not guaranteed. A stipend of $1,000 for the academic year (paid over 20 biweekly payments during academic year)
2018-2019 Resident Assistant Application Information The application consists of two parts: Application form on Hatter Sync Reference Form Student Athlete Coach Support Form * Stetson NCAA Athletes Only Application Link: https://orgsync.com/26701/forms/282278 REFERENCES A reference should be an individual who has knowledge about you and your skills/personality and previous work ethic. The following will serve as an appropriate reference: current or previous supervisors in a work or volunteer position, professors and/or high school teachers. Please note that your reference must not be another student at Stetson University nor someone whom you consider a relative. Full time Residential Living and Learning staff are not eligible to be references for the RA application. References submitted by any Residential Living and Learning staff member, relative, or friend will not be considered adequate and will not be accepted. Once you have chosen and spoken to the individual who will be your reference, please send the below link from your Stetson e-mail address and ask them to complete the form no later than Tuesday, December 19, 2017. It is assumed that you will waive your right to view this reference. If you do not wish to waive the right to view the reference it is your responsibility to communicate that to your perspective reference. You must also contact Residential Living and Learning at hrljobs@stetson.edu to indicate to us that you are refusing to waive. It is your responsibility to make sure your reference completes the form on your behalf. Reference Link: https://orgsync.com/26701/forms/224848 References will have the option of uploading a letter or completing an assessment of your skills. The reference letter should address the following: leadership potential, communication skills (verbal and written), time management, strengths, and possible areas of improvement. References are due by Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 12pm. An application is not considered complete until reference is submitted.
Student Athletes If you are a student athlete, please sit down with your coach and go over the RA position description. Have your coach sign the form located at the end of this packet, indicating that they are aware of the requirements of the RA position and support you applying to the position, scan, and attach the form to the RA application on HatterSync. The form must be submitted with the RA application and a paper copy of the application form will not be accepted. RLL NEW RA 2018-2019 Selection Timeline Friday, October 6, 2017 Session 1: Monday, October 16 th @ 9:15pm (Welcome Center) Session 2: Tuesday, November 7 th @ 9:15pm (25L, Library) Session 3: Monday, November 20 th @ 7:30pm (LBC 136) Session 4: Thursday, December 7 th @ 5:15pm (Sage 213) Tuesday, December 19, 2017 Wednesday, January 24, 2018 Thursday, January 25, 2018 Friday, January 26, 2018 February 5, 12, and 19, 2018 (8-10 pm) February 6, 13, 20, 2018 (8-10pm) February 9, 16, 23, 2018 (2-4pm) Friday, March 2, 2018 Tuesday, March 13, 2018 Application available Information Sessions* *Interested candidates only attend one 30 minute session. It is not required to attend an information session to apply. Application Closes Interview days Monday Seminar Group* *Candidates will be placed into one seminar group to attend. All dates are mandatory. Tuesday Seminar Group* *Candidates will be placed into one seminar group to attend. All dates are mandatory. Friday Seminar Group* *Candidates will be placed into one seminar group to attend. All dates are mandatory. Decision letters sent via e-mail Acceptance forms due by noon
Non-Discrimination Policy Statement It is the policy of Stetson University not to discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, age, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical characteristics, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law in its educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid, employment, or other school-administered programs. The policy is enforced by Stetson and, where applicable, federal laws such as Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. The University is an equal opportunity educational institution. Inquiries regarding compliance with these statutes, and referrals to designated coordinators under the ADA/Section 504, Title IX, and the Age Discrimination Act may be directed to the Director of Human Resources, 421 N. Woodland Blvd- Unit 8327, Deland Florida 32723, 386/822-8710 for the DeLand and Celebration campuses, and to the Associate Dean for Academics, 1401 61st Street South, Gulfport, FL 33707, 727-562-7809 for the Gulfport and Tampa campuses, or to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-1100, 1-800-421-3481, TDD: 877-521-2172 If you need any accommodations throughout the Resident Assistant selection process or foresee any barriers to your participation, please email HRLjobs@stetson.edu Disclosures I understand that in order to start the position I must be in Good Academic Standing and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher at application as well as maintain a cumulative and term GPA of 2.5 or higher while employed, and be in Good Conduct Standing with Stetson University. I understand that if I am appointed to a position that in order to maintain appropriate support and community development, first time RAs are approved to have up to 10 hours per week of outside time commitments, including work. Work is identified as paid employment on or off campus. Returning RAs who wish to have more than 10 hours per week of outside commitment must have prior supervisor approval. I understand that if I am appointed a position I will be expected to fully support the Stetson University non-discrimination statement (found in this information packet) and Residential Living and Learning s commitment to diversity and social justice, regardless of my personal beliefs. This includes, though not exclusively, actively supporting all people by creating a welcoming community, promoting diversity and social justice programming, confronting hurtful and hateful comments, and educating others about respect and social justice. I understand that my position description includes other responsibilities as assigned. This statement is used to reflect the needs assessment nature of the position. The supervisor may assign other related duties based on special circumstances, emergencies, crisis, staffing shortages, etc. I understand that the position requires non-traditional hours including weekend and evening commitments, including but not limited to: opening and closing weekend, Halloween weekend, homecoming weekend, Hatter Saturday, and Wednesday evenings from 9:15pm-11:00pm for staff meetings.
