Student Leader Resource & Application Guide 2017 UArts Office of Student Life Gershman Hall, Suite 309 studentlife@uarts.edu 215.717.6970
The Application Process Step 1: Research the positions: Being a Student Leader, whether a Community Advisor (CA), Orientation Leader (OL), Resident Assistant (RA), Residential Peer Educator (RPE) or Peer Mentor (PM) can be one of the most enriching and rewarding experiences of your college career. The role of a Student Leader can be very challenging, demanding, and it can cause stress. So, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the responsibilities and expectations of being a Student Leader before applying. Keep in mind that there are big differences between all positions (CA, OL, RA, RPE, PM), most notably that CAs work with high school age students during the Summer Pre-College Program, OLs work with new incoming UArts students, RAs work with students living in our Residence Halls throughout the entire school year, RPEs work with students during the entire school year with a more academic focus, and PMs work with incoming students. Talk to current or former staff members (CAs, OLs, RAs, RPEs, PMs) Attend an Information Session Talk to Student Life full time staff Read through all the information in this packet Visit the Office of Student Life Step 2: Complete the application materials: Be sure to plan ahead. No late applications will be accepted. Complete the application Attach a photograph. Make sure it s at least a 5x7 photo Complete the personal statement/creative project within the application. Complete the reference forms. (Please inform references to return the form in a sealed envelope to the Office of Student Life) Bring your completed application materials to the Office of Student Life which is located at 309 Gershman Hall. Completed applications must be submitted by Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at 5 PM. Step 3: Participate in the Student Leader Group Interview Process and the Individual Interview Process: More information about these processes is included later in this packet. Step 4: Regularly check your UArts e-mail account: Check your UArts e-mail daily for any updates on your status in the process, the interview schedule, status of your references, or requests for additional information. Page 2
Basic Qualifications In order to maintain an active candidacy, be offered a position, and maintain employment, you must meet or complete the following minimum qualifications. Any applicant who does not meet these minimum qualifications will not be eligible to be interviewed for a position. Grade Point Average & Good Academic Standing: You must be in good academic standing with the University and have a cumulative GPA of no less than 2.5. Student Conduct Record: If you have been through the UArts conduct process, this does not prevent you from applying for the position. However, you will be asked to provide a statement reflecting on your incident. The Interview and Selection Process Turn in Application (January 24, 2017): The first step in the journey to becoming a CA, OL, RA, RPE, or Peer Mentor is to turn in the application. All applications are due no later than Tuesday, January 24 at 5pm. We will NOT be accepting any late applications; so make plans to turn your application in on time. You will also want to work with your recommenders to make sure they are able to complete your recommendation on time. When you turn your application in, make sure you are submitting a complete application. This includes making sure all questions have been answered to the best of your ability, attaching a photograph of yourself, and typing/writing legibly. If you have any questions about the application feel free to stop by the Office of Student Life to ask. Group Interview Day (February 4, 2017): Once you have turned your completed application in, keep an eye on your UArts email. Additional information about Group Interview Day will be sent to your UArts email address. During this session, candidates are split into groups to complete a number of activities. It is during this process that we narrow down who will continue onto the individual interviews. Group Interview Day will be our first in-person impression of you, so be sure to be yourself, and let us see who you are and the skills that you can apply to the position. This is a mandatory event in the application process, so keep this date clear. Individual Interviews (February 7-17, 2017): After Group Interview Day is completed, all applicants will be reviewed. It will be taken into consideration what positions would be the best fit for each applicant based on applicants preferences. It is very important to check your UArts email regularly as an email will be sent stating whether or not you will be moving on in the process. All applicants selected to continue will only have one individual interview. However, that interview will count for all available positions for each candidate. If you are offered an individual interview, you will be invited to the Office of Student Life to sign up for an interview time. Interviews are conducted by one full-time Student Life staff member and one current/former CA, OL, RA, RPE and/or PM. Page 3
Hiring (By March 1, 2017): Continue to regularly check your UArts email. Once the individual interviews are completed and the applicants are reviewed and narrowed down, you will receive an email with one of three outcomes. The first possible outcome is that you have not been hired The second possible outcome is that you have been hired The third possible outcome is that you have been selected as an alternate Assuming you maintain GPA requirements and student conduct qualifications, you will be eligible for hire should any openings become available after initial offers are made. Alternates are typically kept on file and remain active through the completion of the next hiring process. It is possible to be hired for multiple positions, as indicated below: RA/CA/PM RPE/CA/PM/OL OL/CA/PM This means that you cannot serve as both an RA and an RPE. You can also not serve as both an RA and an OL. This is due to overlapping time commitments. Page 4
What do we look for in a Student Leader? Engaged: Being an engaged student is a high priority for all of our student staff members. Character: Student leaders need to be good role models. They need to set a good example, encourage others, learn from past experiences and be able to ask for help. Communication Skills: As a student leader, you need to be able to communicate ideas, be respectful of others, be timely in your follow-up on tasks or requests, and able to interact with all types of people. Problem Solving Ability: You need to be able to think through situations calmly, analyze situations and find good solutions. Organizational Skills: Student leaders need to be able to balance projects, deadlines, and work/personal responsibilities. Concern for Others: Above all, these student leader jobs are about caring for others and creating a community at UArts and in the residence halls where everyone feels valued. This often means being available, having an open door when you are home, and frequently socializing. Team Work: As a part of a staff, you will be surrounded by people who are there to support you. Part of the job is also being there to support them. Openness: All student leaders work to create inclusive communities where everyone feels valued and important. You need to be open to everyone and encourage others to accept and celebrate one another. Page 5
What s the difference between a CA, an OL, an RA, a PM, and an RPE? Community Advisor (CA) Orientation Leader (OL) Resident Assistant (RA) Main Objective CAs, in conjunction with the Pre-College program, ensure students have a safe and enjoyable summer. OLs welcome new students into the UArts Community. OLs help acclimate new students so they are prepared for their time at UArts. RAs support students who live in the residence halls throughout the school year by providing them with programs to help build community. Time Commitment June 30 through August 5, 2017. This includes training and working the actual Pre-College program. During the program you will be on call 1-2 nights per week. August 16 through August 27, 2017. This includes training and working actual orientation. During orientation you will be required to attend evening events lasting until 11pm. August 12, 2017-May 5 2018. This includes training and work through the school year. During the school year you will be required to be on duty throughout the semester. Student Population High School (Ages range from 15-18). Incoming college students. This can be a first year freshman or a transfer student. Students living on campus ranging from freshman to graduate students. Programming Responsibility Plan 3-4 programs weekly. Update bulletin boards biweekly. Plan 1 evening program during NSO. Attend 3 evening programs during NSO. Attend all day time events during orientation. Plan at least 8 programs per semester. Update bulletin boards monthly. Participate in building wide programs. Page 6
What s the difference between a CA, an OL, an RA, a PM, and an RPE? Main Objective Peer Mentor (PM) Peer mentors are a resource for first semester, first year students. Residential Peer Educator (RPE) RPEs provide tutoring services to residential students, as well as provide students with educational programming. Time Commitment Fall semester 2017. This includes a one day training the weekend before classes start. During the first semester you have monthly meetings. August 12, 2017 through May 5, 2018. This includes training. Student Population First semester, first year students. Students living on campus ranging from freshmen to seniors. Programming Responsibility Attend 1 campus program a month and plan 2 off campus excursions. Plan at least 8 programs per semester. Decorate the residence hall lounges. Participate in building wide programs. Page 7
What to Expect Once You re Hired Time Commitment, Compensation, & Benefits: All Student Leader positions are great leadership opportunities that provide staff members with personal growth and development opportunities that will benefit you for a lifetime. Community Advisors (CA): Will be training and working from June 30-August 6, 2017 Free room and board are included The proposed pay for CAs for the summer of 2017 is $1,600.00 for the summer. CAs are paid in two payments throughout the time of service. Orientation Leaders (OL): Will be training and working August 16-27, 2017 Free meals throughout Training and Orientation Free Orientation Items (t-shirts, giveaways, etc.) The proposed pay for OLs for the 2017 Fall Orientation is $250. OLs are paid in one lump sum at the end of Orientation. Resident Assistants (RA): Will be training and working August 12, 2017-May 5, 2018 Free room and 14 meal plan board are included The proposed pay for RAs for the 2017-2018 academic year is $100 per month. RAs are paid monthly on the 25 of each month in 9 installments from September to May. Residential Peer Tutors (RPE): Will be training and working August 12, 2017-May 5, 2018 Free room and 14 meal plan board are included Peer Mentors (PM): Will be training early in the 2017 fall semester. Free lunches and events throughout the semester for mentor and mentee Plan to attend the appropriate Spring Intro Meeting and Training: All 2017 staff members must attend a Spring Introduction Meeting and Training. During this event you will complete hiring paperwork and receive more information about training and the upcoming year. CA Spring Meeting & Training: Saturday, March 25, 2017 All CAs must return to campus June 30, 2017 Training will be July 1-July 8, 2017 OL Spring Meeting & Training: Saturday, March 25, 2017 All OLs who are living on campus move-in on August 16, 2017 Training & Orientation will be August 17-27, 2017 RA & RPE Spring Meeting & Training: Saturday, March 25, 2017 All RAs & RPEs must return to campus August 12 Training will be August 13-August 27, 2017 PM Spring Meeting: Saturday, March 25, 2017 Training will be in late August 2017 Page 8
Evaluate your time commitments: Realistically assess how you will be able to be successful at all of your involvements and make adjustments as needed. Being a student leader is a wonderful experience that will take up a large portion of your time. The most successful student leaders are the ones who don t stretch themselves too thin. Be a Leader: Remember, we expect you to uphold and follow university rules and guidelines. One thing to remember is that you are always a student leader, whether you are on campus or not. Celebrate! You are in for a life enhancing experience. No matter what your plans are after graduation, you will find that working as a CA, OL, RA, RPE or PM will give you skills and experiences that will benefit you. You will also impact countless lives and create some incredible memories.
A Typical Day in the Life of a CA At first, being a CA really scared me because CAs are doing what RAs do, but in only four weeks, and are supervising high school students in lieu of college students. It threw me back to how I was back in the high school, so this was the best opportunity to reflect on myself and reach out to students in need while I am sharing my experiences. What amazed me was that, despite living with totally different majors, the students were very involved in events CAs had provided for them. Overall, being a CA is very intense and compressed, but you will have amazing, supportive CAs around you. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to work with the high school students. Eddie Suh Summer 2016 CA Benefits Being a Community Advisor (CA) is an intense, fun and concentrated 5 week event. Starting with a 1 week training period with other CAs, you will learn the ins and outs of being responsible for your floor of high school artists. You will learn: communication skills, leadership traits, learning to resolve conflicts and helping others work through their differences. CAs have a unique opportunity to introduce high schools students to what it means to study art full-time while also showing how to balance work and fun. CAs spend their summer building personal and professional relationships with other CAs and the students on your hall, and meeting people you normally wouldn t; the experience of helping people s lives is invaluable. Being a CA is a full time commitment for the dates listed and is one of the best summer experiences out there! Time Commitments During a typical week, the following are required of CAs: Bed checks each night at 10:30pm Attendance at a 1-2 hour staff meeting once a week. Attendance at a 30 minute one on-one meeting with your supervisor every week. Creating programming throughout the summer, and depending on the schedule you create with your supervisor, you will be running a program 2-3 times a week. Programming also involves decorating your hall and keeping bulletin boards updated with relevant information. Depending on the duty schedule, at least one night of duty and one night of back-up duty each week. Duty consists of conducting building rounds and being available from 8 am-8 am. Open Door Policy a strong CA will have students who are comfortable stopping by to hang out, ask questions, or seek advice Keeping up with all communications: Checking email on a daily basis and responding to phone calls in a timely manner. Extra duties as assigned: Addressing issues with residents as they arise, assisting with campus events, participating in campus life, etc. Page 10
The Typical Orientation Experience for an OL Benefits There are many benefits that come with being an OL. As an OL you will improve on your communication skills, gain leadership skills, learn how to problem solve, plan events, and work with people of different backgrounds all while having lots of fun. Being an OL allows you to build personal and professional relationships with other OLs and new students who you may have otherwise never met. Being an OL is a big time commitment, which needs to be balanced with your other commitments as a student and an artist especially because the beginning of the school year can be very hectic. The opportunity to help new students navigate the beginning of college of life is invaluable, jam packed with many fun and new experiences. Time Commitments During orientation week and training, the following are required of OLs: Attendance at training, held the 4 days before orientation, & all orientation events. Creating buttons for your new students. Planning one evening activity that will be held during orientation Arriving early and on time to events, Orientation Leaders often help set-up events and serve as hosts, so early arrival is key. Keeping up with all communications: Checking email on a daily basis and responding to phone calls in a timely manner. Setting up events, moving items, being a positive representative of the Office of Student Life, participating in campus life, etc. This was my first year being an OL and it was an amazing experience. Training was long but definitely worth it and I was able to collaborate with great individuals who all shared the same goal, which was to make orientation the best it could be for the incoming students. Whether it was quizzo at Fox and Hound, leadership lessons, or team builders, every bit of energy that went in during the day was not a waste. I made great friends during the process all from different majors that I may not have known if I was not an OL. As an OL, I was able to help those that may have been anxious or overwhelmed. Some of my orientees still talk to me today in times of need and it feels great to be the one who helps them find their way throughout school and make it a home away from home. -Teya Crawford, Fall 2016 OL Page 11
A Typical Week in the Life of an RA Benefits There are many benefits that come with being an RA. Developing improved communication skills, becoming a leader, and learning to resolve conflicts and helping others work through their differences. Being an RA strengthens an individual s character on a daily basis. Building personal and professional relationships with other RAs and the students on your hall, and meeting people you normally wouldn t have; the experience of helping students is invaluable. Being an RA is a big time commitment that needs to be balanced with your other commitments as a student and an artist. Time Commitments During a typical week, the following are required of RAs: Attendance at a 1-2 hour staff meeting once a week. Attendance at a 30 minute one-on-one meeting with your supervisor every other week. Creating programming is a requirement throughout the semester, and depending on the schedule you create with your supervisor, you will be running a program every other week. Programming also involves decorating your hall and keeping bulletin boards updated with relevant information. Depending on the duty schedule, at least one night of duty each week. Duty involves being available and conducting rounds in the residence hall from 8 PM-8 AM the following morning. Open Door Policy: A strong RA will have students who are comfortable stopping by to hang out, ask questions, or seek advice Keeping up with all communications: Checking email on a daily basis and responding to phone calls in a timely manner. Extra duties as assigned: Addressing issues with residents as they arise, assisting with campus events, attending monthly in-services, participating in campus life, etc. For me, the role of an RA requires prioritizing skills and creative thinking. You are a role model to your fellow students and colleagues, and it's important that you are committed to your academic and artistic growth, while also being actively engaged and involved in your community. The role also requires creative "outside the box" thinking in the various events you'll have to design, solutions to obstacles you will encounter, as well as dedication to your artistic studies. You will be asked to collaborate and be open to other ideas, as well as express your own ideas, all while working towards efficient, beneficial solutions. Through this position, you will gain enthusiasm for your community, organization skills, and confidence in yourself and fellow artists. -Michael VanDie, 2015-2017 RA Page 12
A Typical Semester in the Life of a PM Benefits What is the Peer Mentor Program? This program matches upperclassmen with new students looking to create connections on their new campus. By being involved with Peer Mentors, students new to UArts or new to the peer mentor program will be able to meet mentors (you) outside of their major and have someone to help them navigate UArts and Philadelphia. Mentors serve as a helping hand, resource, sounding board, and someone who can help them find their way around campus. The peer mentor job is fun; you provide encouragement, support, and information to students who are looking for friendship and meaningful connection. To help create this new mentor/mentee relationship, you both participate in a variety of free activities offered by the University as well as plan excursions together. There is something special that forms between a mentor and a mentee that makes it all worth it. I personally never had one coming into college and had to find my way out of many common college insecurities. The experiences however, are the reason I became a peer mentor. It makes me happy to be a helping hand to up and coming students and help them transition to a school that I love so much. I always make sure to not just be a mentor but a friend that they can count on. A peer mentor isn t simply a temporary relationship, but rather one that continues after the program is over and is still joyful. -Stephanie Valdivia, Fall 2016 Peer Mentor Time Commitments During a typical semester, the following are required from Peer Mentors (funding is available for some of these events): Meet at mentor/mentee lunches and check in with others participating in the same program! Connect with your mentee once a week: Over coffee, at the Dining Hall, studying in the library, or through social media or email. Pick an on-campus program to attend together at least once a month: Intramurals, Open Mic night, and Late Night Breakfast have been popular in the past. Attend Philly-region events a few times a semester: Head down to First Friday, check out a gallery show or performance, walk down to Rittenhouse Square. Plan at least two outings for you and your mentee. The Peer Mentor Program is always growing and open to new ideas. By being a part of this program, you will have the opportunity to share your thoughts with other peer mentors, help plan the student life calendar, and help make UArts someone s home away from home. We hope you ll join us! Page 13
A Typical Semester in the Life of a Residential Peer Educator Benefits What is an RPE? Residential Peer Educators provide writing/academic skills tutoring and educational programming in the student lounges of each residence hall. In addition to scheduling tutoring appointments for their residents (and on occasion off-campus students), the RPEs will assist the Director in developing and monitoring the tutoring program in the residence hall. There are many benefits that come with being an RPE. As an RPE, you develop organizational and time management skills. The role of the RPE is highly social in nature, and as a result, you get to meet new people and connect with other students living on campus. Tutoring others helps you refine your own art and educational skills by teaching while developing communication skills. The RPEs are community-oriented and a resource to everyone on campus, and it s immensely rewarding to help strengthen the community at UArts as an RPE. Being an RPE is a big time commitment that needs to be balanced with your other commitments as a student and an artist. -Cara Corrigan & Liberty Laferriere, 2016 RPEs Time Commitments During a typical semester, the following are required from RPEs: Work 12-15 hours per week for drop-in/scheduled tutoring and programming Develop and monitor residential tutoring program Develop academic support programs in conjunction with the First-Year Experience Prepare and conduct academic workshops and presentations for residents Act as liaison with faculty and staff Connect residents to campus resources (Career Services, International Student Programs, Study Abroad, Health and Counseling, Student Life, etc.) Write, maintain, and submit reports to the Advising Center Page 14
Important Dates Tuesday, November 1, 2016: Applications available in the Office of Student Life, Gershman Hall, Suite 309. The Student Leader Meet & Greet will be held in CBS Auditorium, Hamilton Hall from 7-9 PM. Stop by to visit with the Office of Student Life staff and current student leaders! Optional Information Sessions: Try to attend an information session to learn about each of the positions and to hear from current or former student leaders. Both will be located in 408 Gershman Hall. November 16, 2016 @ 8pm November 28, 2016 @ 8pm Tuesday, January 24, 2017: Completed applications are due to the Office of Student Life. Late or incomplete application will not be accepted. Saturday, February 4, 2017: Group Interview Process. More information will be sent via email. Tuesday, February 7-Friday, February 17, 2017: Invited candidates will participate in the Individual Interview Process. More information will be sent via email. Wednesday, March 1, 2017: Hiring decisions will be sent via email. Wednesday, March 17, 2017: Acceptances due by 5 PM Saturday, March 25, 2017: If you are hired for OL, CA, RA, RPE or Peer Mentor and accept the position, mandatory Spring Training will be held on this date. Summer Training Dates: CA Training: Friday, June 30 Saturday, July 8, 2017 If you are hired and accept the position, mandatory CA Training will be held during these dates. OL Training & Orientation: Wednesday, August 16 Sunday, August 27, 2017 If you are hired and accept the position, mandatory OL Training will be held during these dates. RA & RPE Training: Saturday, August 12 Sunday, August 27, 2017 If you are hired and accept the position, mandatory RA & RPE Training will be held during these dates. PM Training: Late August 2017 If you are hired and accept the position, mandatory Peer Mentor Training will be held on this date. Page 15