Become a Resident Assistant

Before moving forward with the RA Application, it’s important you understand the commitment and expectations of this position. Look through the rest of this document where we lay it all out for you.

While attending an info session is not required, we highly encourage you to attend one of our multiple info sessions being offered during the application process. The info sessions will be run by the Assistant Director of Residence Life, a Hall Manager, and an RA, so you’ll get multiple perspectives on the RA Position!

Info Session Dates: 

• Monday, January 27th at 1 p.m., Davis Main Common Room
• Tuesday, January 28th at 4 p.m.-2 LOCATIONS: One in Lammers Hall Main Lobby, One in University Meeting Room A/B
• Wednesday, January 29th at 4 p.m.- 2 LOCATIONS: One in Lammers Hall Main Lobby, One in University Meeting Room A/B
• Tuesday, February 4th at 11 a.m., Davis Main Common Room
• Wednesday, February 5th at 2 p.m., Courtney Hall Main Lounge
• Wednesday, February 5th at 6:30 p.m., Courtney Hall Main Lounge
• Thursday, February 6th at 1 p.m., New Hall Lounge
• Thursday, February 6th at 3 p.m., Dickinson Lounge
• Monday, February 10th at 1 p.m., New Hall Lounge
• Monday, February 10th at 6:30 p.m., Courtney Hall Main Lounge
• Wednesday, February 12th at 2 p.m., Courtney Hall Main Lounge
• Wednesday, February 12th at 6 p.m., New Hall Lounge
• Thursday, February 13th at 4 p.m., Dickinson Lounge
• Friday, February 14th at 2 p.m., Davis Main Common Room

In the application we will ask you for the names and contact information (email) of 2 references, so have those ready!  We will reach out to those references and ask them to answer a few questions for us by February 23rd.

Outside of asking for the names and contact information of references, we will also collect some general information and your answers to some short answer questions.

Applications Close February 17th at 11:59 P.M.

Application to Be an RA (if you are NOT currently an RA)  

Application for Current RAs 

Once applications are reviewed, Residence Life Staff will reach out to those selected for an interview.  Interviews and a group process will take place on Saturday, February 22nd between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.  Please hold the entire day until your times are scheduled. 

Letters will be sent to each candidate’s Westfield State University student email address no later than March 3rd at 5 p.m.

• On average, RAs work 20 hours per week doing duty shifts, attending weekly staff meetings (Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m.), planning and executing events, and responding to the needs of residents.
• Most RAs have about 20 duty shifts a semester which works out to about 2 weekend nights (Thurs-Sat) per month and 1 weeknight (Sun-Wed) per week. 
• Mandatory Training with early arrival component 
  • All RAs must arrive early to attend Summer Training (8/18-8/30) 
  • Topics include: 
    • Basics of the RA position
    • Community building
    • Emergency response procedure
    • Diversity, social justice, and inclusion
    • Program development
    • And much more…
• RAs are required to be present and working in their assigned halls for new and returning student move-in beginning 8/31.

RAs receive a free single room in the hall to which they are assigned and a free unlimited meal plan regardless of hall placement. RAs with vehicles will receive a free parking pass.

The Resident Assistant (RA) leadership position performs diverse responsibilities, acting as a role model, peer counselor, event planner, resource/referral person, administrator, and crisis responder. Individuals in this dynamic position should have a desire to help others and be comfortable serving as a role model and representative of the Department of Residential Life. This leadership position will require RAs to engage with residents to build community and to address concerns. The RA works as a member of a team under the direct supervision of the Hall Director and functional supervision of the Head Resident Assistant.

LEADERSHIP POSITION REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS OF RAs

1. RAs must be enrolled as full-time students during the employment period. Candidates not meeting this requirement can be considered on a case-by-case basis.
2. RAs must have completed at least two full-time collegiate semesters.
3. RAs must be in good academic standing both at the time of hire and throughout their time serving in the position (Preferred to have and maintain a minimum cumulative and semester GPA of 2.4).
4. Preference will be given to RAs who have lived on-campus at Westfield State University for at least one, and preferably two, semesters before beginning the position. In cases of related experiences, candidates not meeting the residency requirement may be considered for RA positions.
5. RAs are expected to be active members of their community and must maintain availability in their halls, including sleeping in their assigned rooms and responding to any situations that arise.
6. Aside from academic commitments, Residential Life duties should take priority over other jobs, athletic teams, and involvement in clubs/organizations. Secondary jobs and extracurricular activities combined should not exceed a maximum of 20 hours per week and must be approved by the supervisor at the beginning of each semester. Due to the nature of our program, students may not hold leadership positions as both Orientation Leaders and Resident Assistants, CAB Executive Board members and Resident Assistants, or SGA Executive Board Members and Resident Assistants.
7. RAs will hold a minimum of three (3) community hours each week, at the front desk of their assigned residential building.
8. All scheduled trainings and departmental meetings are mandatory. August training will begin no more than three weeks prior to the start of fall semester classes. Winter training will begin no more than one week prior to the start of spring semester classes.
9. Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm are set aside as building staff meeting times. RAs should not take classes or commit to other activities at this time.

A. Community Building

1. Serve as a resource and role model to students and be available and accessible to respond to their needs and concerns; when appropriate, refer students to campus offices for more assistance.
2. Meet community development expectations and produce programs/events for assigned section based on the expectations provided by the Residential Curriculum Model.
3. Hold three (3) office hours each week in the RA office.
4. Get to know residents in assigned section collectively and individually, including names, room numbers and other basic information. Check in weekly with each resident.
5. Be aware of roommate and section dynamics; mediate conflicts as they arise.
6.  Build relationships and maintain open lines of communication with relevant stakeholders as designated by Residential Life.

B. Safety and Security

1. Communicate and enforce University policies and Residence Hall regulations, address and document violations of these regulations in a timely manner.
2. Work scheduled duty shifts by remaining in one’s assigned residential area, at the desk, being available and accessible in the building, assuming responsibility for completing detailed rounds and responding to emergencies. This includes additional coverage as needed for events including, but not limited to professional athletic events, campus, local or world community events and major University programs. Residential area may include multiple residence halls.
3. Monitor and maintain awareness of the physical residence hall facility and promptly report concerns or issues appropriately.

C. Administrative Responsibilities

1. Use departmental reporting system(s) to submit required paperwork within the timelines given.
2. Distribute information to students in a regular and timely manner.
3. Post new door tags and bulletin boards for assigned section within the timeframe set by the supervisor.
4. Assist with residence hall housing operations procedures including opening/closing procedures including holiday & semester breaks, scheduled Health and Safety Inspections and assisting with verifying hall evacuation following fire alarms.

D. General Responsibilities

1. Maintain a professional working relationship with all members of the department and University staff.
2. Attend weekly or bi-weekly individual supervision meetings with direct supervisor.
3. Resolve staff conflicts that may arise in a prompt, direct, constructive, and confidential manner.
4. Display a professional attitude. A Resident Assistant may be subject to higher standards than a person in the general student population.
5. Assist with Department functions as directed or needed.
6. Complete other duties as assigned by the supervisor and/or the area of Residential Life.

E. Compensation Received

RAs receive a free single room in the hall to which they are assigned and a free unlimited meal plan regardless of hall placement. RAs with vehicles will receive a free parking pass.

RAs are required to spend adequate time within their sections and residence halls to be visible, available and accessible to students in the community. While we understand you have other commitments, we believe you are a student first and an RA second.

• The area where you selected housing does not determine where you will be offered an RA placement. Spaces in any one residential area are limited and each residential area will have a mix of returning and new staff.
• If offered a position that requires you to leave behind a roommate(s), they will have the opportunity to pull in another student to fill your spot.
• If offered placement in an apartment area, you’ll have the option to pull in roommates, even if they have selected housing elsewhere. We cannot guarantee that your placement will have the same number of available spaces as the housing you previously selected.
• If there are circumstances that require you to live in a particular type of housing or building, we recommend sharing that information during the application and interview process. Adjustments cannot be made to position offers once they have gone out.