Q: How do I become a Resident Assistant (RA)? What do I do, and when?
A: You are taking that first step now by visiting this website. Read through the entire site. If you still have questions, please contact the Office of Residence Life at 865-8519, or at resilife@unk.edu.
Q: What are you looking for in a RA?
A: We are looking for students who are responsible and able to model strong leadership; outgoing and excited to develop students; knowledgeable about the campus community; dedicated to building relationships; looking for a challenge; and committed to diversity.
Q: What happens if I don't complete part of the selection process? What if I miss a deadline?
A: Your application will stay in our applicant pool and will be condisered if any positions become available after the main selection process ends.
Q: What if I am offered an alternate position?
A: Your application will stay in our applicant pool and will be condisered if any positions become available after the main selection process ends.
Q: What if I don't get selected for a position?
A: You are welcome to re-apply during our next selection process. If being a leader within the residence halls is something you really want to do, then we encourage you to apply for one of our other student leadership positions which include desk worker, Residence Hall Association (RHA) and Hall Council.
Q: Can I hold another job on/off campus if I am a RA?
A: We hope to accomodate the needs of our RA staff by allowing outside employment, as long as certain conditions are met:
- RA duty performance must be above average
- Academic expectations must be above average
- Outside employment must be limited to 10 hours a week
- Preferences is given to on-campus employment or positions that relate to career goals
- Approval for any employment is weighted against staff member's overall schedule
Q: As a RA, will I have a roommate?
A: RAs do not have roommates. However, we do reserve the right to temporarily assign roommates if there is a shortage of spaces available for incoming students.
Q: What if I am not living in Kearney but want to participate in RA Selection?
A: You must contact Anita Kucera, Associate Director of Residence Life at kuceraae@unk.edu and explain your situation and the reasons why you are not able to participate in the interview process.
Q: Can I be involved in athletics, band, student organizations, and other activities and still be a RA?
A: Significant and time-intensive extra-curricular roles in anything should be discussed in advance with your supervisor.
Q: Are graduate students eligible to apply?
A: Yes! Graduate students are eligible as long as the position does not conflict with graduate assistantship or internships.
Q: I'm a transfer student. This is my first semester at UNK, can I still apply for a RA positions?
A: Yes, as long as you meet our GPA and credit requirements. Since you will not have any grades posted on the University records system yet, you will need to submit a copy of your transcript from the college or university you attended the previous semester with your application. You also need to make sure you are registered for at least 12 credit hours at UNK during the semester.
Q: What if I have already applied for a RA position before?
A: Because some time has passed since you applied previously, it's important to gather updated information. You will need to complete a new application and reference forms. Because you have been through the process once before, you should feel more confident in what to expect and hopefully do well in your interview.
Q: Can I choose what building I am placed in?
A: When you complete the application process, you are applying for the position, not for a specific residence hall. Hall placement is determined by the Graduate Hall Directors/ Complex Directors and is based on the needs of the building, as well as the applicant's skill set.
Q: What are the minimum qualifications for a RA candidate?
A: The following reflects the mimimum qualifications required:
- Strong commitment to helping other students in a residential setting
- Sophomore standing or above as of the first day of employment (27+ credit hours completed)
- A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better is required in order to apply for the RA position
- Full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours for undergraduate students and 6 or more credit hours for graduate students) in the University and continued academic progress throughout the course of employment. No more than 16 credit hours per semester will be allowed without prior approval from the Graduate Hall Director/Complex Director
Q: Are the Informational Sessions mandatory?
A: Attendance at one Information Session is mandatory. The purpose of these sessions is to give you more information about the selection process and a chance to ask specific questions of staff.
Q: What is the RA Candidate Workshop? Is it mandatory?
A: Attendance at one Candidate Workshop is mandatory. The purpose of this workshop is to provide direction on how to successfully interview for a RA position, tips on what to wear to your interview, and more specific information on what type of person we are looking for.
Q: What if I can't attend one of the RA information sessions?
A: You will not be able to proceed with the process, unless you can provide documentation for missing all of the information sessions. These situations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This documentation will be forwarded to Anita Kucera, Associate Director of Residence Life.
Q: When and how can I turn in my application and reference forms?
A: Please see the Online Application Page for step-by-step instructions on completing the application process and the deadline dates.
Q: Do I have to submit my application online?
A: Yes. If you have technical difficulties with the online application, please contact the Office of Residence Life at 308-865-8519.
Q: I am an International Student, can I still apply for a RA position?
A: Yes; but keep in mind that due to Fair Labor Standards requirements, non-resident aliens are limited to work a maximum of 20 hours per week and, therefore, are not permitted to hold outside employment at any time during academic sessions.
Q: Can I apply for an RA position if I was documented for violating a University policy?
A: This will depend on whether you are currently under Judicial Sanction. If your sanctions have all passed at the time you submit your application, you will be able to continue the process. Additional checks will be made throughout the selection process and if you are found to be under sanction during any of these checks, you will not be able to continue in the selection process.
Q: Can I apply for an RA position if I was documented for violating a Housing policy?
A: It is difficult to answer this question without knowing the details of the situation you were involved in. Please see your Graduate Hall Director for a more definitive response to this question.
Q: If I'm applying for an RA position, do I need to complete a Housing contract as part of the returning room sign-up process?
A: Yes, all applicants must complete a housing contract if they intend to live on campus during the academic year. However, if you do not receive an offer for a position and want to be released from your housing contract, you are able to cancel the contract with no penalty through July 1st. If you do not cancel by this date, you are bound by the contract and all conditions therein.
Q: Who can be a reference for me?
A: College professors, teachers, employers, advisors, coaches, religious leaders, even your Graduate Hall Director; anyone who can speak to your ability to work with people as a team player. Your parents, friends or other relatives CANNOT be used as references.
Q: Do I already need to know how to confront people or deal with emergencies?
A: No previous skills are required to be a RA. All staff members are thoroughly trained before the academic year begins regarding potential situations that might arise.
Q: Do I have to stay until the hall is closed or return before the halls open?
A: Staff members are required to return before the halls open and stay until the halls close. At the end of the Fall and Spring semesters, RAs are required to remain in the building until each resident has checked out of the building and the building has been secured for the semester closing. Exact dates and times will be provided later.
Q: How often will little things "pop up" that I am expected to handle as a RA?
A: Because of our proximity to UNK students, many departments throughout the University will rely on us to disseminate information and motivate students to get involved on campus. We receive requests throughout the year for your involvement in University events, and we do our best to support UNK. As Residential and Greek Life staff we are in the business of developing students and complementing their academic pursuits. The strength of your community within the residence hall is dependent upon the overal quality of the campus community. There will never be a time when you will be asked to do something that doesn't support UNK and its goal to be a strong student-centered campus.
Q: I have never had to intervene in a crisis situation or handle medical emergencies. Will I receive training in these areas?
A: During RA training, and throughout the year, you will receive training in crisis intervention and emergency protocol. As a staff member, you have the full support of the on-call Graduate Hall Director, Police & Parking Services, and Counseling and Health Care to assist in any situation.
Q: I don't know how to confront drunk people...will I have to?
A: You may experience incidents involving intoxicated people as a RA. During training, all of the skills needed to manage this type of incident will be discussed. All staff are given the tools they need to deal with any situation that may arise.
Q: How many hours am I going to have to work each week?
A: RAs are not on an hourly schedule. The work load each week varies depending on resident needs, programming efforts, and emergency situations. Some weeks RAs will work 10 hours, others it may approach 25. RAs are encouraged to take one weekend away per month.
Q: What is the compensation for the position?
A: RAs receive free room and board. Please Note: Due to receiving free room and board, the RA position can affect your financial aid or scholarships. To determine how that will affect your situation specifically, please contact the Financial Aid office at 865-8520.