I understand that the position requires me to be a role model regarding alcohol and other drugs. This means that I cannot use alcohol or be in the presence of alcohol if I am under the age of 21 and that I cannot use illegal drugs or misuse legal drugs under any circumstances. I am also not allowed to consume alcohol with underage residents, provide alcohol or other drugs to any residents, and that if I am of legal age to consume alcohol, I will do so responsibly, and in accordance with the University Alcohol Policy keeping in mind my responsibility to serve as a role model. The information I have provided in my application is correct. I understand that in order to be considered for a position with the Department of Residential Living and Learning, I am required to participate in all staff selection process activities such as interviews & workshop experience. I understand that as a member of RLL staff I am expected to serve as a role model and be accountable to the Code of Community Standards, RLL Guide to Residential Living, and all other applicable local, state, & federal laws. Frequently Asked Questions How many RA positions are there? We will have 60+ RA positions next year; some will go to returners; some are gender specific; selecting available for all buildings will increase your chances of being selected. The number of RAs we need is also subject to change depending on the needs of our residential population. Can I get more information on the remuneration for the RA position? Your housing cost will be covered by a financial aid award from RLL which will be applied to your room charges in that specific amount. It is possible that this award may put you over your need and may reduce certain need based grants that you may be eligible for. RA s receive $1,000 paid over 20 payments. These stipends will be covered by either Federal Work Study (FWS) or University Employment. Students who are eligible for FWS will receive their stipend from this fund. Stipends are paid over 10 months. The stipend and room award will be terminated if the position is terminated. What is the RA seminar? The RA seminar is a 3 week long course where candidates are able to learn more about the RA position to see if they are a good fit for the position. The course will be lecture and experiential with participants learning about different aspects of the RA position and participating in activities to gain a better understanding of what it means to be an RA. Residential Living and Learning professional staff lead the seminar courses. What is an alternate RA position? If a candidate is not hired for a specific building, they may be given the opportunity to accept a spot as an Alternate RA. Alternate RAs are eligible for hire for a certain time period should a position become available. Alternates are selected based on who will best fit the needs of the community and staff vacancy. How are RA placements decided? The Residential Living and Learning staff puts a lot of time and energy into deciding who will be offered an RA position. Building a strong vibrant community is our overall goal. We do our best to place applicants into building environments where we feel they will thrive and also have a chance to
grow and learn from their experience in a particular building. Community needs are priority when evaluating candidate placement in each area. Candidates preferences are taken into consideration during the placement process. It is possible to be offered a placement that may not be your preference. How often are RAs on duty? It depends. Each RA staff, which typically consists of around 14-21 RAs, is responsible for covering all the duty weekdays (4:30 PM 8 AM next day) and weekends (all day) associated with their area. Two RAs are on duty for each duty shift and the RAs will evenly split up the weekdays and weekends among themselves. In general, you may have one weeknight you have to cover every other week and then be on duty for one weekend a month. However, this will vary depending on the size of your staff. The department also has what we call All Staff weekends which RAs are required to work. All staff weekends include openings, FOCUS Orientation, closings, and Hatter Saturday. Which buildings are alcohol free? RLL operates all first year only communities as alcohol free housing (Carson, Hollis, Gordis, Smith and Nemec Halls). Individuals living in alcohol free buildings, including Resident Assistants, agree that they will not consume or possess alcohol or other drugs in these communities. Students, regardless of age, may not possess/consume alcohol in these communities. What is RA Institute like? RA Institute is a two week long, intensive training period where incoming and returning RAs learn about the position, expectations, and skills and techniques to help them in the RA position throughout the year. Institute is also the time you will get to know the team you will be working with throughout the year! Training days are scheduled to go from 9:00am until 5:00pm depending on the topics of the day. All RAs are expected to be completely free during the days designated for August and January Institute (August 5th, 2018-August 23, 2018, January 8, 2019-January 14, 2019) and should not plan any outside activities, personal or other work commitments. Can I have a second job as an RA? What about other commitments on campus? Being an RA is a time intensive job. You have to get to know the residents in your community and be available to meet their needs on a consistent basis. In order to maintain appropriate support and community development, RAs are approved to have up to 10 hours per week of outside time commitments, including work. Work is identified as paid employment on or off campus. Returning RAs who wish to have more than 10 hours per week of outside commitments must have prior supervisor approval. The RA position is considered your primary non-academic commitment. RAs are not able to hold any other leadership or work role on campus that would conflict with the RA responsibilities in any way or cause confusion to residents regarding which role the student is currently holding. Additionally, international students, per visa requirements, are only able to work a total of 20 hours per week. The RA position requires at least 10 hours per week so international students can only work 10 additional hours due to visa restrictions. RAs are unable to hold leadership or executive board positions within other organizations that conflict with the RA position. Residential Living and Learning holds the right to determine if a position conflicts with the RA role in any way. If you are hired as an RA, you will be serving in the RA role only. Having a student in your organization serve as only the RA (and not in any other position that conflicts) will avoid any confusion regarding what role the student is acting in. For more information we encourage you to attend an Information Session.
2018-2019 Resident Assistant Selection Student Athlete Coach Support Form Residential Living and Learning recognizes the time commitment that student athletes dedicate to their sport. Being an RA is also a time intensive position. Please sit down with your coach and go over the RA position description. Please have your coach sign below, indicating that they are aware of the requirements of the RA position and support you applying to the position, scan, and attach the form to the RA application on HatterSync. Student Athlete Name: Student Athlete Sport: Student Athlete Coach s Name: I have sat down with the student athlete listed above, went over the Resident Assistant position description, and support this student athlete applying for a Resident Assistant position for the 2018-2019 academic year. Coach Name: Coach Signature: Coach Email: